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Nurburgring, the circuit where you can imitate Fernando Alonso, at 300 km/h.

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Some years it coincides and others it does not. But the years in which the Dutch Grand Prixin the beautiful and bucolic layout of shaftsknown as the Cathedral of motorcyclingfollows immediately, that is, the following week, the German Grand Prixas it happens now, in the no less impressive Sachsenring circuitmany ‘sick’ of speed (and there are many) who live and work in the paddock of MotoGP They take advantage of the opportunity and drive to the German town.

There is a catch to this trip. Obviously, of the 1,200 inhabitants of the paddock, most of them are returning home and, this Thursday, they will return to Sachsenrig. But there are several dozen who usually travel with other colleagues and/or friends, with the intention of stopping off, on Mondays and Tuesdays, in the German town of Adenau, which is where the tremendous, impressive, mythical and unique Nurburgring circuit is located, in the forests of the Eifel region.

Pure vertigo

The reason is that Adenau, the Nurburgring, is the place in the world where there are the most crazy people, the most crazy people, the most addicted to speed, the most impressive sports cars. In every house in Adenau there is a racing car, whether classic or modern. They all work and, of course, like those who stop for two or three days in this small town in Rhineland-Palatinate, all, one day or another, go on the impressive circuit of almost 21 kilometers, with 40 left turns and 50 right turns, to enjoy their passion for speed.

The Nurburgring is open for certain hours each week so that anyone who wants to can come in with their car or the car they rent from one of the huge garages with luxury and not so luxury cars that are around the track. Each lap, depending on the car, costs between 25 and 30 euros. The price of the ‘racing cars’ varies a lot, not only from the garage you go to but also from the model you rent. A good garage will rent you a fast car. Ford Fiesta ST for 680 eurosto make four turns around the route that the Legendary Jackie Stewartwinner of three F-1 world titles (1969, 1971 and 1973), called the ‘Green Hell’.

An impressive and sporty Chevrolet ‘Corvette’, in the garage of a house in Adenau. / EMILIO PÉREZ DE ROZAS

Of course, if you want real speed, even a little vertigo and some risk, then you can rent, also for four laps, which is a lot of kilometers and minutes, a Porsche GT3 RS, priced at 4,900 eurosBut there is a ‘but’, you must deposit a deposit of 10,000 euros because a Porsche is too charming.

“There is no doubt that Nurburgring is the mecca for those of us who like to race, without being speed professionals,” he says. Jesus Robledoone of the best photographers in the MotoGP World Championship and, at one time, a tester of high-end cars. “If you want to race, you have to do it in safe conditions, without putting others at risk. You can’t go out on the road and go crazy, putting your life and that of other drivers at risk. That doesn’t make sense and it doesn’t serve to race. If you come here, you enjoy it, although you also have to be very careful because, while you’re going around the track, at your speed, at your pace, you come across many vehicles that don’t go as fast as you, because they are enjoying, in their own way, a legendary track.”

If you have an accident, the joke can cost you an arm and a leg. I won’t even tell you if you dared to rent a Porsche GT3 RS. If you destroy it, you will have to pay 150,000 euros. “The circuit,” says Robledo, “has track marshals inside, who check that everything is correct and, of course, fine you if you do something inappropriate. And, if you have an accident, you have to pay the tow truck, the marshals’ hours, the damage you have caused to the track, the damage to the car… and, of course, the hours you have immobilized the entire circuit, because this is, fundamentally, a business. In short, it is better not to go off track.”

If you walk around Adenau, everything, everything, is related to speed, to cars. Every place, any one, is a museum of motor sport. The Nurburgring is not only a paradise for speed lovers but is also one of the best test benches for manufacturers and, above all, for preparers, whose test drivers go on the track to thoroughly test new models or preparations.

The current Nurburgring is much faster and safer than the one from a few years ago, as it has been completely resurfaced, spending many millions of euros, since the track is very long, winding and is stuck in the middle of a forest. Needless to say, many fans usually go around with a spray can on their car and suddenly stop at some point on the circuit and leave a drawing, a memory, a phrase, a signature, a dedication, something related to the world of racing, as a testimony of their presence in the legendary German venue, where races are still held, such as the no less legendary 24 Hours of Nurburgring, an endurance race. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

“The cars at the Nurburgring are racing machines, not ‘posture’ cars, like the Lamborghini ‘Aventador’ cars you see in Marbella or Monte Carlo. Whoever comes here, comes here to enjoy the 90 curves. The time doesn’t matter here, even though many people look for it.”

Alejandro Ceresuela

— MotoGP World Championship Photographer

“There are people in the area, workers of all kinds, who pay a permanent pass, I don’t know if it’s about 1,000 euros a year, and when their work day is over, they come in with their private car and relax by taking a ride around the legendary track,” he explains. Alejandro Ceresuelaphotographer of the brothers Marc y Alex Marquezwho also had the experience of racing this week at the Nurburgring, while heading to the Sachsenring. “The cars at the Nurburgring are racing machines, they are not ‘posture’ cars, like the Lamborghini ‘Aventador’ you see in Marbella or Monte Carlo. There are a lot of Porsches and a lot of GTIs here. Whoever comes here, comes here to enjoy the 90 curves. The time doesn’t matter here, although many people look for it. You come here to enjoy yourself, to do some tricks, to have a good time without fear of fines,” says this ‘precision driver’.

Jesús Robledo, driving a BMW M2 (G87), traces one of the most typical curves of the Nurburgring. / ALEJANDRO CERESUELA

You walk into any Adenau shop and everything revolves around sports cars, racing cars, accessories for racing driving, from gloves to suede shoes with an exquisite feel on their soles to feel the accelerator, brakes and clutch, as well as helmets and all kinds of clothing, for example, clothing from the major brands and sponsors of motorsport, from books on the history of motorsport to suitcases from Martini, Gulf, Lancia, Ferrari, McLaren.

The racing village

The premises, all of them, are beautifully decorated, with photos of races, of champion drivers, many of them posing with the people who were there that day, pieces of bodywork, all kinds of rims, tyres, numbers and, of course, thousands of autographs. Before sitting down to eat in any restaurant or cafe, you spend half an hour taking photos of the walls where thousands of memories are captured.

Adenau is, both inside and outside the Nurburgring circuit, a catwalk of beautiful, very expensive cars (almost all of them), dressed for racing, authentic and tuned, from professionals and amateurs, from speed-mad people and from, simply, fans who come with young families to enjoy that atmosphere, which is, certainly, unique. There is no doubt that if there is a mecca of ‘motorsport’, that is Adenau and the classic, old, traditional and mythical Nurburgring circuit.

2024-07-03 21:50:10
#Nurburgring #circuit #imitate #Fernando #Alonso #kmh

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SPORTS

The Truth About the India Vs Nigeria 99-1 Match

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In one way or the other, almost every Nigerian has heard of the mythical match between India Vs. Nigeria that ended with 99 goals to 1 with India being victorious.

Before the advent of the internet, this story successfully thrived among Nigerians, but with the emergence of the internet and easy access to social media, the truth behind the India Vs Nigeria 99-1 match was revealed.

Though there are different accounts of the match, but they all have the following in common:

  1. That the match ended with India scoring 99 goals and Nigeria scoring just one goal.
  2. That Nigerians were unable to kick the ball because the football kept turning to a lion which scared them away…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>
    1. That Indians later agreed that if Nigeria could score one goal, they would concede defeat.
    2. That Samuel Okwaraji scored the winning goal and lost his life in the process because the ball turned into stone as he was about to kick it.
    3. That FIFA banned India from soccer because they used juju (black magic) in that match.
    India Vs Nigeria 99-1 match

    Why did people believe the India Vs Nigeria 99-1 match story?

    Even with the absence of the internet back then, this kind of claims should be immediately recognized as lies, the kind of lies they call “big fat lies”. But most people like to acknowledge this story as true with the fact that no one has ever seen India play in an International Football Match. Since no one actually saw India participate in most international soccer games, this gave a little credence to the story.

    Another reason this lie thrived for long was that credible information was not easily accessible in Nigeria unlike now that even a 4-year-old child can debunk false claims within minutes with the help of Google. This Nigeria Vs India match story would have been fabricated by one community elder to children during an evening gathering; that’s our take at OldNaija.

    What Actually Happened!

    On the 12th of August 1989, Nigeria lost one of her best footballers, Sam Okwaraji who died during a football match. We wrote about how he died on the pitch and you can read it here. Sam Okwaraji was the player rumoured to have lost his life in that game when in truth he died during a FIFA World Cup qualifying game against Angola in the 77th minute. He collapsed and died of cognitive heart failure. May his soul rest in peace. AMEN!

    Samuel Okwaraji and Green Eagles
    Samuel Okwaraji (circled)

    So, that is the only truthful thing about the India Vs Nigeria 99-1 match story, the fact that a Nigerian player died during a football match. That is what these lies was fabricated around. The match was not against India, Nigeria did not lose the match and as you must have guessed, and there were no lions or ball turning into a stone.

    Meme
    Meme by Campus Bro

    Nevertheless, one cannot deny that this kind of story made one’s childhood as a Nigerian. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

    Before we go,

    Why was India Banned by FIFA?

    India was never banned by FIFA. It was India that withdrew from the tournament themselves. Here is how it happened.

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) made it clear to India that they would not be allowed to play in the 1950 FIFA World Cup without footwear.

    Then something happened. You see, when determining the make-up of the 1950 World Cup, FIFA determined that obviously the two defending finalists, Brazil and Italy, would be guaranteed slots. That left fourteen slots that needed to be filled.

    FIFA decided that seven of those slots would come from Europe, six would come from the Americas and one would come from Asia.

    The problem was that of the four Asian teams that were invited to the World Cup, three of them (the Philippines, Indonesia and Burma) withdrew from the tournament before the qualification round.

    Therefore, India earned an automatic slot within the World Cup. It would be India’s first time appearing in the World Cup but India, too, withdrew from the tournament because FIFA would not allow them to compete barefoot.

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SAD|| 10 Players Who Lost Everything After Divorce, Number 5 Will Shôck You

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The Hidden Financial Struggles of Footballers: Divorce’s Costly Toll

The glamorous image of professional footballers, with their luxurious lifestyles and multimillion-dollar contracts, often obscures a harsh reality: the financial devastation many endure through divorce. Behind the fame and fortune, several high-profile players have seen their wealth significantly depleted after parting ways with their spouses, a stark reminder that no amount of money can fully shield one of the financial pitfalls of personal relationships gone awry…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>

 

One of the most shocking examples is that of former Arsenal defender Emmanuel Eboué, who lost not only his properties in England but also custody of his children following a bitter divorce. Despite earning millions during his career, Eboué found himself stripped of almost everything. His situation became a cautionary tale, underscoring that even the wealthiest footballers can fall victim to the financial ruin that divorce can bring.

Eboué is not alone. Football legends such as Thierry Henry and Ryan Giggs have also experienced significant financial losses due to divorce. Henry reportedly paid £10 million to his ex-wife, while Giggs parted with an astonishing £40 million after his marriage ended. Louis Saha and Wes Brown, both former Manchester United players, also suffered substantial financial hits, with Brown declaring bankruptcy despite earning £50,000 per week during his time at the club. His case highlights how even vast earnings can quickly evaporate when faced with legal settlements and financial mismanagement.

David James, the former England goalkeeper, faced a particularly dire situation, losing much of his fortune after divorce and being forced to auction his personal belongings to make ends meet. Similarly, Ray Parlour, another Arsenal great, saw his ex-wife receive half of his £10 million fortune, including a £2.5 million house. Jamie Redknapp, a former Liverpool star, also faced a hefty settlement, parting with half of his estimated £15 million fortune after his marriage ended.

These are just a few of the many footballers who have faced financial disaster due to divorce. Keith Gillespie, once a key figure in the Premier League, lost over £7 million, leading to his bankruptcy in 2010. Despite earning significant wages during his career, his divorce and poor financial decisions left him in financial ruin. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

Perhaps the most shocking case is that of Tendai Ndoro, a Zimbabwean striker who lost everything after registering all his properties in his wife’s name. Following their breakup, she kicked him out of the house, leaving him with nothing. Ndoro’s story serves as a grim reminder of the dangers of not protecting one’s assets, even in relationships where trust is implicit.

For footballers, whose careers often peak early, these financial setbacks can be devastating. While their salaries are among the highest in professional sports, the combination of short career spans, legal fees, and divorce settlements can quickly erode their fortunes. Many players also face additional challenges in managing their finances due to a lack of financial education or oversight during their playing years.

These stories underscore the importance of safeguarding personal wealth, especially for high-earning individuals like footballers, who may be more vulnerable to financial upheaval. Proper financial planning, asset protection strategies, and prenups are increasingly necessary tools for protecting one’s earnings and securing a stable future.

In conclusion, while the public sees footballers as insulated by their wealth, the reality is that they are just as susceptible to the financial hardships of divorce as anyone else. The personal struggles behind the scenes reveal that their lives, though glamorous on the surface, are often fraught with the same vulnerabilities and challenges faced by ordinary individuals. These cases serve as sobering reminders that financial security is never guaranteed, even for those at the pinnacle of success.

 

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NFL | The best was yet to come, and then no

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In February 2022, the Bengals missed the Super Bowl by three small points, but regardless, the future seemed bright in Cincinnati.


Posted at 1:13 a.m.

Updated at 7:00 a.m.

In any case, that’s what we, the most seasoned experts in American football, believed, capable of seeing the future each season, often in a very impressive way; for example, this column has been predicting since 1970 that the New York Jets are not going to win the Super Bowl, and that’s still exactly what happens.

The Bengals have never won anything, but their presence on the big stage two years ago suggested that, a bit like the Nordiques in 1990, the best was yet to come.

Well, no.

As of this hour, the Bengals are a dismal 1-4, and even then, their only win came against the Carolina Panthers, who are about as bad as they are.

The good news for the Bengals is that this “landing” is fairly easily explained: their defense is pretty awful. The less good news is that it is probably already too late to try to solve this problem.

In five games, the Bengals have allowed a total of 145 points, which gives a pretty staggering average of 29 points per game. No one else in the American Association looks this bad, and in the league as a whole, only the Carolina Panthers are even worse in this regard.

Meanwhile, the Bengals are wasting the best years of Joe Burrow, who turns 28 in December. He wouldn’t be the first quality quarterback to waste his talent in this uniform.

Is it necessary here to remember that in American football, as in life in general, there is never anything certain? This reality reminds us of this sublime quote from Jean-Jacques Rousseau, who once wrote that “supreme happiness is a hundred times sweeter to hope for than to obtain”.

Rousseau must have been a Bengals fan, obviously.

You are probably aware that the New York Jets fired their coachbut that’s not the worst. The worst part is that poor Robert Saleh would have been escorted to the door like a pauper by security agents.

PHOTO MIKE STOBE, ARCHIVES AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

Former New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh

It’s undoubtedly one of the worst moments in the history of a club that collects the worst moments, from Mark Sanchez dropping a ball on his lineman’s pussy, to a visibly hot Joe Namath trying to to kiss a reporter live on TV (we’re going to move on to the naughty photo of Brett Favre because there are children here).

We can never repeat it enough: in football, as in life, everything starts from the top. The leaders of the Jets, who display a level of competence similar to that of the inventors of Pepsi Crystal, thus opted for the easy way, instead of realizing that their ground game is non-existent, and that their quarterback who hears voices in his head is finished.

In addition, barely installed, new coach Jeff Ulbrich decided to give control of the attack to assistant Todd Downing, who will call the plays from now on. This is not a detail because this task previously fell to offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, close and confidant of Aaron Rodgers.

It’s obvious that this is going to end very badly. As per usual.

Someone whispers in my ear that the inbox is overflowing again, so let’s get to it right away.

First, Luc Girouard from Sept-Îles sends us this timely little comment: “Would Prince Rodgers have plotted to kick Robert Saleh out in order to take his place? »

We all see what you did, Luc.

Then, there is a certain Nicolas B. from Laval who sent this: “Hi Richard. Great weekly column on football. Really entertaining. In addition, you allow my teenagers to read about football in French, which is still a challenge […] If you ever make a reference to my comment, my sports travel gang is buying me a beer on our next trip. »

You will demand a micro beer, Nicolas. Finally, there is Marco Campanozzi who can no longer hear about “mixing” and the right chair: “I can’t do it anymore!!! »

We are Marco.

It will be another great opportunity to lock yourself in front of the TV while pretending to do something constructive, because Sunday’s menu is particularly spicy.

Thus, Commanders in a state of grace will go to Baltimore to prove that they are serious, the Chargers will go to Denver in the hope of recovering after two defeats in a row, and the Cowboys will host the Lions, in a match that they can’t really let slip away, just to build something following the little miracle last Sunday night in Pittsburgh.

Don’t forget to check out the colors during halftime.

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