Adelaide Effect - Poetry about the 1989 Australian GP

Adelaide Effect

It was the second, grand prix I’d seen,

But this was, unbelievably wet,

It captured my attention, and enthusiasm,

All this was made possible, by the Adelaide effect.

Prost was true to his word, only doing the parade lap,

It left Senna in the lead, one he was reluctant to give back.

The Williams of Boutsen and Patrese, gave chase,

As the circuit now resembled, some kind of boating race.

Mansell hit the barriers, spun out of control,

While Nannini pressed the Williams, heading into the unknown.

Senna passed a backmarker, but left Brundle unsighted,

Turning the Mclaren into a tricycle, and leaving Boutsen delighted.

It was all down, to the Adelaide effect,

This race was a classic, and still ranks as one of the best.

It was all down, to the Adelaide, effect,

When it rained on this circuit, it really got seriously wet.

It was all down, to the Adelaide effect,

Not many cars and drivers, made it to the end of this test.

All down, to the Adelaide effect.

 

This is my poetic tribute to the 1976 Formula one battle - Niki Lauda v James Hunt

The race for victory

The series finished in Japan,

But there was more to the story than that,

You’ve won more races than anyone else,

Given your sport a following on and off the track.

A hero to millions of spectators,

They go and follow your every move,

You’ve lapped everyone up to third place,

Found that sweet spot they call the groove.

Hitting that old German track,

You had a good series lead,

Had the championship in the bag,

But that still remained to be seen.

Dry tyres on a wet surface,

Is never the best combination!

Crashing hard on a tricky corner,

That was when you encountered this unexpected situation.

You’re nearest rival won well,

Taking points away as you were on the road to recovery,

No ones to say he wouldn’t have done it anyway,

But we’ll have to put that down, as something that we’ll never see.

   Gave it all you had on your return,

Given a standing ovation,

You might’ve lost your crown,

But that’s the hazard of your occupation.

The race for victory, we thought you had it won,

From the outside looking in, it seemed to be a stroll in the sun.

The race for victory, took a turn for the worse I fear,

You said your life was more important, and you’ll have the title back next year.

All in the race for victory! 

  

 F1 1976 - Niki Lauda v James Hunt