Francesco Dracone replaces Romancini @ Conquest

[gm99]

Certainly better than 90% of the IndyCar field

And what brings you to the conclusion that only two drivers (which ones, by the way) in the current field are better than Dracone, who has failed to get as much as a single podium in years of Italian F3 and F3000 (neither of which is known to be exactly the pinnacle of ladder series)?

Apart from Duno, I can't think of a single driver in the Indy Field with a worse pedigree than him.

[TURN3]

Apart from Duno, I can't think of a single driver in the Indy Field with a worse pedigree than him.

I'm not advocating this driver in any way but, from the minimal info I've gathered from this board, the stats are NO WORSE than numerous drivers in the field. That isn't good of course but that is the point of where we are in terms of driver talent these days. As I referred to a few posts ago, Princess doesn't have a pedigree much different than the few stats posted about this guy. Sorry to bring it up or point it out but that is a fact and a fact why I've been on such a bandwagon of hatred toward her celebrity for 5 years now.

As far as other drivers, I'm not sure, I haven't looked into their careers in depth. I'd be curious of drivers EJ Viso (who I think was relatively accomplised but I'm not sure) and Moraes. Every other driver seems to have at least had success in lower formulas even if they haven't carried that over to Indycar (i.e. Marco). But if Danica can go winless for a career and never really be completitive, to suddenly the face of AOW, hell anything is possible!

[Dr. Krogshöj]

In F-1 there are but a few who are true ride buyers. And even those have some talent. Petrov comes to mind. Even Chandock and Senna are capable drivers. Not top tier but not an embarrassment.

You forgot to mention Yamamoto... He was lapped by Senna at the Hungaroring the other day. But Senna and Petrov have very credible GP2 records. Dracone hasn't shown anything in lower formulae. People were harsh on Baguette but at least he won the the title in a prestigeous European feeder series. I expect Francesco to only beat Milka by 4.5 seconds.

[glauistean]

Actually, if some of you looked up some of the european press on him , he is noted as being a pretty good driver but drove inferior equipment. I belive it is La Gazetta del la Sport (sport).

As for Danicur. Well as much as Milka is parked for handling. Patrick is constantly whining on the radio about her car staying away just a tad to avoid contact.

[SUBARUTEAM]

i think that to fix the problem, they should apply the 107% rule at qualifing. if you can't set a time within 107% of the pole time, you don't start. of course, even at 107%, you'll be getting lapped within 15 laps.

[GRW1983]

i think that to fix the problem, they should apply the 107% rule at qualifing. if you can't set a time within 107% of the pole time, you don't start. of course, even at 107%, you'll be getting lapped within 15 laps.

I couldn't agree more. Duno should never be allowed to start if her times in qualy aren't within 107% of the pole time. Lets see how CITGO react if she's constantly a DNQ on every road/street track.

Also, I wonder if Dracone could spring a surprise and outqualify Danica this weekend. That would be quite funny!!!

[GRW1983]

Yes, that's exactly what we need. Her CITGO money to go away causing Coyne to close his doors. His team has only been a staunch support team through a long history in CART/CC/IRL, even recording some decent finishes.

In no way am I advocating for Dale Coyne Racing to close it's doors, as you've said they've been a staunch support team over the years and have even won a race. They have survived for so long on limited budgets and that is a credit to them. I just hope that Dale Coyne is working on finding a budget to run a two car team next year without Milka Duno. Make do with her this year, if her money is keeping the team afloat and safeguarding jobs.

However, to build for the future, run a young American alongside Alex Lloyd next year (JR Hildebrand springs to mind) and try and get the Boy Scouts sponsorship increased. Even if budgets are tight, surely there are better ride-buyers out there than running Milka Duno. Someone like Baguette or Romancini would be a vast improvement over what Duno brings in terms of driving talent.

[Dr. Krogshöj]

In no way am I advocating for Dale Coyne Racing to close it's doors, as you've said they've been a staunch support team over the years and have even won a race. They have survived for so long on limited budgets and that is a credit to them. I just hope that Dale Coyne is working on finding a budget to run a two car team next year without Milka Duno. Make do with her this year, if her money is keeping the team afloat and safeguarding jobs.

However, to build for the future, run a young American alongside Alex Lloyd next year (JR Hildebrand springs to mind) and try and get the Boy Scouts sponsorship increased. Even if budgets are tight, surely there are better ride-buyers out there than running Milka Duno. Someone like Baguette or Romancini would be a vast improvement over what Duno brings in terms of driving talent.

As far as I know, there is no "Boy Scouts sponsorship" as such. It's just a partnership because Dale wants to create publicity for this cause, but the budget comes from CITGO. What someone should explain to me is why CITGO wants Milka in the car? Are they not unpopular enough in the USA without her? Why not EJ Viso? Pastor Maldonado might be available next year too, he's leading the GP2 series but graduating to F1 is doubtful for him. Even Rodolfo Gonzalez (GP2 backmarker) or Alex Garcia (former Atlantics backmarker) would be better options than Milka when it comes to Venezuelan drivers.

[Mark in Oshawa]

Yes, that's exactly what we need. Her CITGO money to go away causing Coyne to close his doors. His team has only been a staunch support team through a long history in CART/CC/IRL, even recording some decent finishes.

This is the whole reason Coyne has her on the team. That said, This next nobody with limited talent and a check isn't much better.

Coyne has to decide at some point, is it better to be a real race team, or just keep the doors open?

Last year, he won a race with Justin Wilson. How could he not build on that?

[chuck34]

What someone should explain to me is why CITGO wants Milka in the car?

Married to the CFO, or some other "high up".