Scott Mitchell's blog

Earlier today, the motoring journalist Mark Hales was found by a court to be liable for the damage done to the engine of a Porsche 917 he was driving for a magazine feature.

I know not enough of the case to enter the specifics, but the key question was this: Did the engine blow because the experienced Hales was driving (i.e. he missed a gear), or did it blow simply while he was behind the wheel (i.e. an unavoidable mechanical failure)? The court held it was the former, and he is now facing a six-figure bill for repairs.

Apologies for those suffering from seeing this link a lot, but this is the latest edition of my British Touring Car Championship e-magazine. Trying to drum up decent numbers as the first one had nearly 1,500 views.

Always after feedback so let me know if you flick through.

Scott.

Hi guys and girls. Any first or second years got a particular interest in motorsport - specifically the British Touring Car Championship? 

I have been the BTCC Correspondent for theCheckeredFlag.co.uk since mid-summer and last night I launched a brand new e-magazine for the series, hosted on the site.

Second years - or very eager first years - I've got a used but like-new Power Without Responsibility and Media Law here looking for a caring and intelligent new home. Very few miles on the clock and MOTd till June 2013. Get in touch - £25 for both. 

Scott

Go crazy, students and lecturers. Join in, make your team, and let's see who has what it takes. I'm sure Dec is willing to keep us updated should we forget?

http://fantasyfootball.skysports.com/leagues/view/8017000

For those unlucky enough to be subject to social network abuse, you'll know I've built an interactive German Grand Prix preview. For those who haven't, and who may care, it's on my website. I would upload it here but for some reason none of browsers like to upload anything to the site.

I spent a long time researching and to my knowledge it's the first of its kind, and it's had a great response. I was lucky enough to get a Retweet by BBC Radio 5 Live F1 on Monday, when I published it, and now I've had more than 600 views on the post. 

Anyone unfortunate enough to be caught in the social media crossfire will have seen myself, Anthony Dunkley, Harley Tamplin and James Mullan have created a new football blog - Top Four Finish. 

It started out as a loose idea, but in 24 hours we went from nothing to a fully-built blog with original content, and had more than 200 views in the first day. It's been just under four weeks since and at the last count we were on 1400+.

Nobody can say for sure he would have been World Champion. But nobody cares, either.

Thirty years ago today Gilles Villeneuve gained Formula One immortality.

Since the horrific crash at Zolder in 1982 which claimed his life, the French-Canadian has held a special place in the hearts and memories of motorsport fans and personnel the world over. A remarkable driver, a genuine person, he was an inspiration to many and, it would seem, a friend to all.

Evening everyone.

On Sunday I'll be running three miles in Rochester for Sport Relief - but with a twist.

As those of you unfortunate enough to follow me on Twitter or be my friend on Facebook will know by now, I'm running in my racing gear; helmet, suit, boots, gloves - the lot.

I did not buy a copy of the News of the World when it hit the shelves for the final time earlier this year. I had no affinity with the paper – a source of some great stories and superb journalism it may have been, but it was not my first-choice Sunday.

However, I do have in front of me a copy of the last ever edition of the East Kent Gazette, purchased earlier this evening while at work. It’s on sale for the final time after its owner, Northcliffe Media, announced a few weeks ago it would cease publication of two papers – the EKG (which includes the Sheppey Gazette and the Faversham Times) and the Medway News.