Street Track Failures: Episode 31 - Porto

[@AndrewGeierMelons]

Oh my god, I loved this track in the WTCC games... Thank you SimBin Studios.

[@ferencmarknagy2573]

Good old Race 07

[@KingofWolvesii]

@@ferencmarknagy2573 Agreed!

[@namenamename390]

2:15 I love that detail of following up "it does look like really satisfying corner to get right" with someone just binning it completely and crashing straight on into the tyre barrier

[@jack4688]

I love the general mayhem of a 1960s F1 start: “Shall we just… are we gonna start???? Fuck it I’m going now lads!”

[@RandomCarl05]

3:09 ah yes, the greatest corner in racing The car chicane at Porto

[@newcastlegeorge]

I always thought this track would be great for Formula E! Native Portuguese speakers can correct me, but I'm pretty sure that "Via do Castelo do Queijo" translates to "Cheese Castle Road" - interesting!

[@zecunha7840]

Correct. It would be more castle of cheese road but also works

[@CLK.11]

Hi, I'm a former local from Porto and I saw the races in 2007, 2011 and 2013, and even raced in a classic Escort RS1600 in 2011. To be honest, your evaluation of the track is pretty good, its true that r some corners that r rly weird and the last part of the mid sector its rly tight, even for S1600 races, but like u said, the variety of sections its one of the main atractions.I agree that last chicane section is weird but it was because of the pit entry. There were also GT3, GT4 and Carrera Cup racing there, and as far as locals know, all of it was an extreme success. Tourism boomed and car culture boomed, and I believe, accidents like that only happened in the WTCC where pilots there just went bananas in every race :D With each event, more and more updates were introduced and the track was getting better and better. There was even a plan for 2015 or 2016 to build a semi-permanent grand stand and pit box building and expand the track. They were planing on turning that straight with 2 chicanes straight into just a big straight, then 1 chicane, then a smaller straight, but unfortunately the government gave up on the project because of the economic measures that were still in place.

[@KingofWolvesii]

Would be cool to use this for Formula E.....

[@CLK.11]

​@@KingofWolvesii Doubt it, the local government said that the circuit itself was just a "novelty" by the previous president ... Only 2 options would help: 1 - One big investor or a big shot organizer; 2 - A big investment from the government; But even so, at the moment in Portugal, if it isn't in the capital, then it is not worth it, and it needed to be a big name series to even think about it, and I dont know if Formula E checks that box ....

[@felixssimoes]

​@@CLK.11 exactly. Rui Rio, the mayor at the time, is a big car enthusiast and he was the person pushing for this event to happen. Ever since he left office the new town management had little interest in organizing it and the world economic crisis at the time did the rest. It was a shame. I was a track marshal there in 2007. My post was at av da boavista before the chicane. I really enjoyed that event :)

[@CLK.11]

@@felixssimoes Wow Rly ? :D Thats rly awesome, I was once a track marshall at vila real, I worked at the pit's in the parking lot of the Shopping mall directing the traffic between races. Ye, that chicane, rly fast, but a no no for overtake :D

[@CLK.11]

@@felixssimoes As the track, I heard that someone rly wants to revive the track, but just for classic saloon / classic sport racing, but I dont see that happen soon ... Who knows, when ppl get bored of football

[@ahojjajsemmichal4876]

Speaking of WTCC and chicanes, you could make an old Marrakesh layout video. To me the circuit was a huge failure, being basically 2 hairpins and 4 chicanes in between. Big fan of Porto though, I really enjoyed the races there as well as playing on the circuit in Race 07.

[@W123KartSport]

Ah yes, the Iberian Montjuic! I have many fond memories of playing (and crashing) at this circuit in Race 07. I think this circuit has been added to the list already but if not, you should visit the Columbus street circuit used for IMSA races in the 80s. One of the hairiest pitlanes i have ever seen and a downhill corner that goes under the train tracks that narrows horrifically. 5 lanes to 2 in the space of about 20 or so metres. Keep up the good work

[@ferrariman195]

Same here used to love racing this on Race 07

[@stanisawkaczmarczyk5312]

one of my favorite tracks in this game

[@Quintinohthree]

My dear, Montjuic is Iberian.

[@ferrariman195]

@@stanisawkaczmarczyk5312 Mine two used to love racing The Formula BMW and Formula 3000 cars around here

[@W123KartSport]

@@Quintinohthree Yeah, I realized that about an hour after making the comment. My bad.

[@michiadams]

Love how the quality of these has stepped up in recent times🙌🏻 I think the old AVUS street track would make for a great video, it was a mental construction of two straits and two semi harepins, one of which was a banked turn made out of bricks. They even held F1 races on that monstrosity in the 50's, it was insane.

[@Ramtamtama]

Oddly enough, AVUS was originally designed to be just a race track, but was also used as a tollroad (like the Nordschleife today).The first vehicles to use it were during a race, with it being used as a road after the event had finished. A rare example of a circuit used as a road as opposed to a road used as a circuit.

[@crisistian_]

Even more, speaking about DTM Street tracks, Alemannenring in Singen

[@rafleggy2fast486]

One of the coolest tracks in this series, also lots of history, beautiful views and all. Simply amazing. Also, you didn't butcher the Portuguese language THAT much. Definitely did better than many a commentator on TV!

[@AndrewGeierMelons]

This track was absolutely a success because it taught me so much about left foot braking in front wheel drive cars and avoiding barriers with counter-intuitive racing lines. Yes. All of my yes. This track, and Pau, these were the tracks to learn left-foot-trail-braking with front-wheel-drive cars.

[@master_bdoof200]

love the series. I have a suggestion. The 1987 (or 88, can’t remember the year) SCCA Trans Am Series at Niagara, as in Niagara Falls. The track was only a quarter mile or so away from the falls and was a strange street course only they raced at once. The race is on youtube on the Trans Am series youtube channel

[@jacekatalakis8316]

Race 07 memories too, throwing the Radical or the Minis around there was fun, the WTCC cars,fun, the F3000 cars, not so much, the FBMW? Not so much, the GT cars? Forget about it

[@fernandomattos]

Race 07 memories here too! I was just there on vacation as well. Magical city!

[@JackKeithley]

This track in WTCC was a complete death trap in the Race 07 games :D It was fun for 95% of the lap but the last corner, that quick right/left tyre barrier chicane can go to hell hahaha

[@zecunha7840]

Thanks for the series you do. Finally the video from my hometown. This video series is amazing. If you want another circuit near this city search Vila do Conde street circuit. Small but excellent race provider

[@Lena_765_]

I´d like to once again recommend the AVUS in Berlin for a video since I reckon it might be very interesting for viewers due to being even among circuits like the ones covered in this series a very unique circuit.

[@wendigockel]

Though the AVUS wasn't a failure. It was a bit boring and horrendously dangerous in all its iterations, but it has too much history for being considered a failure

[@Ramtamtama]

@@wendigockel A number of circuits in this series weren't failures but just stopped being used. Its like the old F1 Rejects site, which featured good drivers who just failed to score a point.

[@CharlieT_PhotoG]

I'd suggest you take a look at the "Aurum 1006Km". It's a Lithuanian multi-class endurance series, racing on and around a localised area of motorway. I'm not sure if I'd consider it a "failure" as such, as it really does create some brilliantly unique racing, however of course much of the battles are often halted by slower classes and incredibly thin, tight corner and chicanes. As for the pit exit, well, its certainly something... Perhaps you may have seen the somewhat viral crash from the 2023 event, that occurred upon pit exit, which saw a Porsche GT3 barrel rolling into and knocking down a camera tower, and near crushing a child. 2022, as with most years, saw a mixed field of GT3, GT4, TCR and so many of its variants. It was often the case the GT3s had to get around a stupidly quick Lada 2104. (I suppose someone had to represent the area haha). I think it's a perfect fit for an "investigative" video if you will. I watch it each year, though I don't speak a word of Lithuanian, as the action speaks for itself. It's completely bonkers.

[@drivingduck2234]

I discoverd that recently on the internet its so interesting it kinda of reminds me of avus dont know why

[@CharlieT_PhotoG]

@@drivingduck2234 Ah Avus, yes I can see that comparison to. By far less corners, but based in similar conditions, with a rather dreadful first corner “hairpin” to bring the back of the field to a near stop on the first lap.

[@captainsmartass3368]

I will love to see you do a video on the Surfers Paradise Street Circuit in Queensland, Australia for Champ cars. The 2.960 km (1.839 mi) beach-side track has several fast sections and two chicanes, having been shortened from an original 4.470 km (2.778 mi) length in 2010.

[@DannyPlaysStuff]

Gold Coast isn't a failure since it has been used to this day, also the original layout lasted over a decade. This series meant to highlight street tracks that only lasted for a handful of years before racing left the location or the layout for unforeseeable future....

[@danesorensen1775]

Many moons ago I bought the '07 WTCC DVD, and my abiding memory of this circuit was a train of cars steaming through the "horrendous" chicane and wiping their left-hand mirrors off, one after another in sequence.

[@theflagstand]

Thanks for this, I had no idea of the slight changes they had made over the years, I was only familiar with the latest version. One of my favourite tracks.

[@Theel25]

Vila Real would be on this list if it weren't for the fact it's still alive(Hell, Creventic almost ran a 6H endurance race there before it got cancelled).

[@W123KartSport]

Why did it get cancelled? Lack of entries? I was so excited for that race.

[@Theel25]

@@W123KartSport Lack of entrants. Either way, it would've been a Code 60 mess.

[@drivingduck2234]

There were actually some drama btwin the organizers and the national federation that basicly didnt (or couldnt) accept the CNV (portuguese nacional championship) to be a suport race

[@kristianferrari8764]

The last tight and fast chicane was my biggest enemy when doing time trial in race 07😂

[@ferrariman195]

This was so fun to drive in Race 07 but my god that last chicane is just an abomination

[@fluffskunk]

So, are you looking forward to a future video about the Nashville Indycar circuit?

[@dimkawhammy]

One of my favourite street circuit in Europe) Thanks for the video!

[@frankiemouse992]

They were probably menioned before, but I'd like to suggest this track's successor for touring car racing in Portugal, Vila Real, a really quick circuit, great for qualifying but awful and narrow for racing, and probably the worst "successful" street circuit, Marrakesh, which had boring races always regardless the layout and series.

[@continentalrcinglg]

4:47 - I have mixed feelings about that camera shot.

[@ruddgrandprix-speedrunraci8515]

This video gets the like from me. Just like the track.

[@gonsalox_pt6503]

Yesssss Porto

[@gonsalox_pt6503]

The names are on point good job

[@drivingduck2234]

There was actually talks to return to the calendar in 2015 but at the time fia and eurosport didnt want the hole year in year out and nieghther Portimão or Estoril comites to the deal so, since Vila Real had mayor that had campained for the bring the circuit back to major competitions. Wtcc went to vila real instead. By the way your portuguese is not bad at all apart of the rua road or estrada road witch means streat road or road road

[@doma02dr]

WTCC was one of my favourit Racing series. It was fun und good racing 😢

[@sdj2166]

original Watkins Glen street course

[@berserkfuryyy6798]

This track looks pretty challenging. I like it, and another great video bro!

Thanks für your video series.

[@AntoniusTyas]

Circuito da Boavista is my absolute favourite track in WTCC. It is very challenging but if you made it around unscathed the satisfaction is off the scale.

[@minibus9]

awesome video

[@aojracing4885]

Ooh I remember a video of one of the first editions where pretty much every car lost a mirror in that chicane by the end of the first lap.

[@balint4917]

A must for this series is the A1GP monstrosity from Beijing called Jingkai Street Circuit

[@CatchiestWorm12]

RACE 07 my beloved

[@thekauders567]

Love to see the btcc super touring bringham

[@igorss8921]

2:47 Firstly, it's Via do Castelo do Queijo. Secondly, it can be translated as way of the castle of the cheese. Well, dont know what is this. I don't are fluent at english if it is wrong

[@txth9]

Would you do a video of the Valencia Street circuit F1? Or Houston in IndyCar from 2013 - 2014?

[@igorss8921]

An interesting episode would be in Marrakech

[@maxb148]

I think the old Marrakech WTCC track would be a good track to cover in this series.

[@plisskenationbackfromthede3657]

9:28 did that car really just plow into a safety truck?

[@benwalter4842]

Sure did 😂

[@ahojjajsemmichal4876]

Just Franz Engstler things. (The same guy who crashed into the safety car from the lead in Pau)

[@plisskenationbackfromthede3657]

@@ahojjajsemmichal4876 jeezes 😆

[@aojracing4885]

@@ahojjajsemmichal4876 Ah yes, the German Taki Inoue (though to be fair the safety car was mostly at fault in that occasion)

[@unfortunately_fortunate2000]

looks like a really fun track to drive but absolutely horrendous for racing, bet you liberty media would've been interested in hosting an F1 grand prix there lmao.

[@drivingduck2234]

Also one of the best races i saw there was an abarth fiat 500 trophy where instead of racing drivers there were porto personalities behind the wheel. I Belive Candido Barbosa got 1st and José Morinho got 2nd

[@Gemini2845]

Can you do the Cagliari street circuit for the next episode?

[@ZJzimo]

Thanks to SimBin studios i always knew this track, expecially for how narrow it wass

[@heliofaros1344]

Chicanes --- How to ruin a race track, creating accidents instead of overtakes 101: Porto A promising layout, if a tad tight.

[@Denilson24]

Moss saying that actually in the end denied himself the title to Hawthorn.

[@crisistian_]

Where's the episode about Singen?

[@damnmarkey]

estrada da circunvalacao = ring road

[@joao_dl]

Looks like a very fun track for driving, but not for a race

[@szandorthe13th]

I fucking hate this track but at the same time it’s so funny it actually becomes good

[@christopheralfveby9472]

i miss world touring cars. please someone just say they're taking the BTCC regs world wide (in my dreams)

[@rexthewolf3149]

Sadly sedans aren’t popular anymore

[@christopheralfveby9472]

@@rexthewolf3149 yeah, I’d be fine with hatchbacks tbh. I think modern sedans wouldn’t be great anyway because they are generally so large

[@hmdwgf]

This circuit was used in a longer version for F1 from 1958 and 1960, and sportscar races were held there too.

[@timaustin110]

🤣🤣🤣

[@fluffskunk]

Me, an American, trying to Google what COUNTRY this race was in because "Porto" sounds like the name you'd give to a fake street circuit in an arcade racer.

[@damnmarkey]

I use Google translate. via do castelo do quiejo = way from the castle of queejo

[@utvpoop]

There's a little misspell: quiejo -> queijo (cheese)

[@filipek6401]

São Paulo Indycar circuit

[@benwalter4842]

1:46 and 3:11 WTF was that?! 😂

[@tooeasy1100]

Me seeing a young Augusto Farfus in a 320i TC: Memories 🥹