July 2023 Subaru Motorsport Highlights
July was a busy month at Subaru Motorsport Central. We broke down which motorsport tests a driver’s abilities the most, compared the fastest laps in IndyCar and Formula One, and even tasted the difference between whisky and whiskey. If you love fast cars, gritty rally stages, or a good dram, keep reading – we’ve packed the best bits into one place.
Rally: The Ultimate Test of Skill
Rally racing often wins the debate about the hardest motorsport. Unlike a smooth circuit, rally crews race on gravel, snow, mud, and sudden rain‑soaked roads. The driver has to trust the co‑driver’s pace notes while reacting to changing grip in real time. That split‑second decision‑making, combined with the need to read the terrain, makes rally a true multitasking challenge.
Fans who think formula racing is tougher usually point to the sheer speed, but rally rewards a broader skill set. You’re not just shaving seconds off a lap; you’re navigating a constantly shifting puzzle. That’s why many drivers say rally feels like a brain‑and‑brawn workout.
Speed Showdown: IndyCar vs Formula One
When it comes to outright velocity, IndyCar holds the current record. Gil de Ferran hit 242.33 mph back in 2000, a figure that still makes engineers smile. Formula One’s top speed sits a bit lower – Valtteri Bottas reached 231.5 mph at the 2016 Mexican Grand Prix. Both series push aerodynamics and power units to the limit, but IndyCar’s ovals let cars stay straight longer, which translates to higher top speeds.
The speed gap isn’t just about engine power. Tire choices, track length, and even altitude play a role. On a twisty F1 circuit, cornering speed matters more than raw straight‑line speed. Meanwhile, IndyCar’s blend of road courses and superspeedways means drivers need to be comfortable at both ends of the spectrum.
Looking ahead, new hybrid power units could shrink the gap. If manufacturers keep chasing efficiency, we might see an F1 car break the 250 mph barrier on a future track. Until then, IndyCar’s record remains the benchmark for sheer velocity.
Beyond the numbers, both series showcase driver bravery. Hitting 240 mph feels like a rollercoaster, but keeping control at that speed is the real art. Whether you root for the open‑wheel legends of F1 or the high‑speed daredevils of IndyCar, the thrill is the same: a blend of precision, power, and pure adrenaline.
And for those who prefer a slower pace, we also explored the age‑old question: whisky or whiskey? The difference isn’t just an extra ‘e’. Scotch whisky typically delivers a smoky, earthy profile thanks to peat‑rich malts, while Irish and American whiskeys lean sweeter, often with vanilla or caramel notes. The spelling hints at where it was made, but the real distinction lives in the production process and local water sources.
So, whether you’re watching a rally car dancing over a dirt hill, a IndyCar screaming down an oval, or sipping a dram after a race, July gave us plenty to talk about. Keep coming back to Subaru Motorsport Central for the latest debates, record chases, and maybe a few tasting notes along the way.
