Motorsport should be banned
There is a sport more dangerous than any other, that kills far more people than boxing and yet there are no calls for it to be banned.
Not rugby. Not
equestrianism. Not even Ultimate Fighting. No, it's time to ban motorsport: not to save the drivers, who are probably at less risk of injury than footballers, but the rest of us.
Unless you're George Bush or another Halliburton henchman, you'll probably admit by now that the world is in severe danger. It's not a threat to our great-great-grandkids, something distant that will happen to someone else, but a real and present danger.
A couple of degrees more global warming will trigger catastrophe. We need to cut carbon emissions by 90% in the next 20 years or so. Cars that do 3.5 miles to the gallon are not unacceptable.
Motorsport is the most wasteful, harmful, pointless leisure pursuit on the planet. One F1 team has one-use-only wheel bolts that cost £600 each. They use about 1000 a season - such is the level of the eagerness to burn money and resources in the sport.
F1 cars - and we don't mean to pick on one branch of motorsport, but figures are more readily available - emit around 1500g of carbon dioxide per kilometre, almost nine times more than the average new road vehicle. Add in the hundreds of flights every team uses between testing and races and one recent estimate put each driver's carbon emissions for the eight-month season at 54 tonnes: more than 10 times as much as the average Briton emits in a year. That's not even counting other factors, such as the teams that have two wind tunnels running 24/7.
The faster the car, the faster it destroys the Earth - simple. Winning races and saving the planet are not compatible.
The industry is beginning to realise that their behaviour is unacceptable. NASCAR, the biggest sport in the USA, made sweeping changes to their fuel policy this season: they switched to unleaded. Seriously. The American Le Mans Series is switching to E10, a blend that is 10% corn-based ethanol (so that's just the 90% gasoline, then). The Indy Racing League is a bit better, with a fuel that's 98% ethanol. Over here, Lanarkshire Team Clyde Valley Racing, the only Scottish-owned professional team in the British Touring Car Championship, are on E85.
But biodiesel creates more problems than it solves. The price of food goes up greatly as land is used to grow crops for fuel rather than food. In some parts of Mexico the price of corn has increased 50% because of demand from biofuel producers. And the vast amounts of land
necessary encourages the felling of tropical forests.
At the start of this season, Honda unveiled their new F1 car. Instead of the usual advertising and sponsor logos it has a picture of the Earth on it. Wow . . . it still does four miles to the gallon, right?
"Climate change is
probably the single biggest issue facing our planet and F1 is not immune from it," trumpeted a statement from the team CEO. Ya think?
The response from one environmental group's spokesman was perfect: "We're not sure what painting an F1 car green will do for the planet, but it sounds rather like the definition of greenwash."
This practise of putting a positive spin on
environmentally unsound behaviour is widespread. Oil companies spend hundreds of millions of pounds (a miniscule fraction of their profits) on adverts explaining how much they care about the planet while, er, not actually doing anything much. Motorsport is now catching up, pardon the pun.
Max Mosley, the president of the FIA (and son of British Fascist leader Sir Oswald, but that has nothing to do with this subject . . . probably) gave an interview last week on formula1.com, admitting that his sport must change.
"Formula One does not happen on another planet,
so we have to adapt to reality," he said. "Cars that need 75 litres of fuel per
100 kilometres are no
longer cool.
"The new FIA programme will lead Formula One into a new era. It's a matter of do or die!" (Their exclamation mark).
His plans - there were no details, just general waffle about CO2 - will, if accepted by the teams, come into effect by 2011. Hopefully, his tracks aren't covered by melted ice caps by then.
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Posted by: Felippe, spain on 3:41am Mon 4 Jun 07
Wow. motor sport is trying to clean itself up. you have to give it a chance before you say just ban it. people talk about change but they talk. what is one doing about it. theres an inititive that asks you to donate to become carbon neutral. plant a tree for every flight. problem is whos to say the money donated is actually going to plant those trees. in the US for instance no land is being used for fuel crops when it could be that they can take the farmer off of subsidies and that would get them to start to grow a crop for fuel. there is a ton of set asside land in the US to keep the farmers competitive and prevent the price dropping to unproffitable levels. goverements need to stop supporting the industry liek it has as well as stop supporting oil industry and we as a populace needs to stop doing what we nromally do. which is complain and point fingers and start doing.
Wow. motor sport is trying to clean itself up. you have to give it a chance before you say just ban it. people talk about change but they talk. what is one doing about it. theres an inititive that asks you to donate to become carbon neutral. plant a tree for every flight. problem is whos to say the money donated is actually going to plant those trees. in the US for instance no land is being used for fuel crops when it could be that they can take the farmer off of subsidies and that would get them to start to grow a crop for fuel. there is a ton of set asside land in the US to keep the farmers competitive and prevent the price dropping to unproffitable levels. goverements need to stop supporting the industry liek it has as well as stop supporting oil industry and we as a populace needs to stop doing what we nromally do. which is complain and point fingers and start doing.
Posted by: Craig Burton, Canada on 6:20am Mon 4 Jun 07
If you got rid of all the light duty trucks and SUV’s we could have motor racing everyday of the year and still have less CO2 in the atmosphere.
If you got rid of all the light duty trucks and SUV’s we could have motor racing everyday of the year and still have less CO2 in the atmosphere.
Posted by: Al Smith, Fife on 7:38am Mon 4 Jun 07
Ok. 20 cars, 200 miles or two hours driving, once a fortnight - globally. Big friggin deal. What about the Forth Bridge congestion, several thousand cars, 30-40mins at tickover, every single day of the week. Oh, and 90min delays there at the weekend. Work out the fuel consumption there when these "modern cars" are moving at three miles an hour and still burning fuel when stationary. Methinks there's a need for some sense of perspective here, instead of poorly considered sensationalist journalism.
Ok. 20 cars, 200 miles or two hours driving, once a fortnight - globally. Big friggin deal. What about the Forth Bridge congestion, several thousand cars, 30-40mins at tickover, every single day of the week. Oh, and 90min delays there at the weekend. Work out the fuel consumption there when these "modern cars" are moving at three miles an hour and still burning fuel when stationary. Methinks there's a need for some sense of perspective here, instead of poorly considered sensationalist journalism.
Posted by: Mark, Glasgow on 8:20am Mon 4 Jun 07
Yet another poorly written, one sided article from one more eco-fascist. A serious dip in form by what many consider to be a quality newspaper. Perhaps this "journalist" would be better suited to writing for one of the more sensationalist ranting tabloids? "Don't [bold]ya think[/bold] ?"
Yet another poorly written, one sided article from one more eco-fascist. A serious dip in form by what many consider to be a quality newspaper. Perhaps this "journalist" would be better suited to writing for one of the more sensationalist ranting tabloids? "Don't
ya think ?"
Posted by: Bill Irvine, West lothian on 9:06am Mon 4 Jun 07
Bulls.
Cows.
Ruminants in general.
All produce more greenhouse gas and a more effective greenhouse gas than all those cars.
Ban them all.
And all those spectators at motor racing - they are all breathing out carbon dioxide and **** methane. Ban them too.
And golfing - hows that for pointlessness. Millions driving ( in their cars) millions of miles in order to abuse a little ball all the way round an artificial bit of landscaping just to end up where they started.
What is the catastrophe that will hit the world when some unknown rise in temperature occurs. Will it be worse than starvation, AIDS, malaria and wars,
Sorry, I was taking the article seriously - did not immediately realise it was a leg-pull.
Bulls.
Cows.
Ruminants in general.
All produce more greenhouse gas and a more effective greenhouse gas than all those cars.
Ban them all.
And all those spectators at motor racing - they are all breathing out carbon dioxide and **** methane. Ban them too.
And golfing - hows that for pointlessness. Millions driving ( in their cars) millions of miles in order to abuse a little ball all the way round an artificial bit of landscaping just to end up where they started.
What is the catastrophe that will hit the world when some unknown rise in temperature occurs. Will it be worse than starvation, AIDS, malaria and wars,
Sorry, I was taking the article seriously - did not immediately realise it was a leg-pull.
Posted by: alan, The real world on 9:22am Mon 4 Jun 07
What a truly pathetic hatchet job.
Has this journalist just left college?
Naivety on a breathtaking scale.
What a truly pathetic hatchet job.
Has this journalist just left college?
Naivety on a breathtaking scale.
Posted by: Red Bull, Scotland on 9:32am Mon 4 Jun 07
When was the last time you heard of a motorsport fan being killed because of the team he supported?
Many more football, ice hockey, cricket - the list goes on - fans are killed than drivers and spectators (who know the risks) in motorsport.
If it doesn't have a ball it's not sport mentality.
Oh, and it's MY ball!
When was the last time you heard of a motorsport fan being killed because of the team he supported?
Many more football, ice hockey, cricket - the list goes on - fans are killed than drivers and spectators (who know the risks) in motorsport.
If it doesn't have a ball it's not sport mentality.
Oh, and it's MY ball!
Posted by: Winners, USA on 9:38am Mon 4 Jun 07
And other sports don't pollute or cause unnecessary deaths?
Soccer fans drink themselves to death weekly and the amount of brain cells they damage with drink must count!
Therefore I can only assume James is great football fan.
And other sports don't pollute or cause unnecessary deaths?
Soccer fans drink themselves to death weekly and the amount of brain cells they damage with drink must count!
Therefore I can only assume James is great football fan.
Posted by: Knockhill knockers, Fife on 9:43am Mon 4 Jun 07
Please ban it now - it is just for geeky, dreary, oily weasels who were never any good at proper sport. A small person's pastime.
Please ban it now - it is just for geeky, dreary, oily weasels who were never any good at proper sport. A small person's pastime.
Posted by: Dodge Viper, North Lanarshire on 9:56am Mon 4 Jun 07
Is it time again for the school-children to take up work experience placements already?
Why on earth does the author feel the need to mention Max Mosely's ignominious family past? I'm no fan on Max's by any measure, but to attempt to tar him with the same brush as his fascist father is quite bluntly, pathetic and juvenile.
Is it time again for the school-children to take up work experience placements already?
Why on earth does the author feel the need to mention Max Mosely's ignominious family past? I'm no fan on Max's by any measure, but to attempt to tar him with the same brush as his fascist father is quite bluntly, pathetic and juvenile.
Posted by: Kenny, Hampshire on 10:05am Mon 4 Jun 07
This is one of the most appallingly written diatribes on any subject I have ever read. There may be some good points in there (doubtful), but such was my frustration and ire at the bilious crap spouted here that I just can't remember them. I can only imagine that this poor excuse for journalism was written after the writer had been forced off his bike on the way to work by a Ferrari. If not, the "journo" should give up the day job, he is clearly out of his depth.
This is one of the most appallingly written diatribes on any subject I have ever read. There may be some good points in there (doubtful), but such was my frustration and ire at the bilious crap spouted here that I just can't remember them. I can only imagine that this poor excuse for journalism was written after the writer had been forced off his bike on the way to work by a Ferrari. If not, the "journo" should give up the day job, he is clearly out of his depth.
Posted by: Murdoch, Embra on 10:07am Mon 4 Jun 07
"A serious dip in form by what many consider to be a quality newspaper. " Many people who normally read the Sun ot the Daily Rangers, maybe. It's really just more of the same the po-faced do-goodery that out-of-touch rags try to pass off as "opinion".
Try and find a deserving target, like the UK government for example, or any energy company whose processes use fossil fuels.
"A serious dip in form by what many consider to be a quality newspaper. " Many people who normally read the Sun ot the Daily Rangers, maybe. It's really just more of the same the po-faced do-goodery that out-of-touch rags try to pass off as "opinion".
Try and find a deserving target, like the UK government for example, or any energy company whose processes use fossil fuels.
Posted by: Stewart, Ayrshire on 10:48am Mon 4 Jun 07
I am unsure what value the comment about Max Mosley's father adds to this argument. Are we to assume "like father like son?"
The line gives the whole article a tabloid feel. This is in fact a pretty poor article and my expectations of 'The Herald' are greater than this.
I am unsure what value the comment about Max Mosley's father adds to this argument. Are we to assume "like father like son?"
The line gives the whole article a tabloid feel. This is in fact a pretty poor article and my expectations of 'The Herald' are greater than this.
Posted by: Bob Floyd, Helensburgh on 10:52am Mon 4 Jun 07
By taking up vast tracts of arable land, and demanding huge amounts of water for the greens, golf is already killing thousands in the developing world. At the same time it gives us none of the benefits that motor sport has provided in improved safety, tyres aerodynamics etc. Surely golf is the most deserving sport for a ban (plus it would rid us of ludicrous golf clothes!
By taking up vast tracts of arable land, and demanding huge amounts of water for the greens, golf is already killing thousands in the developing world. At the same time it gives us none of the benefits that motor sport has provided in improved safety, tyres aerodynamics etc. Surely golf is the most deserving sport for a ban (plus it would rid us of ludicrous golf clothes!
Posted by: George, Hamilton on 12:23pm Mon 4 Jun 07
Bob, I'm sure all the dying children lying round the golf courses in the developing world are grateful for the increased aerodynamics of cars! Your statement about golf detracts from any criticsim you have about the worthiness of this article.
A sensationalistic response to a sensationalistic article.
Large companies and organisations need to lead by example, a small change by them can have a major effect on the people who follow them. I believe that it is wrong with todays problems for motorsport not to change as everything else is changing.
Bob, I'm sure all the dying children lying round the golf courses in the developing world are grateful for the increased aerodynamics of cars! Your statement about golf detracts from any criticsim you have about the worthiness of this article.
A sensationalistic response to a sensationalistic article.
Large companies and organisations need to lead by example, a small change by them can have a major effect on the people who follow them. I believe that it is wrong with todays problems for motorsport not to change as everything else is changing.
Posted by: Michael Tanswell, Leamington Spa on 12:26pm Mon 4 Jun 07
[bold]Please get an education before trying to write a newspaper article in the future.
Thanks[/bold]
Please get an education before trying to write a newspaper article in the future.
Thanks Posted by: SA, Glasgow on 12:32pm Mon 4 Jun 07
(I don't care if motorsport is banned or not. )
This is the worst piece I have ever read in the Herald.
(I don't care if motorsport is banned or not. )
This is the worst piece I have ever read in the Herald.
Posted by: Pete on 12:37pm Mon 4 Jun 07
You should be ashamed at how many trees laid down their lives to print this, or the number of computers needed to download it.
There really is a good environmental argument for decent journalism
You should be ashamed at how many trees laid down their lives to print this, or the number of computers needed to download it.
There really is a good environmental argument for decent journalism
Posted by: Galloway Gypsy, Clyde coast on 12:46pm Mon 4 Jun 07
So it's all explained now. Global warming is actually due to F1 motor racing. And we all thought it was worldwide heavy industry.
Let's go further and dig up the golf courses to plant potatoes for the Mexicans, stop people from running since they breathe out too much CO2, Oh yes, we had better ban package holidays as well since they cause huge amounts of Av-Gas to be burned.
Shall we all live in caves and eat raw fish? Oh sorry, fish are an endangered species. I guess it's mass suicide for the human race, join the queue behind Mr Porteus!
So it's all explained now. Global warming is actually due to F1 motor racing. And we all thought it was worldwide heavy industry.
Let's go further and dig up the golf courses to plant potatoes for the Mexicans, stop people from running since they breathe out too much CO2, Oh yes, we had better ban package holidays as well since they cause huge amounts of Av-Gas to be burned.
Shall we all live in caves and eat raw fish? Oh sorry, fish are an endangered species. I guess it's mass suicide for the human race, join the queue behind Mr Porteus!
Posted by: Grahame Steed, Glasgow on 12:48pm Mon 4 Jun 07
Inane, ill-informed nonsense. Yes, motorsport consumes fuel and contributes to global warming - but as a % of the overall total it is tiny. Not to mention the advancements in technology made in motorsport that directly benefit road cars of the future.
Poor, unbalanced and frankly childish analysis. I'm disappointed in The Herald for allowing this to be published.
Inane, ill-informed nonsense. Yes, motorsport consumes fuel and contributes to global warming - but as a % of the overall total it is tiny. Not to mention the advancements in technology made in motorsport that directly benefit road cars of the future.
Poor, unbalanced and frankly childish analysis. I'm disappointed in The Herald for allowing this to be published.
Posted by: Eddie Hotrod, Scotland on 2:47pm Mon 4 Jun 07
Why don't they just go around the track once?
Why don't they just go around the track once?
Posted by: steve the barge, Back from Norway. on 2:53pm Mon 4 Jun 07
How many people are killed in Horse racing/other equestrian pursuits? How much methane comes out a horses arse? (I think most of this article came from the same place!) Turn them all into glue and their hoofs into ashtrays. Yes, I smoke as well, what a bad person I am. Couldn't give a monkeys (nice brains when cooked) about F1.
How many people are killed in Horse racing/other equestrian pursuits? How much methane comes out a horses arse? (I think most of this article came from the same place!) Turn them all into glue and their hoofs into ashtrays. Yes, I smoke as well, what a bad person I am. Couldn't give a monkeys (nice brains when cooked) about F1.
Posted by: Coinneach, Isle of Lewis on 2:57pm Mon 4 Jun 07
[quote][bold]Kenny[/bold] wrote:
This is one of the most appallingly written diatribes on any subject I have ever read. There may be some good points in there (doubtful), but such was my frustration and ire at the bilious crap spouted here that I just can't remember them. I can only imagine that this poor excuse for journalism was written after the writer had been forced off his bike on the way to work by a Ferrari. If not, the "journo" should give up the day job, he is clearly out of his depth.[/quote] Quite right, I may sympathise with a few of the green aspects of his case, but the article is so badly written that I wonder how this ever got past the sports editor. Truly, the Herald needs to keep an eye on it's content - this is plain rubbish.
Kenny wrote:
This is one of the most appallingly written diatribes on any subject I have ever read. There may be some good points in there (doubtful), but such was my frustration and ire at the bilious crap spouted here that I just can't remember them. I can only imagine that this poor excuse for journalism was written after the writer had been forced off his bike on the way to work by a Ferrari. If not, the "journo" should give up the day job, he is clearly out of his depth.
Quite right, I may sympathise with a few of the green aspects of his case, but the article is so badly written that I wonder how this ever got past the sports editor. Truly, the Herald needs to keep an eye on it's content - this is plain rubbish.
Posted by: Graham Millar, Glasgow on 3:02pm Mon 4 Jun 07
A very poor article picking out a single sport as a waster of fuel. Very few facts as to how much fuel motorsport uses as against other sports. How much fuel is used every week following football? How much fuel is wasted on floodlights every season? Cycling support vehicles? Every sport should do what it can to save the planet so why pick on motorsport which is more an entertainment rather than a sport for the masses..
A very poor article picking out a single sport as a waster of fuel. Very few facts as to how much fuel motorsport uses as against other sports. How much fuel is used every week following football? How much fuel is wasted on floodlights every season? Cycling support vehicles? Every sport should do what it can to save the planet so why pick on motorsport which is more an entertainment rather than a sport for the masses..
Posted by: JamesM on 3:03pm Mon 4 Jun 07
I think James Porteous is Melanie Reid in disguise. Make no mistake, Chattering Mel is back, wearing a false beard and talking the same garbage as ebfore...
I think James Porteous is Melanie Reid in disguise. Make no mistake, Chattering Mel is back, wearing a false beard and talking the same garbage as ebfore...
Posted by: Matt Francis, UK on 5:49pm Mon 4 Jun 07
What a pile of ill-informed dramatised rubbish. I'm really not sure - was this meant to be a joke?
" F1 cars - and we don't mean to pick on one branch of motorsport, but figures are more readily available"
- you mean you've not *bothered* to investigate others - something I would say your job warranted.
"emit around 1500g of carbon dioxide per kilometre, almost nine times more than the average new road vehicle"
- OK and how many km does the average new road vehicle run in it's LIFE , how many cars on the road are NEW? How many new cars are there in relation to F1 cars?
Add in the hundreds of flights every team uses between testing and races and one recent estimate put each driver's carbon emissions for the eight-month season at 54 tonnes: more than 10 times as much as the average Briton emits in a year.
- the *driver* - somehow you've aggregated all these figures onto the driver as opposed to all the people in the team - that would give per-person figure like the "average Briton" (and how about the average American incidentally?)
I'm sorry but this article is a disgrace - yes its "got people talking" which is no doubt something trotted out in it's defence, but only to slate the piece and it's writer.
What a pile of ill-informed dramatised rubbish. I'm really not sure - was this meant to be a joke?
" F1 cars - and we don't mean to pick on one branch of motorsport, but figures are more readily available"
- you mean you've not *bothered* to investigate others - something I would say your job warranted.
"emit around 1500g of carbon dioxide per kilometre, almost nine times more than the average new road vehicle"
- OK and how many km does the average new road vehicle run in it's LIFE , how many cars on the road are NEW? How many new cars are there in relation to F1 cars?
Add in the hundreds of flights every team uses between testing and races and one recent estimate put each driver's carbon emissions for the eight-month season at 54 tonnes: more than 10 times as much as the average Briton emits in a year.
- the *driver* - somehow you've aggregated all these figures onto the driver as opposed to all the people in the team - that would give per-person figure like the "average Briton" (and how about the average American incidentally?)
I'm sorry but this article is a disgrace - yes its "got people talking" which is no doubt something trotted out in it's defence, but only to slate the piece and it's writer.
Posted by: A Webb, UK on 6:24pm Mon 4 Jun 07
What about football-related violence? What about the carbon footprint of an event like the Olympics? Has Mr. Porteous considered the footballers commanding £100,000 per week salaries? Is there not evidence to indicate the climate on Earth changed many times long before we invented the internal combustion engine?
An article not worth the paper (sorry, trees) it was written on.
What about football-related violence? What about the carbon footprint of an event like the Olympics? Has Mr. Porteous considered the footballers commanding £100,000 per week salaries? Is there not evidence to indicate the climate on Earth changed many times long before we invented the internal combustion engine?
An article not worth the paper (sorry, trees) it was written on.
Posted by: Andy, UK on 6:25pm Mon 4 Jun 07
Apart from the 20 year old fuel consumption figure of 3.5mpg I cannot actually actually see any comment this individual makes that is actually true. Absolute fantasy. The Herald has sunk to the depths of the Sun with this sensationalist pap from the so called mind of a fantasist. Is the guy a failed racing driver or something?
One sided nonsensical rubbish and the slur on Max Mosely because of his father is playground material. Please employ real journalists who deal in facts to write your stories.
Apart from the 20 year old fuel consumption figure of 3.5mpg I cannot actually actually see any comment this individual makes that is actually true. Absolute fantasy. The Herald has sunk to the depths of the Sun with this sensationalist pap from the so called mind of a fantasist. Is the guy a failed racing driver or something?
One sided nonsensical rubbish and the slur on Max Mosely because of his father is playground material. Please employ real journalists who deal in facts to write your stories.
Posted by: Carlos Fandango, Toytown on 8:17pm Mon 4 Jun 07
I know journalism is there to inform and provoke reaction, but when the reaction is 100% negative, then it's time for some harsh words to the scribe.
I think that Mr Porteous' sub should think about actually reading what is put in front of him in future.
Further, and in common with most readers, the Mosley comment is as pathetic as it is irrelevant.
I know journalism is there to inform and provoke reaction, but when the reaction is 100% negative, then it's time for some harsh words to the scribe.
I think that Mr Porteous' sub should think about actually reading what is put in front of him in future.
Further, and in common with most readers, the Mosley comment is as pathetic as it is irrelevant.
Posted by: Gordon Smyth, melbourne australia on 9:30pm Mon 4 Jun 07
Forget the content of what can only be described as a totally pathetic article,can we now have one of the editorial staff stand up and justify why this crap ever made it to print please???????
Forget the content of what can only be described as a totally pathetic article,can we now have one of the editorial staff stand up and justify why this crap ever made it to print please???????
Posted by: Dick Winchester on 10:02pm Mon 4 Jun 07
James Porteous is the Herald's Chief Sports Sub-editor, a football fanatic and self evidently neurologically challenged. After all it's well known that football supporters can only count to 22 and have real difficulty patting their stomach and rubbing their head at the same time. That's why there's only one ball and the goals are at either end of the pitch.. If there were two balls their dimunitive little brains would explode.
Of course it is complete and utter nonsense to suggest that motor sport is killing people because of the amount of CO2 it's producing.
If this pompous baffoon knew anything at all about automotive engineering he would be aware that motor sport has contributed a huge amount to modern car design and the dramatic improvements in both safety and engine efficiency. In fact, it is also the engine developers who have driven most of the work towards the use of alternative fuels such as bio-ethanol, bio-diesel and hydrogen. Lotus - well known for their involvement in motor sport - used their engineering skills recently to develop an all electric vehicle.
As an energy technology specialist I could give plenty of other examples of the good that motorsport has done for the world. it's a pity Mr Porteus didn't actually bother to do some real research before committing fingers to keyboad. If he had he'd be praising the motorsport industry not dismissing it.
Oh and another small point... Motorsport fans tend not to get smashed out of their brains, beat each other up or cause riots in foreign countries. We're all together a much better breed of person!
.
James Porteous is the Herald's Chief Sports Sub-editor, a football fanatic and self evidently neurologically challenged. After all it's well known that football supporters can only count to 22 and have real difficulty patting their stomach and rubbing their head at the same time. That's why there's only one ball and the goals are at either end of the pitch.. If there were two balls their dimunitive little brains would explode.
Of course it is complete and utter nonsense to suggest that motor sport is killing people because of the amount of CO2 it's producing.
If this pompous baffoon knew anything at all about automotive engineering he would be aware that motor sport has contributed a huge amount to modern car design and the dramatic improvements in both safety and engine efficiency. In fact, it is also the engine developers who have driven most of the work towards the use of alternative fuels such as bio-ethanol, bio-diesel and hydrogen. Lotus - well known for their involvement in motor sport - used their engineering skills recently to develop an all electric vehicle.
As an energy technology specialist I could give plenty of other examples of the good that motorsport has done for the world. it's a pity Mr Porteus didn't actually bother to do some real research before committing fingers to keyboad. If he had he'd be praising the motorsport industry not dismissing it.
Oh and another small point... Motorsport fans tend not to get smashed out of their brains, beat each other up or cause riots in foreign countries. We're all together a much better breed of person!
.
Posted by: Mike How, Edinburgh on 11:06pm Mon 4 Jun 07
What a load of nonsense from an ill-informed clown who should be writing for the Record or the Sun as he is obviously only interested in the average Scot's waste of time or football as it's better known.
By my calculations motor racing at Scotland's only circuit, Knockhill, involves around 100 drivers doing about 25 laps at each meeting, 6 times each year, which is around 20,000 miles. As an Area Sales Manager for a UK company I do around 35,000 miles a year in a slightly more economical car. That tells me that the entire Scottish motor racing season uses about the same amount of fuel as I use in one road car.
6,000 Hearts supporters going to a game in Aberdeen would at best use 1,000 cars doing 250 miles there and back, that's 250,000 miles of fuel burning which is about 12 times what Scottish motor racing uses in a year. And that's just for one game !!
Get a grip of reality and stop spouting forth on something that you just don't have any interest in and think because of that it should be banned
What a load of nonsense from an ill-informed clown who should be writing for the Record or the Sun as he is obviously only interested in the average Scot's waste of time or football as it's better known.
By my calculations motor racing at Scotland's only circuit, Knockhill, involves around 100 drivers doing about 25 laps at each meeting, 6 times each year, which is around 20,000 miles. As an Area Sales Manager for a UK company I do around 35,000 miles a year in a slightly more economical car. That tells me that the entire Scottish motor racing season uses about the same amount of fuel as I use in one road car.
6,000 Hearts supporters going to a game in Aberdeen would at best use 1,000 cars doing 250 miles there and back, that's 250,000 miles of fuel burning which is about 12 times what Scottish motor racing uses in a year. And that's just for one game !!
Get a grip of reality and stop spouting forth on something that you just don't have any interest in and think because of that it should be banned
Posted by: Mike Hogg, Perth on 1:42am Tue 5 Jun 07
Nothing like informed journalism... what a load of buzzword and jargon filled ecomentalist nonsense.
Nothing like informed journalism... what a load of buzzword and jargon filled ecomentalist nonsense.
Posted by: David Bolton, Fife on 9:28am Tue 5 Jun 07
This may be a load of rubbish but sadly its just the type of rubbish people will go with.
Motorsport is a very small community, doing no harm to anyone. All the football loving / tree hugging / politicians type people out number us easily.
We better hope the politicians dont jump on the same bandwagon to score green brownie points or we'll all be in trouble.
This may be a load of rubbish but sadly its just the type of rubbish people will go with.
Motorsport is a very small community, doing no harm to anyone. All the football loving / tree hugging / politicians type people out number us easily.
We better hope the politicians dont jump on the same bandwagon to score green brownie points or we'll all be in trouble.
Posted by: Glasgow, in Glasgow on 9:37am Tue 5 Jun 07
What does this journalist's father do for a living ? Have any of his family members ever did anything wrong ?
What does this journalist's father do for a living ? Have any of his family members ever did anything wrong ?
Posted by: Alan, Ardrossan on 11:30am Tue 5 Jun 07
what a load of utter claptrap, Mr Porteous must be looking to join the sun with writing like that. Motorsport has made our road cars far safer and is getting to be more enviromentally friendly, the BTCC has seen a shift towards bio-ethanol as a fuel
also unlike fans of football motorsport fans never have any fights at the track and are the friendliest you could meet. Why not come to Knockhill for the SMRC meeting on the 24th june and join us, we wil make you most welcome
what a load of utter claptrap, Mr Porteous must be looking to join the sun with writing like that. Motorsport has made our road cars far safer and is getting to be more enviromentally friendly, the BTCC has seen a shift towards bio-ethanol as a fuel
also unlike fans of football motorsport fans never have any fights at the track and are the friendliest you could meet. Why not come to Knockhill for the SMRC meeting on the 24th june and join us, we wil make you most welcome
Posted by: Dick on 11:50am Tue 5 Jun 07
You'd have to put goalposts at each of the corners at Knockhill before any of the sports reporters from the Herald or the Scotsman ventured into Fife :-)
But you raise a good point Alan.. Motorsport gets little real coverage in Scotland unless it's an international or national event. It's the same though with a lot of other sports including Shinty which I think is great fun and much more skillful than soccer..
So Mr Porteus - I'll improve the offer... I'll buy your entry ticket which incidentally is a darn sight cheaper than you'll pay to get into a football match..
You'd have to put goalposts at each of the corners at Knockhill before any of the sports reporters from the Herald or the Scotsman ventured into Fife :-)
But you raise a good point Alan.. Motorsport gets little real coverage in Scotland unless it's an international or national event. It's the same though with a lot of other sports including Shinty which I think is great fun and much more skillful than soccer..
So Mr Porteus - I'll improve the offer... I'll buy your entry ticket which incidentally is a darn sight cheaper than you'll pay to get into a football match..
Posted by: Dave Colville, Ayrshire on 12:51pm Tue 5 Jun 07
Utter drivel. One-sided poorly researched (if at all). I had to check the date (April 1st - no???). I'd put more effort into commenting on this "piece", but like Porteous, I cannae be bothered.
Utter drivel. One-sided poorly researched (if at all). I had to check the date (April 1st - no???). I'd put more effort into commenting on this "piece", but like Porteous, I cannae be bothered.
Posted by: Kokos, Cyprus on 12:55pm Tue 5 Jun 07
I think it's YOU who should be banned.
You don't like motorsport, fair enough, it's your god-given democratic right, along with voicing your opinion about it. People fight for democracy and freedom of speech so that we can argue with each other. But your freedom sir, stops right where it starts to interfere with mine.
You see, I love motorsport. And I love fast cars, in fact I'm planning on owning one. With a big 3.8L flat-six engine churning out more than 300bhp. And as long as I don't drive recklessly and irresponsibly on the road and keep my fun time on a race track, it is no-one's right to demand I get rid of that car. You don't like it? Fair. Want to tell me you don't like it? Fair. This is democracy. You want to force me not to have it just because you don't like it, making FALSE excuses? No... you CANNOT and therefore WILL -->NOT<--
You say F1 and motorsport in general churn out massive amounts of carbon dioxide and burn millions of gallons of fuel. What you don't say is that these amounts of CO2 and fuel are so negligible they are not even considered in the percentage division of global emissions and fuel consumption. Compared to diesel powered electric power stations around the world, diesel powered trains, daily automotive traffic within busy city centres, means of public transport many hypocritic environmentalists praise oh-so-much that at 90% include big ugly buses that puff out masses of black smoke with the blip of the throttle, and lets not forget construction work engines, what motorsport contributes to global warming is puny and completely negligible.
And lets go to the money subject. Sure I've heard that the money that get spent on motorsport would be much spent feeding starving children in Africa. Oh-so-noble cause. I say this is the tip of the massive iceberg of environmentalist/act
ivist HYPOCRICY, for YOU SIR fund motorsport. Yes, you and I. Did you sir go and give 11000 pounds sterling to children in Africa? No... you went and bought, lets say, a Honda Civic and a computer with an AMD Turion processor. You just gave 11000 pounds to Honda and Ferrari F1 teams. The money funding F1 and other motorsport do not come from governments and organizations who could go and save Africa... they come from the ones who view the motorsport and even the ones who don't and try to lynch motorsport... like for example yours truly... YOU!!
So, the article you just wrote is, mildly put, a festival of hypocricy and misinformation. You sir have just misinformed millions of people. Misinformation is ILLEGAL if you want to know.
Therefore I wash my hands and say that it is YOU who should be banned, not motorsport.
I think it's YOU who should be banned.
You don't like motorsport, fair enough, it's your god-given democratic right, along with voicing your opinion about it. People fight for democracy and freedom of speech so that we can argue with each other. But your freedom sir, stops right where it starts to interfere with mine.
You see, I love motorsport. And I love fast cars, in fact I'm planning on owning one. With a big 3.8L flat-six engine churning out more than 300bhp. And as long as I don't drive recklessly and irresponsibly on the road and keep my fun time on a race track, it is no-one's right to demand I get rid of that car. You don't like it? Fair. Want to tell me you don't like it? Fair. This is democracy. You want to force me not to have it just because you don't like it, making FALSE excuses? No... you CANNOT and therefore WILL -->NOT<--
You say F1 and motorsport in general churn out massive amounts of carbon dioxide and burn millions of gallons of fuel. What you don't say is that these amounts of CO2 and fuel are so negligible they are not even considered in the percentage division of global emissions and fuel consumption. Compared to diesel powered electric power stations around the world, diesel powered trains, daily automotive traffic within busy city centres, means of public transport many hypocritic environmentalists praise oh-so-much that at 90% include big ugly buses that puff out masses of black smoke with the blip of the throttle, and lets not forget construction work engines, what motorsport contributes to global warming is puny and completely negligible.
And lets go to the money subject. Sure I've heard that the money that get spent on motorsport would be much spent feeding starving children in Africa. Oh-so-noble cause. I say this is the tip of the massive iceberg of environmentalist/act
ivist HYPOCRICY, for YOU SIR fund motorsport. Yes, you and I. Did you sir go and give 11000 pounds sterling to children in Africa? No... you went and bought, lets say, a Honda Civic and a computer with an AMD Turion processor. You just gave 11000 pounds to Honda and Ferrari F1 teams. The money funding F1 and other motorsport do not come from governments and organizations who could go and save Africa... they come from the ones who view the motorsport and even the ones who don't and try to lynch motorsport... like for example yours truly... YOU!!
So, the article you just wrote is, mildly put, a festival of hypocricy and misinformation. You sir have just misinformed millions of people. Misinformation is ILLEGAL if you want to know.
Therefore I wash my hands and say that it is YOU who should be banned, not motorsport.
Posted by: Nik, Cumbira on 2:02pm Tue 5 Jun 07
I agree, motorsport has to be the most pointless and boring sport on the planet!!! Not just for the reasons in the article, just because it's dull, watching overpaid people go round and round a track. Even thinking about it makes me fall asleep out of boredom..
As for Kokos, get a life mate, god you sound dull and this goes out to rest of you petrol heads....yawn, yawn, why are you all so dull.......
I agree, motorsport has to be the most pointless and boring sport on the planet!!! Not just for the reasons in the article, just because it's dull, watching overpaid people go round and round a track. Even thinking about it makes me fall asleep out of boredom..
As for Kokos, get a life mate, god you sound dull and this goes out to rest of you petrol heads....yawn, yawn, why are you all so dull.......
Posted by: Jerry Pursley, Milngavie on 2:55pm Tue 5 Jun 07
If we banned football, think of all the newsprint we could save around the world! Then Mr. Porteus could sit at home and put another piece of dung on the fire and read about F1 while his wife spins the wool for his next jumper !
If we banned football, think of all the newsprint we could save around the world! Then Mr. Porteus could sit at home and put another piece of dung on the fire and read about F1 while his wife spins the wool for his next jumper !
Posted by: Poseidon, Kent on 3:38pm Tue 5 Jun 07
James, you shouldn't let your 10 year old child write your articles for you. Or maybe it is take your child to work day.
As for Nik.
Motor racing dull? Let us know what you like and we can criticise that. What is wrong with people allowing everyone else their own interests?
If motor racing is dull, why are you taking the time to comment on a motor racing article? You can avoid the whole page, or maybe [bold]you[/bold] are dull and have nothing better to do, other than comment on articles that have no interests to you whatsoever.
James, you shouldn't let your 10 year old child write your articles for you. Or maybe it is take your child to work day.
As for Nik.
Motor racing dull? Let us know what you like and we can criticise that. What is wrong with people allowing everyone else their own interests?
If motor racing is dull, why are you taking the time to comment on a motor racing article? You can avoid the whole page, or maybe
you are dull and have nothing better to do, other than comment on articles that have no interests to you whatsoever.
Posted by: Wendy, Australia on 4:47pm Tue 5 Jun 07
I am concerned about global warming and drought and famine and anything else that threatens our planet. However your statement makes no bloody sense whatsoever. If you don't like motorsport then don't watch it. I believe that there are far, far bigger threats to the planet than motorsport. I could go on and on but basically I think you are an ill informed tosser and not worth the effort.
I am concerned about global warming and drought and famine and anything else that threatens our planet. However your statement makes no bloody sense whatsoever. If you don't like motorsport then don't watch it. I believe that there are far, far bigger threats to the planet than motorsport. I could go on and on but basically I think you are an ill informed tosser and not worth the effort.
Posted by: Rambo, Calfornia on 7:23pm Tue 5 Jun 07
Is it just me thinking that the first impulse of the activist is to ban things that "seem" (emphasis there) danderous?
Ban racecars because they kill people. Or they're too noisy. Never mind that yes they still do 3 or less miles to the gallon and travel 50 miles in beetween fuel stops!
Let me remind everyone that by attending any sanctioned race event that every ticketholder has, by contract, agreed to undestand that there are risks involved to them. I find it highly unlikely for any spectator to be in any real danger should a grand prix racer get it all horribly wrong at Copse corner at Silverstone, though the same cannot be said as much for the spectators at the Welsh Rally or the TT races (Thank heavens for their existence).
As far as saying that racing is a significat polluter is like saying a pea-shooter contibutes greatly to the amount of gun-related deaths in America.
So what if racing is pointless. I like it and it makes me happy whenever I watch.
Whatever happened to the idea of the pursuit of happiness? That idea which is so powerful that it transcends even the US Decleration of Independence in which it was written. Shouldn't every Briton, American, Indian, Iraqi, etc. have this right? Is pursuit of happiness illegal in the United Kingdom? I think not! This is not just some American jingoistic idea. It applies to every person free or opressed.
If this pursuit of happines, this motorsport, really does visibly destroy the earth, and the world's climate or ecosystem will never be the same for a thousand years to come, then show me the undeniable evidence to prove it. Give me a good argument. I haven't heard a good one yet.
Porteous YOU ARE NOT MY NANNY! Stop acting like it.
Is it just me thinking that the first impulse of the activist is to ban things that "seem" (emphasis there) danderous?
Ban racecars because they kill people. Or they're too noisy. Never mind that yes they still do 3 or less miles to the gallon and travel 50 miles in beetween fuel stops!
Let me remind everyone that by attending any sanctioned race event that every ticketholder has, by contract, agreed to undestand that there are risks involved to them. I find it highly unlikely for any spectator to be in any real danger should a grand prix racer get it all horribly wrong at Copse corner at Silverstone, though the same cannot be said as much for the spectators at the Welsh Rally or the TT races (Thank heavens for their existence).
As far as saying that racing is a significat polluter is like saying a pea-shooter contibutes greatly to the amount of gun-related deaths in America.
So what if racing is pointless. I like it and it makes me happy whenever I watch.
Whatever happened to the idea of the pursuit of happiness? That idea which is so powerful that it transcends even the US Decleration of Independence in which it was written. Shouldn't every Briton, American, Indian, Iraqi, etc. have this right? Is pursuit of happiness illegal in the United Kingdom? I think not! This is not just some American jingoistic idea. It applies to every person free or opressed.
If this pursuit of happines, this motorsport, really does visibly destroy the earth, and the world's climate or ecosystem will never be the same for a thousand years to come, then show me the undeniable evidence to prove it. Give me a good argument. I haven't heard a good one yet.
Porteous YOU ARE NOT MY NANNY! Stop acting like it.
Posted by: Charlie Thornton, Fife, Near Knockhill on 9:13pm Tue 5 Jun 07
[bold]Motorsport killing the planet[/bold] ?
[italic][bold]Hmmm!
Consider football[/bold][/italic] :
1 'Old Firm' game
Attendance 58000
Travelling fans say 50% 29000
Busses say 10000 @ 50 per bus 200 buses
Cars say 19000 @ 4 per car 4750 cars
Average Distance say 50 miles return
Number of games in UK per week
Anyone care to work out CO2 emmissions
Number of pages in newspapers given over to football
Number of trees cut to provide paper
BAN FOOTBALL as a massive waste of resources :-)
Motorsport killing the planet ?
Hmmm!
Consider football :
1 'Old Firm' game
Attendance 58000
Travelling fans say 50% 29000
Busses say 10000 @ 50 per bus 200 buses
Cars say 19000 @ 4 per car 4750 cars
Average Distance say 50 miles return
Number of games in UK per week
Anyone care to work out CO2 emmissions
Number of pages in newspapers given over to football
Number of trees cut to provide paper
BAN FOOTBALL as a massive waste of resources :-)
Posted by: alan, Ardrossan on 10:17pm Tue 5 Jun 07
to the person that said that racing drivers are highly paid, only at the very top do drivers get paid at almost any other level the drivers pay to get out there
and might as well use this to pay tribute to the forgotten heroes of motorsport, the ones that really make it happen by travelling long distances, camping in muddy fields, surviving on whatever can be cooked on a Trangia. The ladies and gentlemen on orange aka the marshals, these people are volunteers who go out in the worst of the weather to ensure the safety of all the competitors and provide support in the event of an incident. These people need our respect
to the person that said that racing drivers are highly paid, only at the very top do drivers get paid at almost any other level the drivers pay to get out there
and might as well use this to pay tribute to the forgotten heroes of motorsport, the ones that really make it happen by travelling long distances, camping in muddy fields, surviving on whatever can be cooked on a Trangia. The ladies and gentlemen on orange aka the marshals, these people are volunteers who go out in the worst of the weather to ensure the safety of all the competitors and provide support in the event of an incident. These people need our respect
Posted by: Michael Booth, Burntisland, Fife on 10:51pm Tue 5 Jun 07
It's interesting the idiot, sorry I mean person, who wrote this article, picks an interesting sport to compare the dangers of motorsport with. Like boxing, motorsport has drastically improved its safety record - I cannot remember the last time anyone was killed, let alone seriously injured at Knockhill.
In truth, the planet is so screwed that simply stopping F1 will make any difference. I seem to recall an article in Autosport a couple of years ago which calculated that the total amount of fuel used by the 22 cars F1 cars in the 17 races was equal to the fuel used in a transatlantic flight. What does that tell you about the scale of the problem and the percentage of CO2 F1 produces compared to the overall amount produced by nations such as the US, China, etc?
I would like to increase the offer on the table from Dick Winchester: I will pay for the food you may wish to consume when you visit us on the 24th of June. In fact, you could also get driven around the track at the lunch break. I hope to see you there, and I'm sure we could have a chat.
It's interesting the idiot, sorry I mean person, who wrote this article, picks an interesting sport to compare the dangers of motorsport with. Like boxing, motorsport has drastically improved its safety record - I cannot remember the last time anyone was killed, let alone seriously injured at Knockhill.
In truth, the planet is so screwed that simply stopping F1 will make any difference. I seem to recall an article in Autosport a couple of years ago which calculated that the total amount of fuel used by the 22 cars F1 cars in the 17 races was equal to the fuel used in a transatlantic flight. What does that tell you about the scale of the problem and the percentage of CO2 F1 produces compared to the overall amount produced by nations such as the US, China, etc?
I would like to increase the offer on the table from Dick Winchester: I will pay for the food you may wish to consume when you visit us on the 24th of June. In fact, you could also get driven around the track at the lunch break. I hope to see you there, and I'm sure we could have a chat.
Posted by: Heinicke, Leicestershire/Fife on 10:55pm Tue 5 Jun 07
I am just commenting on here to voice my support for my colleagues that race at Knockhill, most of our cars have excellent fuel economy, they are not noisy and don't produce acrid smoke. We are not to blame, it is the heavy industries in this country, the diesel burning trucks that pump out horrible black smoke and the coaches that thunder up and down the length of the country, not the men/women that use their cars 6 weekends in a year.
I am just commenting on here to voice my support for my colleagues that race at Knockhill, most of our cars have excellent fuel economy, they are not noisy and don't produce acrid smoke. We are not to blame, it is the heavy industries in this country, the diesel burning trucks that pump out horrible black smoke and the coaches that thunder up and down the length of the country, not the men/women that use their cars 6 weekends in a year.
Posted by: Gary Elson, Cardiff on 11:33pm Tue 5 Jun 07
Yet another reporter jumping on the motorsport band wagon.
Why don`t you jump off the wagon and report on some real news.
Not the same old thing when the world goes quiet.
But remember next time you jump on a plane for your holidays,how much your adding to the destruction of our planet.
You can go on and on blaming people and cows,but hey,your just adding more methane with your words to destroy the ozone layer and what ever else it destroys.
Yet another reporter jumping on the motorsport band wagon.
Why don`t you jump off the wagon and report on some real news.
Not the same old thing when the world goes quiet.
But remember next time you jump on a plane for your holidays,how much your adding to the destruction of our planet.
You can go on and on blaming people and cows,but hey,your just adding more methane with your words to destroy the ozone layer and what ever else it destroys.
Posted by: David, Edinburgh on 1:52am Wed 6 Jun 07
I echo my fellow motor sport fans' comments here.
I have read that global warming is being caused to an extent by excessive sunspot activity and not so much by human activity on earth which seems reasonable bearing in mind Mars has been suffering likewise even though few folk live there...
I echo my fellow motor sport fans' comments here.
I have read that global warming is being caused to an extent by excessive sunspot activity and not so much by human activity on earth which seems reasonable bearing in mind Mars has been suffering likewise even though few folk live there...
Posted by: Terri, Ireland on 8:53am Wed 6 Jun 07
Hmmm now let me see. How much electricity is being used by outraged motorsport fans because of sloppy biased writing?
Come to that, how many newspapers are carbon neutral? I mean surely carving up millions of trees to create something that is read for maybe 20 mins and then stuffed in the bin can't be good? The electricity used in production, the carbon emissions in distribution..... the list goes on.
What bothers me is that ill-informed diatribes like this are actually very dangerous. They serve to continue the illusion that people who [i]genuinely[/i] care about the environment and do believe that we're heading for global catastrophe if we don't do something [i]sensible[/i] about it are nut jobs who can safely be ignored.
However, since my general view of journalists is that they're opportunistic amoralistic people who will do [i]anything[/i] up to - and including - stepping over the corpse of a child to interview the distraught mother just to get their names in print - I think it's safe to say that the person who wrote this is currently thrilled at all the controversy and is already adding it to his CV.
Controversy sells papers (or bumps up web hits) and therefore this article is most likely nothing more than an attempt at job security.
Hmmm now let me see. How much electricity is being used by outraged motorsport fans because of sloppy biased writing?
Come to that, how many newspapers are carbon neutral? I mean surely carving up millions of trees to create something that is read for maybe 20 mins and then stuffed in the bin can't be good? The electricity used in production, the carbon emissions in distribution..... the list goes on.
What bothers me is that ill-informed diatribes like this are actually very dangerous. They serve to continue the illusion that people who genuinely care about the environment and do believe that we're heading for global catastrophe if we don't do something sensible about it are nut jobs who can safely be ignored.
However, since my general view of journalists is that they're opportunistic amoralistic people who will do anything up to - and including - stepping over the corpse of a child to interview the distraught mother just to get their names in print - I think it's safe to say that the person who wrote this is currently thrilled at all the controversy and is already adding it to his CV.
Controversy sells papers (or bumps up web hits) and therefore this article is most likely nothing more than an attempt at job security.
Posted by: Jon on 9:08am Wed 6 Jun 07
Motorsport banned? That is a ridiculous statement.
How many lives do you think all the safety advances found in F1 have saved?
Motorsport banned? That is a ridiculous statement.
How many lives do you think all the safety advances found in F1 have saved?
Posted by: Mark Hewitt, Gateshead on 9:09am Wed 6 Jun 07
James Porteous is supposedly the deputy sports editor on 'The Herald', I would have thought that which such a position would come the responsibility to treat all sports equally and fairly. After this shameful article I would hope, no, expect the editor in cheif to call for Mr. Porteous' resignation. If not then he should be fired.
James Porteous is supposedly the deputy sports editor on 'The Herald', I would have thought that which such a position would come the responsibility to treat all sports equally and fairly. After this shameful article I would hope, no, expect the editor in cheif to call for Mr. Porteous' resignation. If not then he should be fired.
Posted by: Carl Metrovich, Sandy on 10:12am Wed 6 Jun 07
Perhaps Mr Porteous would consider stopping breathing, just to do his bit to save the planet? It must be one of the worst pieces of journalism I have ever had the displeasure to read. Perhaps his writing style is aimed at the yoof of today, innit?
Perhaps also he would like to make sure that his facts are actually facts, since Team Clyde Valley Racing are'nt actually competing in the BTCC as of yet but have merely expressed their intention to compete in the 2008 season with two RML built Chevrolet Laccetti's. Many other teams have expressed their inetntions to compete in the past and many of them are still trying to raise funding.
Perhaps Mr Porteous would consider stopping breathing, just to do his bit to save the planet? It must be one of the worst pieces of journalism I have ever had the displeasure to read. Perhaps his writing style is aimed at the yoof of today, innit?
Perhaps also he would like to make sure that his facts are actually facts, since Team Clyde Valley Racing are'nt actually competing in the BTCC as of yet but have merely expressed their intention to compete in the 2008 season with two RML built Chevrolet Laccetti's. Many other teams have expressed their inetntions to compete in the past and many of them are still trying to raise funding.
Posted by: Steve Watton, Worcester on 11:00am Wed 6 Jun 07
Dear Herald,
I would like to apply for the job of Chief Sports Sub Editor.
I've seen the work of the one you have got at the moment and presume you will have a vacancy soon.
Dear Herald,
I would like to apply for the job of Chief Sports Sub Editor.
I've seen the work of the one you have got at the moment and presume you will have a vacancy soon.
Posted by: Kokos, Cyprus on 11:35am Wed 6 Jun 07
[quote][bold]Nik[/bold] wrote:
I agree, motorsport has to be the most pointless and boring sport on the planet!!! Not just for the reasons in the article, just because it's dull, watching overpaid people go round and round a track. Even thinking about it makes me fall asleep out of boredom..
As for Kokos, get a life mate, god you sound dull and this goes out to rest of you petrol heads....yawn, yawn, why are you all so dull.......[/quote] If u don't like it, you can get out. Nobody forces you to watch cars go round and round a track. I can understand perfectly if you find it dull. I find golf dull but heck, it just isn't my thing.
Now about the rest of the stuff... you are just pathetic. Go get a life as you suggested to me... or better yet, you need a girl mate...
Nik wrote:
I agree, motorsport has to be the most pointless and boring sport on the planet!!! Not just for the reasons in the article, just because it's dull, watching overpaid people go round and round a track. Even thinking about it makes me fall asleep out of boredom..
As for Kokos, get a life mate, god you sound dull and this goes out to rest of you petrol heads....yawn, yawn, why are you all so dull.......
If u don't like it, you can get out. Nobody forces you to watch cars go round and round a track. I can understand perfectly if you find it dull. I find golf dull but heck, it just isn't my thing.
Now about the rest of the stuff... you are just pathetic. Go get a life as you suggested to me... or better yet, you need a girl mate...
Posted by: William on 12:28pm Wed 6 Jun 07
Wow, lets ban everything that makes this planet fun to be on. Then we can enjoy the planet while we are bored to death.
Lets ban football cause they stand on grass, think of the grass people!
Wow, lets ban everything that makes this planet fun to be on. Then we can enjoy the planet while we are bored to death.
Lets ban football cause they stand on grass, think of the grass people!
Posted by: Rob, Manchester on 1:02pm Wed 6 Jun 07
Interestingly biased, inaccurate and fanatical piece of writing there, i dread to think what would happen if you actualy reseached a piece before committing to print.
You are , of course, right when you point out that racing cars, F1 in particular are woefully fuel inefficient, however the manufacturers spend a vast amount of time and resources in making them as efficient as possible, the further you can go as fast as you can on the same amount of fuel means you can run lighter, which is faster and more fuel efficient.
these technologies do not stay in top line racing, they filter down to production cars (which pump out many multiples more CO2 than an F1 grid in a season), as do the alternative fuels which may start to work towards saving the planet. similarly the proposed regulations that you failed to research include energy reclaimation devices, which will harness and store previously wasted energy produced in, for example, braking, and convert it to usable power.
if we are banning Motorsport then we should also be banning all road vehicles, and whilst we are at it all planes too - what a waste of fuel is 20-25 men boarding a plane to travel across the country or over to europe to play football for just short of 2hrs, when nearly half of these will have no impact on the game at all (and i am a football fan as well as a motorsport fan).
what about all the air miles the top couple of hundred tennis players (male and female) and golfers clock up in a year travelling to tournaments across the globe in the name of Sport, do you suggest tha they should be banned too? maybe we would be best off only comitting to sports that can only be played between teams no more than 5 miles apart, eliminate all internations contests, and fans should not be allowed to travel to events unless on foot or bicycle?
Did you know there are more Greenhouse gases emitted from the UK's largest coal fired powerstation than by all the cars in the UK?
have you researched China's proposals for Coal fired power station development over the next few years and the impact they will have on the climate?
perhaps if we concentrated on real and acheivable targets, cutting use of carbon emitting fuels, genuine investment in alternatives, actually stopping the destruction of rain forests and other vast woodlands across the planet, which have a huge carbon consumption capacity, than on jumping on the latest political hot potato/bandwagon, then we could ac
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