JPM to Penske Indycar in 2014

[bricarr2]

Eagle Eye:

I think everyone thought JPM was back to NASCAR after the Andretti thing fell through. But like he's done so many times before, The Captain played his cards close to the vest and shocked everyone.

I think I speak for everyone here at AR1 in saying I believe its awesome JPM will be back in an IndyCar.

Thanks for reading,

Brian

[EagleEye]

Brian,

The problem with AR1 is the editorial comments placed in the news and rumors section. JPM had turned down Andretti, and this could have been reported in the rumors section, and left at that. Instead, AR1 inserts commentary bashing Indycar. How about calling FR, and asking IF JPM had excepted their offer? How about calling JPM?! I did not know it was Indycar's job to hire drivers, btw. A new one to me, and Indycar?!

This is no different that AR1 inserting stupid comments like "out of talent" Jeff Gordon when he crashed recently (JG, talent-less?!) and the countless onslaught against AJ Almindinger, based largely on his AR1's with his manager. (And, to be honest, I would agree 100% with MarkC that she is an "itch" with a B!). And of course, the slow, Dallara DW12, which really is not slow, but hey, why let facts get in the place of one's preferred narrative.

Then all the "NASCAR is the enemy BS." I'll tell you what was never mentioned in NASCAR's discussions with NBC....Indycar! They are not concerned with a series that garners ratings lower than an infomercials! A little research would find that the enemy is from within...but then that is a different topic all together and does not fit AR1's narrative either.

Penske has made noise of signing a third driver, for some time. This has been out there and has not been much of a secret. There had been some movement for top drivers, and this one kind of played out to the Captain's favor. Do not be surprised if Penske remain a two car team for 2014, with one driver (HCN) racing Indy only in the future....that has been out there too, and it could go either way.

AR1 should report facts, and stop inserting the insulting, and unsubstantiated comments. BTW, how do crow eggs taste?

[bricarr2]

EE:

My previous reply was specific to the Montoya situation. To my knowledge (and correct me if I'm wrong) no publication had him going to Penske before yesterday's announcement, thus I didn't think criticism of AR1 was fair. You're right AR1 did not have the story, but no one else did either.

As for your points regarding the news and rumors page, I believe you've raised this issue before. While I wish I could be of more assistance, such decisions are made way above this lowly columnist's pay grade, and are best taken up with Mark C.

Best,

Brian

[EagleEye]

BC,

The criticism of AR1 is justified based on this:

"This rumor is downgraded to 'false' today as Montoya has told Andretti Autosport his is not going to IndyCar. Once again IndyCar gets egg on its face by pandering to NASCAR and its drivers. Notice how well Montoya has been qualifying in NASCAR lately so he lands with a new sponsor and team in NASCAR. See related article "Pandering to IndyCar's mortal enemy."

Indycar DID not pander to NASCAR, and the story had yet to be told. Erase that and the rest of the garbage, then the update reflects a bit more reality.

JPM was going to go where he had the best chance to get a good paycheck, and have a chance for winning. Just like TK, AJ, and others.

I'm guessing crow tastes like chicken....

[bricarr2]

Ok fair enough.

Let me just say my defense of AR1 was that no one had the Montoya-to-Penske story. Your criticism of AR1 which is valid is that when he rejected Andretti, AR1's report said that he wouldn't go to IndyCar.

My apologies for not reading the full text of what was written and objecting to something you weren't actually even talking about.

That said, I still say you should raise your objection with Mark, as I recall you have had similar grievances in the past. And would you mind explaining this fascination with me sampling different varietals of crow?

Best,

Brian

[anthonyvop]

OK so what $$$ is he bringing to the table?

Who says he is? He has a ton of sponsor appeal.

Gary

That is what they said about Rubens Barrichello. How did that work out?

[EagleEye]

For those who are slow, give horrible interviews, or think that "Back Home in Indiana" has a line that says "..Moonlight on the water..."

Eating crow is an American colloquial idiom,[1] meaning humiliation by admitting wrongness or having been proved wrong after taking a strong position.[2] Crow is presumably foul-tasting in the same way that being proved wrong might be emotionally hard to swallow.

BTW, its "..moonlight on the WABASH..."

The ED Carpenter interview is really good, btw. Take notes...( then I giggled, and he frowned).

[bricarr2]

EE:

You're a lot like me in that you're passionate about IndyCar. I think you misunderstood, however, my question about eating crow.

See, I didn't actually write the Montoya thing. Yes, AR1 did, but as I pointed out that is not my department. Thus, I was wondering why I should be eating crow.

Anyway, the fact we're even talking about this has reminded me these type of forums are simply not a very good platform for productive dialogue. So, this is the last you'll hear from me.

However, if anyone has questions regarding IndyCar and/or my work at AR1 please contact me via email (BrianC@AutoRacing1.com). If I cannot help you directly, I will refer you to someone who can.

Best to everyone,

Brian

[garyshell]

OK so what $$$ is he bringing to the table?

Who says he is? He has a ton of sponsor appeal.

Gary

That is what they said about Rubens Barrichello. How did that work out?

Are you REALLY going to compare the sponsor appeal of Juan against Ruben? That is just ridiculous on its very face.

Gary

[EagleEye]

BC,

I know you did not write the rumor piece or ED Carp interview (it was good), but you did write "...moonlight on the water..." and some other editorials that lacked first hand knowledge or facts. You have started going to races, which is a start at least....

The point is AR1 used to be a top notch source for racing information, news, updates, technical articles, rumors, and information. I was a huge supporter of AR1, but it seems like the last few years we get nothing but cheap shots, half-truths, and innuendo.

It would be great if the quality and integrity of the reporting and comments could be improved and based on facts in the news and rumors section. Narrative or opinions should be put on an opinion/editorial page, and not presented as facts.

I don't have anything against you, or AR1. I remain a paying customer, for now. but like the Hulman Goerge family and their many "yes" man and woman, AR1 seems to have a lot of "yes" men too. I have provided honest insight to whay others have been saying about the decline in AR1, and it can been listened too or ignored.

The fact remains you (as employee of AR1) followed and commented on my thread about breaking news about JPM/Penske that AR1 got all wrong and has egg on its face for senseless comments. You took exception to my post, though you later clarified that you had missed the lines I was refering too, but prior to that, your tried supporting them!

IF, AR1 had done proper reporting 101 (check the facts, check your sources, and check them again! from my high school paper days at least) AR1 could have correctly provided the fact that JPM turned down Andretti, and looked to be going to FR, though no contract or announcement is forthcoming about that. Done, preffesional, and with no egg dripping off the face....