Lindsey Vonn's Return to the Skiing Circuit
First Race: A Stepping Stone on the Comeback Trail
In the first downhill race on Saturday, Vonn finished 24th. She was just 1.44 seconds behind the winning time of 1 minute, 5.79 seconds set by Mirjam Puchner of Austria. Despite the relatively low finish, her presence on the course was a significant moment. There were 43 racers in total, and the weather was cool but mostly sunny, creating ideal conditions for the competition. Moments after crossing the finish line, Vonn bent over to catch her breath, clearly feeling the effort of the race. She then interacted with the crowd, signing autographs and posing for photos before taking the ski lift back up the mountain. This showed her connection with the skiing community and her eagerness to be part of the action again.Second Downhill and Super-G Competitions
There was a second downhill race scheduled for later in the day, and a pair of super-G competitions were planned for Sunday. Vonn is competing in a series of FIS races with the goal of improving her ranking. By achieving the necessary results, she hopes to be eligible to enter World Cup events this season. This shows her ambition and drive to regain her former glory on the international stage.Record-Breaking Career and Recent Challenges
When Vonn left the sport, her 82 World Cup race victories stood as a record for a woman and were close to the all-time Alpine record of 86 held by Swedish standout Ingemar Stenmark. However, in January 2023, Mikaela Shiffrin surpassed Vonn's mark, now having 99 wins, making her the most successful alpine ski racer in history. Shiffrin is currently sidelined after a crash in a giant slalom event in Killington, Vermont. The next World Cup races for the women's circuit will be held in a week in nearby Beaver Creek, Colorado. Vonn has not announced a specific timeline for her return to the World Cup scene, but her participation in these FIS races is a step in the right direction. Vonn's last major race was in February 2019, when she finished third in a downhill during the world championships in Sweden. At that time, she was still near the top of her game, but the cumulative injuries over the years took a toll, leading her to retire. However, she had a partial knee replacement last April and felt confident enough to give racing another try.Competing with Big Names
There were several big names in the field on Saturday. Swiss racer Michelle Gisin, Federica Brignone and Marta Bassino of Italy, and Cornelia Huetter of Austria were all vying for victory. Additionally, 45-year-old Sarah Schleper, who once represented the United States but now competes for Mexico, added to the star-studded field. This shows the depth and competitiveness of the alpine skiing world.AP skiing: https://apnews.com/hub/alpine-skiingFrom Qualifying Struggles to Sprint Race Success
Qualifying Challenges and Adaptation
The Williams Racing Driver Academy member faced difficulties during Qualifying. As Browning explains, "We were just struggling with drivability and generally with pace. It was a bit confusing for everyone, not only me but the team as well. But we seem to have got our head around it now." This initial setback didn't deter him as he was determined to make a mark in the Sprint Race.Despite the tough start, Browning remained focused and ready to give his best. He knew that every lap counted and that he had to make the most of the opportunity.
Sprint Race Strategy and Execution
In the Sprint Race, Browning's strategy paid off. He started well and managed to stay out of trouble at the start. As he put it, "My start was like a rocket ship. It might have been one of the best starts on the grid. I jumped up next to Ollie and then we got squeezed together but didn't have any issues off the start."Managing the Pirelli tyres was crucial in the shorter Sprint event. Browning was very happy with the pace while fighting with rivals. He said, "It was tough. F2 is not easy, but the majority of the work was done in the early laps - positioning on the opening lap. Then I just brought it home really. The race was pretty simple after that, just trying to stay in the DRS and manage the tyres."
Looking Ahead to the Final Race
With one final race on the agenda for 2024, Browning is feeling positive about his and the team's chances. He acknowledges that everyone will take a step forward after having the experience from the first race. However, he remains hopeful that their step will be bigger.As he said, "Let's see how we go. I think there'll be more opportunities. Everyone will take a step forward, but hopefully our step's bigger than everyone else's."
Moreno's Stance on EVs Challenges the Status Quo
Positioning as an Automotive Voice
Moreno, with his background in the automotive industry, is determined to have a say in shaping the future of the sector. He believes that the Senate should play a crucial role in guiding automotive policies. "We have the opportunity to make a real impact on the automotive industry," he said. "Our decisions will shape the kind of cars that Americans drive and the future of the manufacturing sector."After emerging victorious in Ohio, Moreno sees his role as a leader who can bring about positive change. He is committed to working with his colleagues to ensure that automotive policies are in the best interest of the country. "We need to look at the long-term implications of our decisions," he added. "It's not just about today; it's about the future of our children and grandchildren."
Criticism of the Federal EV Tax Credit
At the 2024 CNBC CFO Council Summit in Washington, D.C., Moreno made his stance on the federal EV tax credit clear. He called it "catastrophically stupid" and argued that it unfairly distorts the market. "The tax credit is a double-edged sword," he said. "It may seem like a good idea in theory, but in practice, it creates more problems than it solves."Moreno dismissed claims that the incentive helps U.S. automakers compete with Chinese EV manufacturers, labeling the argument as "nonsense." He believes that the market should determine which cars are popular, not government subsidies. "If a car is good, people will buy it," he said. "We shouldn't be picking winners and losers in the automotive industry."
Shifting Industry Dynamics
Major automakers are currently recalibrating their EV strategies as consumer demand for EVs has shown signs of cooling. Once seen as the industry's future, EVs are now facing challenges. Manufacturers like Ford, General Motors, Mercedes-Benz, and Volkswagen have announced delays or scale-backs in their EV rollouts."What we saw in '21 and '22 was a temporary market spike," said Marin Gjaja, COO of Ford's EV division. "The market is now adjusting to more realistic expectations. We need to be flexible and adapt to these changes."
Automakers are shifting their focus towards diversified lineups, including hybrids, to meet the changing needs of consumers. This shift reflects a growing recognition that not all consumers are ready to make the switch to electric vehicles just yet. "We need to offer a variety of options to give consumers the choice they deserve," said Gjaja.
Marketplace Over Mandates
Moreno advocates for reducing government intervention in the automotive market. He believes that a favorable business environment can be created through good taxes, regulations, and skilled workers. "The marketplace should be allowed to operate freely without unnecessary government interference," he said.He also criticized how the EV credit excludes commercial vehicles and comes with MSRP restrictions, arguing that it disproportionately benefits wealthier consumers. "We need to ensure that our policies are fair and equitable," he added. "Everyone should have access to the benefits of clean energy, not just the wealthy."
A Broader Policy Shift
Moreno's stance aligns with that of other Republican leaders, such as Vivek Ramaswamy, who co-leads President-elect Trump's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Ramaswamy has announced plans to review government spending related to electric vehicles, including a loan commitment from the Department of Energy to Rivian Automotive.This growing skepticism around EV incentives signals a broader industry pivot. While EV sales are still expected to grow, the market is recalibrating to reflect consumer preferences for mixed powertrain options. Moreno's push to eliminate the EV tax credit highlights the ideological divide about the role of government in shaping automotive innovation and market trends.
"We need to find a balance between promoting clean energy and respecting the free market," said Moreno. "Our policies should encourage innovation while also considering the needs of all Americans."