Apparently Mika Hakkinen won’t have any time to sample any Johnnie Walker in the near future as Hakkinen will instead return to a Formula 1 cockpit this week in Barcelona alongside Pedro de la Rosa and Lewis Hamilton…
Hakkinen’s testing should not be taken too seriously since McLaren already has it’s drivers signed up for 2007,but its always nice to have a double world champion wishing to give your machinery a test spin…
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
RuSPORT Sold
The RuSPORT Champ Car team has been sold! The semi-floundering team was sold to Dan Pettit. Pettit is the “P” in PKV Racing along with Champ Car co-owner Kevin Kalkhoven and former Champ Car driver Jimmy Vasser…
Apparently Carl Russo suddenly wanted out of Champ Cars after the roller coaster season he’d experienced in 2006 after firing AJ Almendinger and Cristano da Matta’s devastating testing accident…
Interestingly Russo seems to have been “coerced” to sell his team to Pettit to keep it “In the Family.” Pettit made his fortunes in the ‘90’s alongside Kalkhoven... I’m sure that the prospects of loosing RuSPORT would have been a bitter pill for Kalkhoven to swallow, since he enjoys publicly stating that Champ Cars future is “All Roses…”
RuSPORT, one of Champ Cars premiere teams will remain in Colorado and retain Jeremy Dale as team president. Dale said that RuSPORT will have two cars on the grid in 2007. Dale say’s his top priority is to retain the team’s number one driver Justin Wilson. With Gerald Forsythe already stating that he’d not been able to cement a deal with Wilson and RuSPORT sponsor CDW wishing to continue its current sponsorship arrangements, it seems merely a formality towards retaining Wilson’s services for next season. Dale is also hopeful of keeping new recruit Ryan Briscoe, who’s wanted by Team Australia…
It’s unknown how Pettit’s purchase of RuSPORT will affect his current team ownership of PKV, which I suspect will keep it’s current name since KV Racing sounds a bit “dorky!”
Apparently Carl Russo suddenly wanted out of Champ Cars after the roller coaster season he’d experienced in 2006 after firing AJ Almendinger and Cristano da Matta’s devastating testing accident…
Interestingly Russo seems to have been “coerced” to sell his team to Pettit to keep it “In the Family.” Pettit made his fortunes in the ‘90’s alongside Kalkhoven... I’m sure that the prospects of loosing RuSPORT would have been a bitter pill for Kalkhoven to swallow, since he enjoys publicly stating that Champ Cars future is “All Roses…”
RuSPORT, one of Champ Cars premiere teams will remain in Colorado and retain Jeremy Dale as team president. Dale said that RuSPORT will have two cars on the grid in 2007. Dale say’s his top priority is to retain the team’s number one driver Justin Wilson. With Gerald Forsythe already stating that he’d not been able to cement a deal with Wilson and RuSPORT sponsor CDW wishing to continue its current sponsorship arrangements, it seems merely a formality towards retaining Wilson’s services for next season. Dale is also hopeful of keeping new recruit Ryan Briscoe, who’s wanted by Team Australia…
It’s unknown how Pettit’s purchase of RuSPORT will affect his current team ownership of PKV, which I suspect will keep it’s current name since KV Racing sounds a bit “dorky!”
Speed/Fox land F1 TV Deal
The SPEED Channel along with parent company FOX have “inked” a new three year deal with Bernie Ecclestone for exclusive broadcast rights for Formula 1 in the United States. The deal will see SPEED broadcast 13 races live with FOX broadcasting 4 events. (Two live, two tape delayed) SPEED will show all practice and qualifying sessions live along with retaining its current broadcast tea…
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
New Champ Car
Although Champ Car unveiled its chassis of the future earlier this summer, during the San Jose race weekend. More details are becoming known about the completely new 2007 Panoz DP-01.
Most noticeable change is the DP-01’s redesigned front nose wing, a la Formula 1. Underneath the lightened chassis’s skin is the same Ford Cosworth XFE 2.65 liter turbocharged V-8…
New for 2007 the DP-01 chassis features an on-board starter with anti-stall technology along with a new 7-speed paddle shift gearbox. According to Champ Car “guru” Derrick Daly, drivers will be able to make lightning fast gear changes. Upshifts will occur in 24 milli-seconds; Downshifts in 27 milli-seconds. Current F1 gearshifts occur in 3 milli-seconds…
(Milli-seconds = 1/100 second)
Most noticeable change is the DP-01’s redesigned front nose wing, a la Formula 1. Underneath the lightened chassis’s skin is the same Ford Cosworth XFE 2.65 liter turbocharged V-8…
New for 2007 the DP-01 chassis features an on-board starter with anti-stall technology along with a new 7-speed paddle shift gearbox. According to Champ Car “guru” Derrick Daly, drivers will be able to make lightning fast gear changes. Upshifts will occur in 24 milli-seconds; Downshifts in 27 milli-seconds. Current F1 gearshifts occur in 3 milli-seconds…
(Milli-seconds = 1/100 second)
Monday, November 27, 2006
“Jense” Cracks Up
Honda Racing has recently revealed that Jenson Button has sustained two cracked ribs from a go karting accident. The go kart testing was part of Honda’s preparations for winter testing prior to the team’s first test at Barcelona this week. Apparently “Jense” has been taking notes from “Sand Dune” Tracy and will not take part in testing at Barcelona…
JV’s Bold Moves?
Apparently I jumped the gun on Jacques Villeneuve’s latest career moves. Instead of practicing moon walking underneath the disco ball of his nightclub, Villeneuve could still possibly become a “RASSCAR” Nextel Cup driver… Villeneuve currently has the option of starting his own team with manager Craig Pollock, buying rolling chassis and engines from Jack Roush…
Zanardi drives BMW
Alex Zanardi made his long awaited return to a Formula 1 cockpit over the weekend at Valencia, during the Formula BMW World Finals. A change in Zanardi’s schedule allowed the Italian to test drive the modified BMW-Sauber C24B earlier then planned. Zanardi tortured his wet weather tires during a three laps spin on Thursday…
Car modifications included using Jacques Villeneuve’s steering wheel and moving the brake pedal to the opposite side of the cockpit to enable better braking. Villeneuve preferred doing all his shifting with his right hand…
On Saturday, after the engine stalled during the first session, Zanardi completed 17 laps. Zanardi nearly matched current BMW-Sauber F1 test driver Sebastian Vettel’s times after shaving 8 seconds off his lap times, less then 1 second behind Vettel…
Car modifications included using Jacques Villeneuve’s steering wheel and moving the brake pedal to the opposite side of the cockpit to enable better braking. Villeneuve preferred doing all his shifting with his right hand…
On Saturday, after the engine stalled during the first session, Zanardi completed 17 laps. Zanardi nearly matched current BMW-Sauber F1 test driver Sebastian Vettel’s times after shaving 8 seconds off his lap times, less then 1 second behind Vettel…
Webber Wings It
Mark Webber got his first taste of Red Bull’s “high test” energy drinks the past weekend when he sampled the taste of going 400kph in an aeroplane in Perth, Australia…
Mika takes the Fifth
Perhaps it’s just me, but does anybody see the irony in having a Finn promoting drinking sobriety? C’mon what else is there to do during winter in the frozen tundra? Just think of Mika Hakkinen’s protégé Kimi Raikkonen who’s become famous for his all night drinking binges with party girls…
Although the Finn’s prefer vodka, Hakkinen has just been appointed Diageo’s “pitchman” to promote drinking responsibly. Diageo owns Johnnie Walker, sponsor of McLaren...
Although the Finn’s prefer vodka, Hakkinen has just been appointed Diageo’s “pitchman” to promote drinking responsibly. Diageo owns Johnnie Walker, sponsor of McLaren...
Hamming it up at McLaren
McLaren has finally announced Fernando Alonso’s partner for the 2007 season. McLaren has confirmed reigning GP2 Champion, 21 year old Lewis Hamilton to the currently vacated number two race seat…
Friday, November 24, 2006
Champ Cars New TV Package
Rick Daly here, (NOT to be confused with Rick “SMARTWALL” Benjamin…) this just came across my desk. Breaking News… ESPN to broadcast Champ Cars in 2007!
Apparently Santa Claus has left Captain Kirk a present after all…
Although how will we know who the sponsor of former Ice Racing Champion Andrew Ranger’s #27 is, eh7? Perhaps this will feature the return of ESPN’s talented broadcasters Paul Page and Gary Gerald currently languishing in the world ‘O Top Fuel… (NHRA) Of course I certainly hope this will NOT affect perennial pit reporter Jon Beekhuis…
The following comments were penned by Captain Kirk:
we can't have open-wheel unification, at least we can have a common broadcast partner. Once you get past that, the channel is outstanding in a lot of ways. Now, American open-wheel racing is at a place where fans can find it. Speed Channel [the previous broadcast sponsor] has become so NASCAR-centric that we were just a speed bump in their day."
Halleluiah! Does this mean no more Rick Benjamin or Derek Daly?
Apparently Santa Claus has left Captain Kirk a present after all…
Although how will we know who the sponsor of former Ice Racing Champion Andrew Ranger’s #27 is, eh7? Perhaps this will feature the return of ESPN’s talented broadcasters Paul Page and Gary Gerald currently languishing in the world ‘O Top Fuel… (NHRA) Of course I certainly hope this will NOT affect perennial pit reporter Jon Beekhuis…
The following comments were penned by Captain Kirk:
we can't have open-wheel unification, at least we can have a common broadcast partner. Once you get past that, the channel is outstanding in a lot of ways. Now, American open-wheel racing is at a place where fans can find it. Speed Channel [the previous broadcast sponsor] has become so NASCAR-centric that we were just a speed bump in their day."
Halleluiah! Does this mean no more Rick Benjamin or Derek Daly?
Motormouths
Recently I’ve been advised that people don’t want “niceties” from my blog, they want cold, harsh, biting opinions… Therefore “Just-in-Time” for the holidays I recently sat down late one night to be interviewed by a fellow racing college; “El Captione.” No, not “The Captain,” (Roger Penske) but none other than Captain Kirk… No, NOT Bill Shatner either, just some racing hombre from New Mexico…
As you shall soon realize, as the “Memorex” rolled, the totally un-scripted interview plowed through some of Captain Kirk’s thoughts towards the current state of ““CHUMP CARZS” TV broadcasts…
Captain Kirk (CK) has asked for complete anonymity, making me promise to never divulge his true identity for fear of having to quit his day job. For the sake of future interviews, I’ve decided to become my dreaded alter ego; Rick Daly. (RD) The following is intended as some “light reading” to help digest the traditional Thanksgiving feast…
CK: Ok, hopefully Rick’s going to ask me some real good questions about Formula One or CART. He can ask em about NASCAR if he wants…
RD: The correct pronunciation is” “RASSCAR.”
CK: As you can see, he’s NOT real funny, so hopefully he’s going to come up with a good first question to get me fired up…
RD: Tell me why you like Rick Benjamin from the Champ Car broadcast so much?
CK: Oh do you mean: Hi, this is Rick “Champ Cars sponsored by Bridgestone, Ford, Pepto-Bismol + inser 15,000 other sponsors names her Benjamin?
RD: Yes
CK: Oh but now that I’ve said my name I’ve been talking too long and we have to go back to another commercial…
RD: Yeah, that guy
CK: Or that IDIOT he works with who I really CAN’T stand because he thinks he knows everything about Formula One racing and driving because he was in a race or two…He thinks he can WIN anything because he flew over his teammate and crashed them both out of the F1 race in Monte Carlo back in 1978/79?
RD: Yes (Do you mean Derrick Daly?)
CK: And have you ever noticed how in every race he calls some driver an IDIOT and says I can’t believe how that “Doofus!” is driving… Hello “derr-WRECK!” You’ve done that MANY times in your career and by the way your F1 career SUCKED! And didn’t you also SUCK in Champ Cars too?
RD: Correct. Now when are you going to attend his karting school in Las Vegas?
CK: The day I win the lottery… I think if I ever won the lottery I’d go to LOS WAGE$ NOT to gamble, but just to drive “Juan” ‘O his stupid karts and CRASH it into the wall…
RD: And would you also attend the Buck Baker School of driving?
CK: I’ve never heard of the Buck Baker School…
RD: I believe that’s a NASCAR driving school?
CK: Well I’ll tell you “Juan” thing. If Buck Baker was there I believe he could teach me a thing or two because he’s actually WON a race or two hasn’t he!
RD: I believe so
CK: I’d actually like to see Derrick Daly get into a NASCAR race. I’d bet those “good ‘ole boys” could teach him a lesson or two? They would kick his ASS! May be they’d even shut his mouth, don’t you think?
RD: I doubt it…
CK: Well would NBC, SPEED and CBS just do us a huge favor, lets just not have these two “bozoes” calling the race action. We’d be happy to just have Jon Beekhuis calling the race…
RD: But I think it’s a package deal. You’ve got to take “derr-WRECK” Daly or nothing at all…
CK: Look, we’d be happy to just have nobody talking…
RD: Except for Jon Beekhuis…
CK: Just show us the race… Have the director give us some decent footage of the on-track action. We can figure out what’s going on…
CK: And what the hell is that crew chiefs name they interview all the time?
RD: Craig Hansen
CK: Put this in BOLD print, I DON’T want to her another “bleepin” interview with him…
If you wish for more Captain Kir & /Rick Daly episodes, please leave comments…
As you shall soon realize, as the “Memorex” rolled, the totally un-scripted interview plowed through some of Captain Kirk’s thoughts towards the current state of ““CHUMP CARZS” TV broadcasts…
Captain Kirk (CK) has asked for complete anonymity, making me promise to never divulge his true identity for fear of having to quit his day job. For the sake of future interviews, I’ve decided to become my dreaded alter ego; Rick Daly. (RD) The following is intended as some “light reading” to help digest the traditional Thanksgiving feast…
CK: Ok, hopefully Rick’s going to ask me some real good questions about Formula One or CART. He can ask em about NASCAR if he wants…
RD: The correct pronunciation is” “RASSCAR.”
CK: As you can see, he’s NOT real funny, so hopefully he’s going to come up with a good first question to get me fired up…
RD: Tell me why you like Rick Benjamin from the Champ Car broadcast so much?
CK: Oh do you mean: Hi, this is Rick “Champ Cars sponsored by Bridgestone, Ford, Pepto-Bismol + inser 15,000 other sponsors names her Benjamin?
RD: Yes
CK: Oh but now that I’ve said my name I’ve been talking too long and we have to go back to another commercial…
RD: Yeah, that guy
CK: Or that IDIOT he works with who I really CAN’T stand because he thinks he knows everything about Formula One racing and driving because he was in a race or two…He thinks he can WIN anything because he flew over his teammate and crashed them both out of the F1 race in Monte Carlo back in 1978/79?
RD: Yes (Do you mean Derrick Daly?)
CK: And have you ever noticed how in every race he calls some driver an IDIOT and says I can’t believe how that “Doofus!” is driving… Hello “derr-WRECK!” You’ve done that MANY times in your career and by the way your F1 career SUCKED! And didn’t you also SUCK in Champ Cars too?
RD: Correct. Now when are you going to attend his karting school in Las Vegas?
CK: The day I win the lottery… I think if I ever won the lottery I’d go to LOS WAGE$ NOT to gamble, but just to drive “Juan” ‘O his stupid karts and CRASH it into the wall…
RD: And would you also attend the Buck Baker School of driving?
CK: I’ve never heard of the Buck Baker School…
RD: I believe that’s a NASCAR driving school?
CK: Well I’ll tell you “Juan” thing. If Buck Baker was there I believe he could teach me a thing or two because he’s actually WON a race or two hasn’t he!
RD: I believe so
CK: I’d actually like to see Derrick Daly get into a NASCAR race. I’d bet those “good ‘ole boys” could teach him a lesson or two? They would kick his ASS! May be they’d even shut his mouth, don’t you think?
RD: I doubt it…
CK: Well would NBC, SPEED and CBS just do us a huge favor, lets just not have these two “bozoes” calling the race action. We’d be happy to just have Jon Beekhuis calling the race…
RD: But I think it’s a package deal. You’ve got to take “derr-WRECK” Daly or nothing at all…
CK: Look, we’d be happy to just have nobody talking…
RD: Except for Jon Beekhuis…
CK: Just show us the race… Have the director give us some decent footage of the on-track action. We can figure out what’s going on…
CK: And what the hell is that crew chiefs name they interview all the time?
RD: Craig Hansen
CK: Put this in BOLD print, I DON’T want to her another “bleepin” interview with him…
If you wish for more Captain Kir & /Rick Daly episodes, please leave comments…
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Champ Car Notes
Stoddart Signs Up
Keith Wiggins confirmed in Mexico City that Paul Stoddart will be joining the CTE/HVM organization as a co-owner next season. Stoddart hopes to run a four car effort with a three car entry definite. Wiggins would like to retain his current driver line-up, while Stoddart hopes to introduce one of his ex-Minardi drivers into the fray…
Wilson Wanted
Justin Wilson’s stellar performance of pole position and second place at Mexico City mirrored the 2006 Champ Car driver standings as Wilson finished runner-up behind Sebastian Bourdais…
Wilson’s showing of true grit in Mexico City has also made him Champ Cars “Most Wanted.” Wilson is a free agent for ’07 and is definitely a hot commodity. Speculation is that Gerald Forsythe is his top suitor with ex-Minardi boss Paul Stoddart as a dark horse…
Down Under Duo?
While SPEED’S Cameron Steele interviewed Will Power about capturing his first career podium and Rookie of the Year honors, Steele put Team Australia co-owner Derrick Walker on the spot about Team Australia’s 2007 driver line-up. Walker said: “Yeah I guess we’ll have to ask Will back.” Yet Walker remained mum about the team’s second driver…
Rumours abound that Team Australia will become an all Aussie affair next season with Ryan Briscoe possibly joining the team. This leaves Alex Tagliani as the odd man out. TAG’s options are currently unknown with possible drives available at Dale Coyne or Rocketsports…
A return to Rocketsports seems remote as I assume TAG still has harsh feelings over being dumped by Paul Gentilozzi after making a “handshake” deal to remain a Rocketsports driver for 2005. Gentilozzi took Timo Glock’s DHL millions instead. Glock who won Rookie of the Year honors in 2005 left Champ Cars this year and now hopes to become BMW-Sauber’s test driver…
Wither RuSPORT?
There are many rumours swirling about over the future of the Report team with reports that team owner Carl Russo wishes to leave motorsports in favor of business interests abroad…
This has led to speculation regarding the team’s future, although team president Jeremy Dale assures us that RuSPORT will be in Champ Car next season. Dale is in discussions with anybody with a large enough checkbook willing to donate a small fortune…
While the ownership of RuSPORT fluxates… So does the team’s current drivers line-up. Although it was assumed that Wilson had packed his bags for Forsythe Racing, Gerald Forsythe has recently stated that it appears unlikely that Wilson will partner “Sand Dune” Tracy next year…
Ryan Briscoe who’s also in demand after his two race stint as Cristiano da Matta’s substitute at RuSPORT is also uncertain of whom his employer will be for the upcoming season. With interest from several teams for both drivers services, both drivers are suddenly in demand... While Dale says that RuSPORT’s future is looking good is also adamant about hanging onto his current driver line-up for 2007…
Thumbscrews
Not to be confused with “Thumbscrews at Dawn.” Or twenty paces with sidearm’s… Champ Cars lone female driver Katherine Legge had surgery to her thumb after the Mexico City race. Legge had two screws inserted into her right thumb to hasten her recovery from injuries sustained in Mexico…
Keith Wiggins confirmed in Mexico City that Paul Stoddart will be joining the CTE/HVM organization as a co-owner next season. Stoddart hopes to run a four car effort with a three car entry definite. Wiggins would like to retain his current driver line-up, while Stoddart hopes to introduce one of his ex-Minardi drivers into the fray…
Wilson Wanted
Justin Wilson’s stellar performance of pole position and second place at Mexico City mirrored the 2006 Champ Car driver standings as Wilson finished runner-up behind Sebastian Bourdais…
Wilson’s showing of true grit in Mexico City has also made him Champ Cars “Most Wanted.” Wilson is a free agent for ’07 and is definitely a hot commodity. Speculation is that Gerald Forsythe is his top suitor with ex-Minardi boss Paul Stoddart as a dark horse…
Down Under Duo?
While SPEED’S Cameron Steele interviewed Will Power about capturing his first career podium and Rookie of the Year honors, Steele put Team Australia co-owner Derrick Walker on the spot about Team Australia’s 2007 driver line-up. Walker said: “Yeah I guess we’ll have to ask Will back.” Yet Walker remained mum about the team’s second driver…
Rumours abound that Team Australia will become an all Aussie affair next season with Ryan Briscoe possibly joining the team. This leaves Alex Tagliani as the odd man out. TAG’s options are currently unknown with possible drives available at Dale Coyne or Rocketsports…
A return to Rocketsports seems remote as I assume TAG still has harsh feelings over being dumped by Paul Gentilozzi after making a “handshake” deal to remain a Rocketsports driver for 2005. Gentilozzi took Timo Glock’s DHL millions instead. Glock who won Rookie of the Year honors in 2005 left Champ Cars this year and now hopes to become BMW-Sauber’s test driver…
Wither RuSPORT?
There are many rumours swirling about over the future of the Report team with reports that team owner Carl Russo wishes to leave motorsports in favor of business interests abroad…
This has led to speculation regarding the team’s future, although team president Jeremy Dale assures us that RuSPORT will be in Champ Car next season. Dale is in discussions with anybody with a large enough checkbook willing to donate a small fortune…
While the ownership of RuSPORT fluxates… So does the team’s current drivers line-up. Although it was assumed that Wilson had packed his bags for Forsythe Racing, Gerald Forsythe has recently stated that it appears unlikely that Wilson will partner “Sand Dune” Tracy next year…
Ryan Briscoe who’s also in demand after his two race stint as Cristiano da Matta’s substitute at RuSPORT is also uncertain of whom his employer will be for the upcoming season. With interest from several teams for both drivers services, both drivers are suddenly in demand... While Dale says that RuSPORT’s future is looking good is also adamant about hanging onto his current driver line-up for 2007…
Thumbscrews
Not to be confused with “Thumbscrews at Dawn.” Or twenty paces with sidearm’s… Champ Cars lone female driver Katherine Legge had surgery to her thumb after the Mexico City race. Legge had two screws inserted into her right thumb to hasten her recovery from injuries sustained in Mexico…
Tiago’s Tin Top?
Spyker F1 Racing driver Tiago Monteiro recently made his tarmac rallying debut in Portugal. Exploring his options for next year, Monteiro ran as the rally’s “sweeper” running the course just prior to the rally’s start aboard a Peugeot 206…
Red Bull’s Six Seater
In another marketing ploy, Red Bull apparently took a page from the SPEED channel’s Trading Paint special where Jeffery “Pretty Boy” Gordon and Juan Pablo Montoya swapped rides…
In what Vitantonnio Luzzi claimed “ORGASMIC!” Red Bull recently arranged for their Scuderia Toro Rosso F1 ace Luzzi and Risi Suzuki MotoGP rider John Hopkins to swap rides for the day at Valencia. Both racers are currently under contract with Red Bull…
In what Vitantonnio Luzzi claimed “ORGASMIC!” Red Bull recently arranged for their Scuderia Toro Rosso F1 ace Luzzi and Risi Suzuki MotoGP rider John Hopkins to swap rides for the day at Valencia. Both racers are currently under contract with Red Bull…
Scuderia Toro Rosso’s Makeover
Gerhard Berger, co-owner of Scuderia Toro Rosso has proposed the building of a brand new facility for the ex-Minardi Formula 1 team that Berger shares with Red Bull’s Dietrich Mateschitz…
Williams Speaking Japanese
How to keep your major suppliers happy? In typical Formula 1 fashion, Frank Williams has prudently decided to hire Toyota’s “preferred son,” Kazuki Nakajima as Williams test driver for 2007. The 21 year old Nakajima is son of Japan’s first full time Formula 1 driver Satoru Nakajima…
‘Disco JV
Canada’s native son Jacques Villeneuve’s plans to compete in “RASSCAR” next year have apparently frozen over… Villeneuve had originally hoped to fill Mark Martin’s vacated seat but the ride went to another “Young Gun” instead. Villeneuve’s talks with Jack Roush then focused towards campaigning a limited Busch Series schedule for 2007. These talks seem to have come to and end with Roush Racing’s General Manager publicly stating that Villeneuve’s chances are an “outside shot.” Therefore it appears that Jacques will spend 2007 either playing “gee-tar” with his Rock Band or practicing disco moves on the dance floor of his “swanky” Montreal nightclub instead…
MAC Miami
This past weekend MAC Montoya competed in his first Nextel Cup race. Montoya’s qualifying lap was fairly impressive, lining up 29th in the 43 car field. Montoya was 2nd fastest competing for the final 8 non-guaranteed starting positions…
Montoya’s weekend got off to a good start by leading a lap and finishing 14th in Saturday’s Busch Series race. Montoya’s school ‘O hard licks came full circle during his Nextel Cup debut. First MAC did his best “Cole Trickle” impersonation of “Racin is Rubbin” when he got together with “RASSCAR’s Golden Boy” Dale Earnhart Jr. Then during the race’s final laps Ryan Newman introduced MAC to the physics of spoiled airflow… Newman took the wind out of MAC’s sails and sent the Columbian slamming into the wall backwards. MAC’s “tankslapper” included a rendition of Fireball Roberts “Flame On” as the car caught in fire… I believe the correct “Roundy-Round” terminology is “Spin Cycle.” Welcome to “RASSCAR” MAC!
Montoya’s weekend got off to a good start by leading a lap and finishing 14th in Saturday’s Busch Series race. Montoya’s school ‘O hard licks came full circle during his Nextel Cup debut. First MAC did his best “Cole Trickle” impersonation of “Racin is Rubbin” when he got together with “RASSCAR’s Golden Boy” Dale Earnhart Jr. Then during the race’s final laps Ryan Newman introduced MAC to the physics of spoiled airflow… Newman took the wind out of MAC’s sails and sent the Columbian slamming into the wall backwards. MAC’s “tankslapper” included a rendition of Fireball Roberts “Flame On” as the car caught in fire… I believe the correct “Roundy-Round” terminology is “Spin Cycle.” Welcome to “RASSCAR” MAC!
Saturday, November 18, 2006
Driving in Circles
As the Open Wheel talent drain continues… It’s kind of entertaining to watch the progress of the “Three Musketeers.” Just keep in mind the phrase from the movie Dumb & Dumber: “Four lefts makes a Circle…”
MAC Montoya continues earning his “Darlington Stripes,” after slapping the wall once again while finishing 28th at Memphis…
Talk about becoming “Yesterday’s News.” MAC went fairly unnoticed as the Busch Series spotlight focused upon Sam Hornish Jr’s debut. MAC quietly finished 20th at Phoenix and now awaits his Nextel Cup debut at the Homestead season finale…
AJ Almendinger has gone 0 for 3 attempting to make his Nextel Cup debut. Reportedly Almendinger took Red Bull’s 9 million for 3 years NASCAR drive over Gerry Forsythe’s offer of 1 million per season for 5 years to remain in Champ Cars…
Reigning IRL Champion Sam Hornish Jr. made his Busch Series debut this past weekend at Phoenix. Hornish qualified 27th and spent the entire race struggling to finish. After briefly brushing the wall Hornish DNF’ed after becoming involved in a multiple car pile-up. Hornish was classified 36th. Hornish quipped: “I knew it was going to be difficult since it’s the very first race where I can’t see my wheels. That’s a pretty big change!”
MAC Montoya continues earning his “Darlington Stripes,” after slapping the wall once again while finishing 28th at Memphis…
Talk about becoming “Yesterday’s News.” MAC went fairly unnoticed as the Busch Series spotlight focused upon Sam Hornish Jr’s debut. MAC quietly finished 20th at Phoenix and now awaits his Nextel Cup debut at the Homestead season finale…
AJ Almendinger has gone 0 for 3 attempting to make his Nextel Cup debut. Reportedly Almendinger took Red Bull’s 9 million for 3 years NASCAR drive over Gerry Forsythe’s offer of 1 million per season for 5 years to remain in Champ Cars…
Reigning IRL Champion Sam Hornish Jr. made his Busch Series debut this past weekend at Phoenix. Hornish qualified 27th and spent the entire race struggling to finish. After briefly brushing the wall Hornish DNF’ed after becoming involved in a multiple car pile-up. Hornish was classified 36th. Hornish quipped: “I knew it was going to be difficult since it’s the very first race where I can’t see my wheels. That’s a pretty big change!”
Friday, November 17, 2006
Bushwhacking Grand Am
With the Open Wheel racing season drawing to a close, drivers have begun focusing on extra curricular activates in order to keep their driving sharp over the winter break. This includes two former Indy 500 winners signing up for driving duties in the upcoming 2007 Rolex 24 at Daytona.
Penske drivers Helio Castroneves and Sam Hornish Jr. will become part of a 4 driver line-up aboard Michael Shank Racing’s Lexus powered DP. (Daytona Prototype) Castroneves participated in this past weekend’s test posting the 4th quickest time overall. Hornish will join testing in Homestead next month after his second Busch Series race this weekend. Michael Shank’s DP entry finished runner-up overall in last years Rolex 24…
Jeff “Pretty Boy” Gordon will partner Wayne Taylor and Max “The AX” Angelelli behind the controls of the new Wayne Taylor Racing Daytona Prototype…
Chip Ganassi’s Open Wheel warriors (ex-IRL Champions) Dan Wheldon and Scott Dixon will team with (ex-Indy 500 Champion) MAC Montoya aboard Chip’s Daytona Prototype…
Champ Cars Katherine Legge has also been spotted puriusing the DP ranks in search of a ride. Legge stated that Daytona is definitely one of those races you’d like to be able to check off your list of “must do’s.”
Penske drivers Helio Castroneves and Sam Hornish Jr. will become part of a 4 driver line-up aboard Michael Shank Racing’s Lexus powered DP. (Daytona Prototype) Castroneves participated in this past weekend’s test posting the 4th quickest time overall. Hornish will join testing in Homestead next month after his second Busch Series race this weekend. Michael Shank’s DP entry finished runner-up overall in last years Rolex 24…
Jeff “Pretty Boy” Gordon will partner Wayne Taylor and Max “The AX” Angelelli behind the controls of the new Wayne Taylor Racing Daytona Prototype…
Chip Ganassi’s Open Wheel warriors (ex-IRL Champions) Dan Wheldon and Scott Dixon will team with (ex-Indy 500 Champion) MAC Montoya aboard Chip’s Daytona Prototype…
Champ Cars Katherine Legge has also been spotted puriusing the DP ranks in search of a ride. Legge stated that Daytona is definitely one of those races you’d like to be able to check off your list of “must do’s.”
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Formula 1 Chatter
Trusting Spyker
In what is fast becoming the Dutch National Formula 1 team, Spyker has announced sponsorship from Trust. You may remember that Trust appeared with Minardi and Dutch phenom Jos “The Boss” Verstappen…
Glock’s Shiny New BMW?
BMW-Sauber F1 has confirmed plans to test Timo Glock in Barcelona and Jerez shortly. Glock was scheduled to test in September prior to injuring his hand during a GP2 race.
Although BMW-Sauber has Sebastian Vettel signed as its test driver, Red Bull holds an option on Vettel’s services through 2009 which could potentially open the door for Glock…
“Super Ant”
As previously speculated, Anthony (“Ant”) Davidson has been officially confirmed as a “Super Best Friends” (Super Aguri F1) race driver for 2007. Davidson will finally achieve his goal of a full time F1 drive, partnering Takuma Sato next year. Davidson previously competed in Grand Prix’s for Minardi and BAR-Honda…
Klien Bags Honda
Christian Klien has been named as Honda Racing’s new test and reserve driver for 2007.
In what is fast becoming the Dutch National Formula 1 team, Spyker has announced sponsorship from Trust. You may remember that Trust appeared with Minardi and Dutch phenom Jos “The Boss” Verstappen…
Glock’s Shiny New BMW?
BMW-Sauber F1 has confirmed plans to test Timo Glock in Barcelona and Jerez shortly. Glock was scheduled to test in September prior to injuring his hand during a GP2 race.
Although BMW-Sauber has Sebastian Vettel signed as its test driver, Red Bull holds an option on Vettel’s services through 2009 which could potentially open the door for Glock…
“Super Ant”
As previously speculated, Anthony (“Ant”) Davidson has been officially confirmed as a “Super Best Friends” (Super Aguri F1) race driver for 2007. Davidson will finally achieve his goal of a full time F1 drive, partnering Takuma Sato next year. Davidson previously competed in Grand Prix’s for Minardi and BAR-Honda…
Klien Bags Honda
Christian Klien has been named as Honda Racing’s new test and reserve driver for 2007.
What Merger?
While at Surfer’s Paradise, Champ Car co-owner Kevin Kalkhoven threw more cold water on this past summer’s media “hyping” of a potential merger between Champ Car and the IRL. Kalkhoven told reporters: “Yes, Tony (George) and I met and had talks at Indy, but we only “talked.” My primary focus is on Champ Car (obviously) which is growing stronger each year.”
With both series releasing expanded 2007 schedules and Champ Car’s new “non-oval friendly” Panoz DP-01 chassis, DON’T expect an Open Wheel merger anytime in the future…
Kalkhoven spent the Surfer’s Paradise weekend wooing potential 2007 Champ Car team owner Paul Stoddart. Stoddart attended the race as a guest of Kalkhoven’s watching the action from the PKV Racing pit box.
Car count’s still seem to be a major issue for both series. While Champ Car may actually increase its 2007 roster, the IRL appears to be shrinking? Adrian Fernandez’s team appears to be folding as Fernandez Racing driver Scott Sharp has been confirmed at Rahal/Letterman Racing with teammate Kosuke Matsuura having been confirmed at Panther Racing. This will leave the IRL with 16 cars being campaigned by 8 teams…
There are currently two new Champ Car teams planning to debut in 2007. Pacific Coast Motorsports is definite with the second team still undetermined. This could possibly push Champ Cars car count to over 20 entries…
The lone bright spot for the IRL is that Darren Manning has been confirmed at AJ Foyt Racing for 2007. Manning previously drove for Chip Ganassi before being released in mid-2005. Larry Foyt (AJ’s son) will take over as Team Director as “Super Tax” celebrates his 50th season of racing…
Interestingly ALL of the IRL’s “Big Mac’s” err, big name Team Owners are either starting or currently have Sports car operations. The ALMS (American Le Mans Series) is heavily favored with team owners favoring this racing series. ALMS Teams include: Roger Penske; 2 Car Porsche RSR Spider team. (LMP2) Andretti-Green Racing; Single car entry (Courage/Acura LMP2) Fernandez Racing; Single car entry (Acura/LMP2) Rahal/Letterman Racing; 1/2 car entry, Porsche 911 RSR (GT2) Meanwhile Chip Ganassi is the sole team owner to field a two car Grand Am DP (Daytona Prototype) entry... Does this imply that these owners aren’t entirely confident of the IRL’s future success or simply diversifying?
With both series releasing expanded 2007 schedules and Champ Car’s new “non-oval friendly” Panoz DP-01 chassis, DON’T expect an Open Wheel merger anytime in the future…
Kalkhoven spent the Surfer’s Paradise weekend wooing potential 2007 Champ Car team owner Paul Stoddart. Stoddart attended the race as a guest of Kalkhoven’s watching the action from the PKV Racing pit box.
Car count’s still seem to be a major issue for both series. While Champ Car may actually increase its 2007 roster, the IRL appears to be shrinking? Adrian Fernandez’s team appears to be folding as Fernandez Racing driver Scott Sharp has been confirmed at Rahal/Letterman Racing with teammate Kosuke Matsuura having been confirmed at Panther Racing. This will leave the IRL with 16 cars being campaigned by 8 teams…
There are currently two new Champ Car teams planning to debut in 2007. Pacific Coast Motorsports is definite with the second team still undetermined. This could possibly push Champ Cars car count to over 20 entries…
The lone bright spot for the IRL is that Darren Manning has been confirmed at AJ Foyt Racing for 2007. Manning previously drove for Chip Ganassi before being released in mid-2005. Larry Foyt (AJ’s son) will take over as Team Director as “Super Tax” celebrates his 50th season of racing…
Interestingly ALL of the IRL’s “Big Mac’s” err, big name Team Owners are either starting or currently have Sports car operations. The ALMS (American Le Mans Series) is heavily favored with team owners favoring this racing series. ALMS Teams include: Roger Penske; 2 Car Porsche RSR Spider team. (LMP2) Andretti-Green Racing; Single car entry (Courage/Acura LMP2) Fernandez Racing; Single car entry (Acura/LMP2) Rahal/Letterman Racing; 1/2 car entry, Porsche 911 RSR (GT2) Meanwhile Chip Ganassi is the sole team owner to field a two car Grand Am DP (Daytona Prototype) entry... Does this imply that these owners aren’t entirely confident of the IRL’s future success or simply diversifying?
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Gene Continues
Ferrari has signed Marc Gene to continue as a Ferrari test driver for 2007. Yet with the new testing restrictions going into effect next season, it’s unknown just how much testing Gene will do…
No More Imola
Although the FIA’s preliminary calendar hasn’t listed Imola, there seems to be a yearly debate over the races fate. It now appears that in typical Italian fashion Italy has squandered its chances to host the 2007 San Marino Grand Prix…
Speed Bumps
Apparently there are rumours making the rounds that American Formula 1 driver Scott Speed may be in jeopardy of loosing his seat at Scuderia Toro Rosso next season?
Monday, November 13, 2006
Mexico City Finale
Once again the Rick Daly show was bemusing as always… Kind of like the Good, Bad & Ugly… I was amazed how much actual on-track coverage was given between commercial breaks. And even better yet, was the onboard footage of Justin Wilson and the announcers going silent to listen to Justin’s throttle applications in the wet!
This was the final race for the stall hart Lola chassis and the ubiquitous “pop-off” valve. The current Lola chassis has soldiered on for 7 seasons with the pop-off valve in exsistance since 1979. Next year Champ Cars will have a fresh look with the racing debut of the Panoz DP-01. This chassis features Formula 1 paddle shifting and front wing. The pop-off valve will be replaced by electronic controls amongst other powertrain improvements…
At each race venue the Ford/Cosworth’s “Power to Push” ratings are manipulated per Champ Cars requirements. For Mexico City’s high altitude event the “Cosie’s” wee slightly “de-tuned.” During the majority of the season Champ Car has utilized a base output of 750bhp with 60 seconds of “turbo-boost” for a peak power output of 800bhp.
According to Derrick Daly; this weekend the XFE V-8’s base power was regulated to 680bhp with an additional 60bhp of power to push for 180 seconds. Daly noted the extra 60bhp equated to an extra 300 revs, with top speeds of 200+ mph along the long front straight…
Team Australia’s Will Power won Rookie of the Year while claiming his first career podium. Power’s competition “Speedy” Dan Clarke DNF’ed with a broken differential.
Buddy Rice piloted the ex-AJ Almendinger #7 with rookie David Martinez making his Champ Car debut aboard “Sand Dune” Tracy’s #3. Rice spent the entire weekend trying to get used to the unique characteristics of the Lola Ford/Cosworth. Rice mentioned how the turbo lag took a little time to get used to. Yet, Rice’s major problem for the weekend was trying to adjust to the brakes. Apparently Rice was never able to come to grips with how hard and deep you needed to stand on the discs compared to the IRL chassis he’s used to…
The GOOD:
Pit reporters Jon Beekhuis & Cameron Steele. Justin Wilson capturing pole position with a broken right wrist. Justin utilized a custom carbon fiber brace to enable him to drive the entire weekend…
The BAD:
Rick “SMARTWALL” Benjamin just couldn’t refrain himself, having to once again promote Andrew Ranger’s sponsor Wallmart SEVEN times…
The UGLY!
Sebastian Bourdais brazen kamikaze overtaking maneuver of Justin Wilson for the lead… With Justin obviously suffering fatigure from his broken wrist, “Sea Bass” hounded Justin relentlessly during the final 6 laps. Then on the final lap Sebastian “dive bombed” Justin into a corner using Justin as a pool table cushion to take the lead… And contrary to what Ed Hilton (Co-host of Wind Tunnel) said about that being a legitimate move. Sebastian admitted that he used Justin’s car as a side-rail saying he knew he could bounce off of Justin’s sidepod with minimal damaged to his suspension!
This was the final race for the stall hart Lola chassis and the ubiquitous “pop-off” valve. The current Lola chassis has soldiered on for 7 seasons with the pop-off valve in exsistance since 1979. Next year Champ Cars will have a fresh look with the racing debut of the Panoz DP-01. This chassis features Formula 1 paddle shifting and front wing. The pop-off valve will be replaced by electronic controls amongst other powertrain improvements…
At each race venue the Ford/Cosworth’s “Power to Push” ratings are manipulated per Champ Cars requirements. For Mexico City’s high altitude event the “Cosie’s” wee slightly “de-tuned.” During the majority of the season Champ Car has utilized a base output of 750bhp with 60 seconds of “turbo-boost” for a peak power output of 800bhp.
According to Derrick Daly; this weekend the XFE V-8’s base power was regulated to 680bhp with an additional 60bhp of power to push for 180 seconds. Daly noted the extra 60bhp equated to an extra 300 revs, with top speeds of 200+ mph along the long front straight…
Team Australia’s Will Power won Rookie of the Year while claiming his first career podium. Power’s competition “Speedy” Dan Clarke DNF’ed with a broken differential.
Buddy Rice piloted the ex-AJ Almendinger #7 with rookie David Martinez making his Champ Car debut aboard “Sand Dune” Tracy’s #3. Rice spent the entire weekend trying to get used to the unique characteristics of the Lola Ford/Cosworth. Rice mentioned how the turbo lag took a little time to get used to. Yet, Rice’s major problem for the weekend was trying to adjust to the brakes. Apparently Rice was never able to come to grips with how hard and deep you needed to stand on the discs compared to the IRL chassis he’s used to…
The GOOD:
Pit reporters Jon Beekhuis & Cameron Steele. Justin Wilson capturing pole position with a broken right wrist. Justin utilized a custom carbon fiber brace to enable him to drive the entire weekend…
The BAD:
Rick “SMARTWALL” Benjamin just couldn’t refrain himself, having to once again promote Andrew Ranger’s sponsor Wallmart SEVEN times…
The UGLY!
Sebastian Bourdais brazen kamikaze overtaking maneuver of Justin Wilson for the lead… With Justin obviously suffering fatigure from his broken wrist, “Sea Bass” hounded Justin relentlessly during the final 6 laps. Then on the final lap Sebastian “dive bombed” Justin into a corner using Justin as a pool table cushion to take the lead… And contrary to what Ed Hilton (Co-host of Wind Tunnel) said about that being a legitimate move. Sebastian admitted that he used Justin’s car as a side-rail saying he knew he could bounce off of Justin’s sidepod with minimal damaged to his suspension!
Friday, November 10, 2006
Viva La Mexico
RuSPORT
Justin Wilson will travel to Mexico City with RuSPORT, where Justin plans to compete this weekend broken wrist and all…
As The World of Forsythe Turns
Forsythe’s “Big Adventure” continues… First Mario Dominguez fired, and then AJ Almenginer jumped to "RASSCAR."At least there’s always Mr. Reliable to fall back on, eh? Ywet nearly a fortnight ago, Paul Tracy decided to “Have a Few too many Drinks before Jumping Sand Dunes with a Golf Cart,” claimed England’s Autosport… “Sugar Ray” Tracy suffered a broken right scapula (shoulder blade) in the mishap. Recently Tracy phoned in to Wind Tunnel to give Dave Despain the “real skinny.”
In typical P.T. fashion; Tracy explained that yes, he’d had a few beers that afternoon while watching “MAC” Montoya slap the wall in the Busch Series race. But, NO he certainly was NOT drunk when he later took his Yamaha Rhino ATV out into the desert. I don’t even own a golf cart… Unfortunately I was jumping the Rhino and “It landed on Me…”
I was hoping to use the “I Slipped while Playing Tennis” excuse, but that was already taken. (Can you say Juan Pablo Montoya; McLaren, 2005) Or I was going to try using the “I Fell Down some Stairs when I slipped while carrying some Bags,” but that excuse has also been used already…
Although Tracy had promised to make Mexico City come “Hell or High water,” Tracy has since been forced to skip Champ Cars season finale. Thus Tracy will miss just his third race in 15 years due to injury…
Forsythe’s New Driver Line-up
Forsyther Racing had originally planned on running a third entry for the season finale. Following Tracy’s sand dune jumping “hi-jinx,” Forsythe will revert back to its normal two car operation…
Making his Champ Car debut alongside recently recruited ex-IRL driver Buddy Rice will be David Martinez. Martinez is a graduate of Champ Car Atlantics with vast single-seater experience including the A1 GP series…
Rice who was the Toyota Atlantics Champion in 2000 and won the 2004 Indy 500 will now step into the role of team leader taking over Tracy’s mount with rookie “wingman” Martinez running Almendinger’s chassis…
Justin Wilson will travel to Mexico City with RuSPORT, where Justin plans to compete this weekend broken wrist and all…
As The World of Forsythe Turns
Forsythe’s “Big Adventure” continues… First Mario Dominguez fired, and then AJ Almenginer jumped to "RASSCAR."At least there’s always Mr. Reliable to fall back on, eh? Ywet nearly a fortnight ago, Paul Tracy decided to “Have a Few too many Drinks before Jumping Sand Dunes with a Golf Cart,” claimed England’s Autosport… “Sugar Ray” Tracy suffered a broken right scapula (shoulder blade) in the mishap. Recently Tracy phoned in to Wind Tunnel to give Dave Despain the “real skinny.”
In typical P.T. fashion; Tracy explained that yes, he’d had a few beers that afternoon while watching “MAC” Montoya slap the wall in the Busch Series race. But, NO he certainly was NOT drunk when he later took his Yamaha Rhino ATV out into the desert. I don’t even own a golf cart… Unfortunately I was jumping the Rhino and “It landed on Me…”
I was hoping to use the “I Slipped while Playing Tennis” excuse, but that was already taken. (Can you say Juan Pablo Montoya; McLaren, 2005) Or I was going to try using the “I Fell Down some Stairs when I slipped while carrying some Bags,” but that excuse has also been used already…
Although Tracy had promised to make Mexico City come “Hell or High water,” Tracy has since been forced to skip Champ Cars season finale. Thus Tracy will miss just his third race in 15 years due to injury…
Forsythe’s New Driver Line-up
Forsyther Racing had originally planned on running a third entry for the season finale. Following Tracy’s sand dune jumping “hi-jinx,” Forsythe will revert back to its normal two car operation…
Making his Champ Car debut alongside recently recruited ex-IRL driver Buddy Rice will be David Martinez. Martinez is a graduate of Champ Car Atlantics with vast single-seater experience including the A1 GP series…
Rice who was the Toyota Atlantics Champion in 2000 and won the 2004 Indy 500 will now step into the role of team leader taking over Tracy’s mount with rookie “wingman” Martinez running Almendinger’s chassis…
Wednesday, November 8, 2006
Spyking Profits
Ever needed to boost your corporate bottom line? Spyker Cars has done exactly that with the purchase of the Midland F1 Racing Formula One team. After paying $107 million to acquire MF1 Racing, stock prices have risen from $12.00 to $25.00 per share…
Spyker’s Smooth Moves
The Spyker F1 Team has announced a new sponsor for it’s 2007 campaign. Netherland’s Philoderm has been inked to a three year contract. Philoderm is a leading skin care brand manufactured by Rofil Medical in Breda.
Look for Spyker’s racing drivers healthy complexions to be accompanied by Philoderm’s logo plastered on the Spyker airboxes, drivers helmets and overalls...
Look for Spyker’s racing drivers healthy complexions to be accompanied by Philoderm’s logo plastered on the Spyker airboxes, drivers helmets and overalls...
Tuesday, November 7, 2006
Open Wheel Refuge
The American Le Mans Series hosted their season finale at Laguna Seca a few weekends ago, Since then a few interesting tidbits involving next year’s season have came to light…
As previously announced, Honda will join the swelling ranks of the LMP2 (Le Mans Prototype) category with three factory backed Acura powered entries. Current Andretti Green Racing (AGR) IRL team owner Michael Andretti will field one team alongside Grand-Am team owner/driver Adrian Fernandez. The third team features Andy Wallace aboard the Highcroft Racing (Duncan Dayton) entry…
At the SEMA show in Los Vegas, AGR announced that its one car LMP2 effort (Courage chassis) would be spearheaded by ex-IRL AGR team driver Bryan Herta. AGR IRL driver Dario Franchitti will partner Herta in selected events with Franchitti’s younger brother Mario doing the rest of the driving chores…
Roger Penske will return for his sophomore season, fielding two Porsche Spyders once again in the LMP2 category. Rumours abound over a Penske driver line-up shuffle. Current Penske drivers may depart for rides aboard Audi’s LMP1 juggernaut. Meanwhile Porsche Spyders are to be made available for privateers with deep pockets in 2007…
Bobby Rahal and team co-owner David Letterman have announced plans to compete in ALMS in 2007. Rahal/Letterman will field either one or two Porsche 911 RSR’s in the GT-2 category next season. Driver line-up TBA…
While the International media focused upon the retirement of 7 times World Champion Michael Schumacher, not much was made of Sports Car legend James Weaver’s retirement. Posting “Schumacher like-numbers,” Weaver amassed an amazing 100 career victories, 200 podiums and 67 pole positions during a 20 year career with Dyson Racing…
As previously announced, Honda will join the swelling ranks of the LMP2 (Le Mans Prototype) category with three factory backed Acura powered entries. Current Andretti Green Racing (AGR) IRL team owner Michael Andretti will field one team alongside Grand-Am team owner/driver Adrian Fernandez. The third team features Andy Wallace aboard the Highcroft Racing (Duncan Dayton) entry…
At the SEMA show in Los Vegas, AGR announced that its one car LMP2 effort (Courage chassis) would be spearheaded by ex-IRL AGR team driver Bryan Herta. AGR IRL driver Dario Franchitti will partner Herta in selected events with Franchitti’s younger brother Mario doing the rest of the driving chores…
Roger Penske will return for his sophomore season, fielding two Porsche Spyders once again in the LMP2 category. Rumours abound over a Penske driver line-up shuffle. Current Penske drivers may depart for rides aboard Audi’s LMP1 juggernaut. Meanwhile Porsche Spyders are to be made available for privateers with deep pockets in 2007…
Bobby Rahal and team co-owner David Letterman have announced plans to compete in ALMS in 2007. Rahal/Letterman will field either one or two Porsche 911 RSR’s in the GT-2 category next season. Driver line-up TBA…
While the International media focused upon the retirement of 7 times World Champion Michael Schumacher, not much was made of Sports Car legend James Weaver’s retirement. Posting “Schumacher like-numbers,” Weaver amassed an amazing 100 career victories, 200 podiums and 67 pole positions during a 20 year career with Dyson Racing…
Monday, November 6, 2006
Ferrari Rearranges F1 Team Structure
As expected, upon Michael Schumacher’s retirement from Formula One, Ferrari has made several changes towards key positions of its F1 racing team. Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro’s top staff: Jean Todt, Ross Brawn and Paolo Martinelli have all changed positions with Ferrari’s F1 team taking on a more Italian “feel.” Chief Mechanic Nigel Stefany has announced his retirement while Michael Schumacher has been appointed assistant to Jean Todt…
Saturday, November 4, 2006
Gascoyne’s Gardening Leave
Mike Gascoyne, ex-Toyota Technical Director has begun his new employment with Spyker this past Wednesday. (Nov. 1) Gascoyne, who’d been on “Gardening Leave” since departing Toyota mid-season will become Spyker’s new Chief Technology Officer.
Gascoyne first came to prominence designing winning Formula 1 chassis for privateer Eddie Jordan in the late 1990’s before departing for Benetton/Renault. After a brief stint for Flavio Briatore, Gascoyne went on “Gardening Leave” in order to join Toyota before turning full-circle and returning to Spyker. Spyker recently acquired the Midland F1 Racing team which had purchased Jordan Grand Prix.
Once again in typical Formula One PR “speak,” Gascoyne has promised to move Spyker towards the “sharp end of the grid.” However, Gascoyne warns: “Don’t expect too much from Spyker immediately.” The Ferrari engine deal came together late and Gascoyne joined the team even later. The new chassis for 2007 was mostly completed by November 1st. Gascoyne expects to focus on the future of Spyker, which begins its first full F1 campaign next year…
Gascoyne first came to prominence designing winning Formula 1 chassis for privateer Eddie Jordan in the late 1990’s before departing for Benetton/Renault. After a brief stint for Flavio Briatore, Gascoyne went on “Gardening Leave” in order to join Toyota before turning full-circle and returning to Spyker. Spyker recently acquired the Midland F1 Racing team which had purchased Jordan Grand Prix.
Once again in typical Formula One PR “speak,” Gascoyne has promised to move Spyker towards the “sharp end of the grid.” However, Gascoyne warns: “Don’t expect too much from Spyker immediately.” The Ferrari engine deal came together late and Gascoyne joined the team even later. The new chassis for 2007 was mostly completed by November 1st. Gascoyne expects to focus on the future of Spyker, which begins its first full F1 campaign next year…
Friday, November 3, 2006
Zanardi’s Return
Former Formula One and two time ChART (Champ Car) Series Champion Alex Zanardi will make his return to a single seater cockpit for the first time in several years. Zanardi will test a BMW-Sauber F1 chassis in Valencia on November 26
Who Wants to Be A Millionaire?
Who Wants to Be A Millionaire?
Another Halloween has past and it appears that the majority of TRICK’S were played upon Open Wheel racing as their “top-flight” drivers continue to DEFECT towards the ure of “Big Money!” Here’s a look at how the Motorsports goody “grab-bag” made out…
TRICK: AJ Almendinger leaves Forsythe Racing for NASCAR.
Treat: Forsythe hires Buddy Rice to replace Almendinger for Mexico.
TRICK: Almendinger smacks wall during Craftsman Truck race
Treat: Red Bull gives Almendinger MILLIONS to drive their Nextel Cup Toyota Camry…
TRICK: Juan Pablo Montoya QUITS Formula One. Montoya leaves McLaren after “Juan” final accident. (7 car pile-up in Turn 1 of USGP on opening lap)
Treat:”MAC” Montoya makes impressive ARCA Stock Car debut, finishing third. “MAC” then DNF’s in ARCA and finished 11th after crashing during his Busch Series debut…
TRICK: Alex Zanardi’s horrific Champ Car accident at the Lausitzring… (Germany)
Treat: Zanardi gets Formula One test ride with BMW-Sauber…
TRICK: Danica Patrick’s manager (Father) trolls NASCAR pit lane prior to contract renegotiations…
Treat: Dania signs lucrative 3yr deal to drive for Andretti-Green Racing…
TRICK: Sam Hornish Jr. beats rookie Marco Andretti on the final lap to win Rodger Penske’s record 13th Indy 500 victory… (Continuing the Andretti “Curse”)
Treat: 2006 IRL Champion Hornish will enter the final two Busch Series races, testing the NASCAR waters… Although committed to a full IRL schedule in 2007, Hornish will contest a partial 2007 Busch Series season for Penske with eyes on jumping into Nextel Cup full time in 2008…
Another Halloween has past and it appears that the majority of TRICK’S were played upon Open Wheel racing as their “top-flight” drivers continue to DEFECT towards the ure of “Big Money!” Here’s a look at how the Motorsports goody “grab-bag” made out…
TRICK: AJ Almendinger leaves Forsythe Racing for NASCAR.
Treat: Forsythe hires Buddy Rice to replace Almendinger for Mexico.
TRICK: Almendinger smacks wall during Craftsman Truck race
Treat: Red Bull gives Almendinger MILLIONS to drive their Nextel Cup Toyota Camry…
TRICK: Juan Pablo Montoya QUITS Formula One. Montoya leaves McLaren after “Juan” final accident. (7 car pile-up in Turn 1 of USGP on opening lap)
Treat:”MAC” Montoya makes impressive ARCA Stock Car debut, finishing third. “MAC” then DNF’s in ARCA and finished 11th after crashing during his Busch Series debut…
TRICK: Alex Zanardi’s horrific Champ Car accident at the Lausitzring… (Germany)
Treat: Zanardi gets Formula One test ride with BMW-Sauber…
TRICK: Danica Patrick’s manager (Father) trolls NASCAR pit lane prior to contract renegotiations…
Treat: Dania signs lucrative 3yr deal to drive for Andretti-Green Racing…
TRICK: Sam Hornish Jr. beats rookie Marco Andretti on the final lap to win Rodger Penske’s record 13th Indy 500 victory… (Continuing the Andretti “Curse”)
Treat: 2006 IRL Champion Hornish will enter the final two Busch Series races, testing the NASCAR waters… Although committed to a full IRL schedule in 2007, Hornish will contest a partial 2007 Busch Series season for Penske with eyes on jumping into Nextel Cup full time in 2008…
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