Electric Cars

Broc Feeney, representing Triple Eight Race Engineering, secured a decisive win at the Supercars Townsville event, further solidifying his leading position in the championship. His victory, combined with teammate Will Brown's second-place finish, marked a formidable one-two for the Triple Eight team. This impressive performance underscored the team's strategic acumen and the exceptional car performance on the demanding Reid Park street circuit.

The race unfolded with Feeney starting from pole position, his Chevrolet Camaro displaying an excellent balance of pace and tire longevity from the outset. Despite holding a strong lead, a significant challenge emerged from Cam Waters of Tickford Racing, who opted for an aggressive early pit strategy on Lap 15, considerably sooner than Feeney's Lap 29 stop. This bold move initially propelled Waters into the lead, showcasing the tactical diversity employed by different teams.

However, Feeney's consistent speed and the superior tire management of his Chevrolet allowed him to regain the lead during his second stint. Ultimately, Waters' car lacked the sustained speed of his rivals, resulting in him being overtaken by Will Brown, who drove an impressive race to secure second place for Triple Eight. Brown's ascent to the podium was particularly noteworthy, given his team's initial struggles earlier in the race weekend, demonstrating their ability to adapt and perform under pressure.

Reflecting on his ninth victory in the last twelve races, Feeney humbly acknowledged his teammate's strong performance, stating that it was one of his toughest races in a long time and praising Brown's speed. Brown, for his part, expressed satisfaction with his second-place finish, especially after a challenging qualifying session that saw him start as low as 20th. He highlighted the team's strong race pace despite the qualifying difficulties.

Following Waters, who finished fourth after his alternative strategy didn't fully materialize in the latter stages, Matt Payne secured fifth place. Payne, along with his Grove Racing teammate Kai Allen, faced delays during their first pit stops due to issues with the new-for-2025 fuel system. Anton De Pasquale, Ryan Wood, Thomas Randle, and Bryce Fullwood rounded out the top nine, with varying fortunes influenced by strategy and race incidents. Feeney's two wins over the weekend have expanded his championship advantage to 220 points, with Brown now holding second place overall.

The Supercars championship is set to resume its thrilling action at Queensland Raceway from August 8-10, marking the eighth round of the series and the final event of the Sprint Cup Series. Fans can anticipate more high-octane racing as teams and drivers continue their pursuit of championship glory.

Navigating the Intricacies of FIA Leadership: A Candid Look at Tim Mayer's Campaign

Mayer's Reform Agenda: A Familiar Tune with a Different Interpretation

Tim Mayer, the American candidate for the FIA presidency, recently unveiled his platform, which surprisingly aligns closely with the initial promises made by the current president, Mohammed Ben Sulayem, during his previous campaign. Mayer explicitly articulated this resemblance at a recent press conference preceding the British Grand Prix. He stated that while Ben Sulayem's message of valuing smaller clubs, promoting transparency, and enacting reform was commendable, its implementation has fallen short. Mayer critically views the current administration's achievements as mere 'stagecraft,' creating an 'illusion of progress,' and questions the authenticity of reported financial improvements, suggesting a need for a thorough financial audit.

The Numerical Game of FIA Elections: Overcoming Entrenched Support

The race for the FIA presidency is fundamentally a numbers game, where securing a strong support base is paramount. A candidate must first assemble a 'list' of fellow FIA members who pledge exclusive allegiance. This team typically includes a potential president of the senate, a deputy president, and seven vice-presidents from various global regions (two from Europe, and one each from Africa, Asia-Pacific, North America, South America, and the Middle East/North Africa). An incumbent leader can effectively stifle opposition by consolidating regional support, as exemplified in 2013 when David Ward withdrew his challenge to Jean Todt after 11 out of 12 North American auto clubs backed Todt.

Decoding the Electorate: The Weighted Voting System and Strategic Maneuvers

Beyond securing initial nominations, candidates must win over the electorate. The FIA comprises 245 member organizations across 149 nations, with each country possessing 24 votes. However, these votes are divided between mobility and sporting clubs, meaning certain territories exert more influence due to their unique club compositions. The recent 'stalking horse' candidacy of Carlos Sainz Sr., a political tactic where a minor candidate tests the waters for a more significant challenge, served to gauge opposition to the current regime and compelled the incumbent president to reveal his base of support, largely among Spanish-speaking clubs.

Mayer's Calculated Approach: Beyond Rhetoric to Tangible Value

Mayer has distanced his campaign from Sainz's brief foray, emphasizing that his commitment is more profound than simply exploring the possibility of running. He is now tasked with formally presenting his 'list' and undergoing the new 'professional integrity' vetting process recently approved by the FIA general assembly. While Mayer has openly expressed strong criticism, labeling the current presidency a 'reign of terror' – a provocative historical reference to the French Revolution, ironically given the FIA's Parisian headquarters – he understands that mere verbal attacks are insufficient for victory. His primary challenge lies in convincing member clubs that his leadership will deliver superior value compared to the present.

The Core Proposition: Delivering Enhanced Value to Member Clubs

A crucial, often overlooked, aspect of the FIA's operations is that Formula 1 and general motorsport activities represent only a fraction of its overall scope. The various member clubs prioritize different agendas, making the election process inherently transactional. The central question for these clubs is: what benefits will the next president bring to them? Mayer recognizes this pivotal point, asserting that his focus is on ensuring all member clubs receive tangible value from their affiliation. He acknowledges Ben Sulayem's efforts in communicating value to specific clubs but insists that such benefits must be universal and integrated throughout the organization. Ultimately, the outcome of the election will be determined by whether Mayer can demonstrate a clear and superior value proposition to the diverse electorate, a true test of his strategic capabilities.