See what happens when you go on Holiday for a few days? All Hell seemingly breaks loose in the “Vurld der Motorsporten,” Ja-Ja!
Castroneves freed on $10m bail
This by far was the most shocking news of the past week, of which I was totally unaware of until returning from Minnesota last evening. As thanks to Indiana Bureau Chief Danny B, the news was awaiting my return...
As apparently Penske Racing’s Helio Castroneves has been charged with several counts of Fraud and Tax Evasion by the Internal Revenue Service and was seen putting on another of his Hollywood cameos in the courtroom, when breaking down in tears...
Obviously, this isn’t the type of publicity that the Indy Car series is seeking, as this could potentially leave a very black mark upon one of the leagues two Prima Dona’s, Err, “Top Stars.”
To read more, see; Castroneves pleads not guilty in tax case
Canada loses Grand Prix
And while I find the Castroneves business quite alarming, I find the cancellation of the 2009 Canadian Grand Prix even more disturbing, as the FIA (nee Emperor Bernardo) has just dropped the longtime Montreal event from its latest 2009 calendar, which will see the North American shores totally devoid of any Formula 1 races next year, which seems certain to cause some rancor with the worlds leading Auto manufacturers, eh?
Apparently the Canadian Grand Prix has ran into the dreaded effects of the ever increasing Global economic crisis, of which is being spearheaded by the United States, yet Montreal’s loss will have a major economic fallout upon the city, which reportedly benefits by the massive $100 million the event pumps into the local economy.
Turkey will now take Canada’s place upon the F1 calendar and allow the Formula One circus a month long break during the summer, of which the teams employees rightfully deserve, but will do little to inspire Canadian fans... Hey, I know! Why can’t Emperor Bernardo give his friend and long time “Kuhnuck” whipping boy Normand Legault, (NOT to be confused with Sir Maxxum...) the event promoter since 1981, a monetary handout, Err, I meant bailout? Oh yeah, that’s right. Bernie NEVER spends any of his money...
“Rafa” called up to the Majors
Interestingly, reigning Indy Lights Champion Rafael Matos has been announced as Luczo Dragon’s chauffer of its #12 Dallara Honda Indy Car for the 2009 season. Matos has been on a quite impressive streak of late, having previously won the 2007 Champ Car Atlantics Championship, along with taking the GT class victory at this year’s Rolex 24 at Daytona, Overall victory aboard a Daytona Prototype for Michael Shank Racing at the Gran d Am’s season finale at Miller Motorsport Park and winning the Skip Barber and Star Mazda Championships previously.
Although there’s no word upon Tomas Scheckter’s future with the team, presumably Matos signing leaves the South African driver as a free agent upon the Indy Car driver market, as I’m wondering how this arrangement came about, since I thought that Matos was a contracted Andretti Green Racing driver? Yet, this is certainly good news for aspiring Indy Lights contestants, as yet, none have been able to be given legitimate shots in the Indy Car World Series...
