Danica not in USF1 future

[MDS]

Per Jayski:
Sources tell AutoRacingSport.com that NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers AJ Allmendinger and Scott Speed are 'definitely' on the short list of the newly formed USF1 Formula 1 team that's set to begin competition in 2010 while IndyCar star Danica Patrick and NASCAR Sprint Cup sensation 'Kyle Busch are not. Ken and Peter (Ken Anderson and Peter Windsor-USF1 team Principals) are really looking for open wheel experience, and Scott and AJ (Speed and Allmendinger) fit that bill quite well, with AJ being a winner in Champ Car and Scott having F1 experience.' our source informs us.
Honestly, its probably a good thing for Danica because even if they raise the $65 million I'm not sure how effective that might be, and it will likely take them years to be competitive. Also, with the government effectively owning stakes in the "Big Three" don't look for an American manufacture to come on board.

[harvick#1]

also coming last in every event is all but certain if she was driving ;)

not to be mean, but that would be reality

[MDS]

Whomever gets that seat is likely to come in last every time

[ykiki]

Whomever gets that seat is likely to come in last every time

Hey, they've got a teammate - they could come in second-to-last! ;)

[garyshell]

Whomever gets that seat is likely to come in last every time


Wasn't that what was being said about the ex-Honda, now Brawn, team just a few weeks ago?

Gary

[Jag_Warrior]

After watching qualies for the Australian GP, I can now see how anything is possible. The status quo might return before the end of the season, but these rule changes have set F1 on its ear. More new rules are set to take effect next season, with regard to cost caps. So it all comes down to how well USF1 spends the money... that it may or may not have. We know it's not Ross Brawn, so has anyone heard who is designing this car for USF1?

As for Danica, the only thing she could bring to USF1 is maybe some sponsorship. She is far from being any sort of road course ace. On the best team, I don't imagine she'd win a race or even make the podium in GP2 - maybe that's why she came up with excuses not to do A1GP. Why shatter the fantasy that she is potential F1 material? Smart move, IMO. In the IRL, she's a big fish in a little pond. In F1, she'd be a guppy in an ocean of sharks. I don't believe that her temper tantrums and childish behavior would be tolerated there. She's not stupid. In her heart, she probably knows all of that. But just like a guy who knows he has no chance with some supermodel type still likes to hear a compliment from her, Danica probably wants to hear her name mentioned in regard to an F1 team.

27 years old and she's won one race in her entire professonal career - and that was an oval. Other than the Pari$ Hilton factor, why would an F1 team even mention her name???

[Mark in Oshawa]

No one in their right minds would put Danica behind the wheel of an f1 car. She cant win in Indy Car, there is no way she is going to win in F1. She would be doing well to not wreck.

Lets face a reality. Danica is almost competant on road courses and she runs half decent on ovals. She isn't a champion and that would be a bare minimum to even make a short list from her background.

I think USF1 is in delusions however if they couldn't find a way to entice Kyle Busch to at least test the car when they get it built. This outfit needs pub and lots of it, and while Danica would give them that, Kyle would give them the NASCAR media and attention which in the long run might serve their purposes better.

IMO? They wont get Speed or Allmendinger either. The American who gets this ride will likely be Marco Andretti......because he will want it BAD enough, has family help obviously, and unlike Danica, might just have the talent if harnessed properly....

[Placid]

Other drivers who should get recognition would be Ryan Hunter-Reay, Jonathan Bomarito, Jonathan Summerton, and Richard Antinucci.

For testers will be Conor Daly, Alexander Rossi, Carl Skerlong and Sean McDonagh. Graham Rahal should also fill the void as is JR
Hildebrand.

[Easy Drifter]

Unless 'Stompin Danica' does a lot better in the season than she has in testing this year she may be hard pressed to find a ride in anything next year.
Anyway USF1 or whatever it is called this week looks to me to be less and less likely to get on the grid period, let alone next year.
There has been nothing new in almost 2 months. As far as I can see still no shop or employees or anything else. Not even a bare web site. If you cannot do anything in 2 months how the heck can you design and build a car and team from nothing in 12 months.
I hope I am wrong but I also have some practical experience of running a team and setting up a shop and all the equipment needed and that was with much simpler cars and bought cars.
To get some idea of what it entails read Steve Matchett's books 'A Mechanics Tale' and 'The Chariot Makers'. Just finding suppliers and finalizing contracts with them can take weeks.
Starting from scratch 70 million is not going to go far. You are going to need at least 6 cars. There is over a half million for just the ruddy steering wheels!
Engines probably at least 5 to 10 million depending on the rules for next year.
Designers and fabricators do not come cheap and neither do drivers. Computer whiz kids with the ability to understand and program dynamic flow and wind tunnel results will cost a fortune. Outside of drivers with no experience in any major series it will cost several million per driver. Nobody in their right mind is going to give you credit and most will be payment before or at time of delivery. That is for everything including small things like office supplies!

[garyshell]

IMO? They wont get Speed or Allmendinger either. The American who gets this ride will likely be Marco Andretti......because he will want it BAD enough, has family help obviously, and unlike Danica, might just have the talent if harnessed properly....

Marco? You have to be kidding. Lets look at his road racing stats:


2006
St Pete s:13 f:15
Watkins Glen s:3 f:16
Infineon s:2 f:1

2007
St Pete s:2 f:4
Watkins Glen s:6 f:5
Mid Ohio s:4 f:18
Infineon s:8 f:16
Belle Isle s:6 f:17

2008
St Pete s:12 f:25
Watkins Glen s:7 f:5
Mid Ohio s:3 f:25
Infineon s:10 f:14
Belle Isle s:13 f:18
Surfers s:14 f:13

Sorry, but Peter and his partners better have more sense than to pick this kid. The talk of Danica was just that talk. A PR move pure and simple. There is no way they would ever consider her for the ride. A test maybe, again to garner publicity, just like your suggestion that they should get Kyle a test. Just to raise awayness. But when it comes to picking a driver you better be sure you get a guy who can give you engineering feed back (that ain't Marco my friend), a guy who can win (that ain't Marco either) and a guy who isn't gonna come crying when the F1 guys had him his ass on a plate. Marco whines almost as much as his old man did. What do you want to bet that if he was offered a ride he would insist on living in the states and commuting for the job.

Gary

[Jag_Warrior]

What do you want to bet that if he was offered a ride he would insist on living in the states and commuting for the job.

Gary

He's almost like his dad... minus the talent, wins and the psycho wife.

I don't look for him to get talent or wins in the short term. But he could get himself the psycho wife - it's not too late for him to propose to Britney Spears or one of the Kardashian sisters. The little cute ones might not have him, but I bet the big one that resembles Sasquatch... I bet she'd love to get her paws on him. Come here, lil feller... give mama some luvin'! :D

Yeah, USF1 is starting to look like it's DOA. More like that F1 team that the Nigerian prince was going to fund or one of Forsythe's fantasy racing ventures than Brawn GP.

[DanicaFan]

The reason Danica isnt on the list is for 2 reasons..

1. They never approached her about it directly. They threw her name out and the media got a hold of it and spread it around as rumors. Danica herself, was shocked but flattered that her name was mentioned.

2. She said during a couple interviews that she was flattered her name was mentioned but that she is not interested in international travel. She wants to stay in the states. So in a nutshell, its basically.... "Thanks but no thanks."

It has nothing to do with her driving ability. We all know she is talented enough to drive in F1.

[harvick#1]

It has nothing to do with her driving ability. We all know she is talented enough to drive in F1.

sorry, no shes not. Surfers proved that time and time again

[MDS]

It would be nice to have one thread about her that didn't turn into a dump on Danica thread.

She is what she is. I get a lot of people are offended by her complete lack of talent and diva attitude, but get over it, I have. She's one of the biggest stars in the IRL.

[Jag_Warrior]

It would be nice to have one thread about her that didn't turn into a dump on Danica thread.

She is what she is. I get a lot of people are offended by her complete lack of talent and diva attitude, but get over it, I have. She's one of the biggest stars in the IRL.

"complete lack of talent and diva attitude"... but don't dump on her. :vampire:

OK, ya got me. Is that Rottweiler-like sarcasm or are you being serious? Well, it got me :rotflmao: either way.

[MDS]

Jag, we all know what Danica is and what she isn't, and constantly dumping on her on thread after thread gets old. Can we move past that? Or does every time someone brings up her name are we subject to a dozen posts telling us what a talentless hack she is. I'm tired of seeing post after post of negative, even though some would consider it accurate, critique of her driving ability and personality.

Seriously, move on everyone.

[elis]

We all know she is talented enough to drive in F1.

Sometimes it's necessary to polish the rose tinted glasses, in order to see the reality more clearly.

Whilst some may 'commend' your enthusiasm & constant cheerleading for Danica, there does come a time were the obsession has to give way to the hard facts of the situation... Mrs Hospenthal is simply not Formula 1 road racing material.

imo

[shazbot]

"It has nothing to do with her driving ability. We all know she is talented enough to drive in F1."


:rotflmao: :rotflmao: :rotflmao: :rotflmao:

[DBell]

Wasn't that what was being said about the ex-Honda, now Brawn, team just a few weeks ago?

Gary


True, but USGPE won't have Ross Brawn. They will also start a year into the new rules where the will surely be behind the currant teams.

[SarahFan]

T We all know she is talented enough to drive in F1.

I certainly don't "know" that in any way or form...

I in fact "know" she isnt...

and suspect very few if anyone believe she is....in fact deep down I suspect you don't either

[Jag_Warrior]

Jag, we all know what Danica is and what she isn't, and constantly dumping on her on thread after thread gets old. Can we move past that? Or does every time someone brings up her name are we subject to a dozen posts telling us what a talentless hack she is. I'm tired of seeing post after post of negative, even though some would consider it accurate, critique of her driving ability and personality.

Seriously, move on everyone.

I really wasn't sure; I thought maybe you were being sarcastic. I mean, you sort of offered her up on a platter with your thread about this. Here's a driver who hasn't won anything close to a roadcourse since she was racing go-karts... and she's not being considered for an F1 ride?! No! Get outta here! :eek: The steak knives are in the cupboard. The forks are in the drawer on the left. Have at her!

I'm not trying to (just) dump on her, but what else could have been said other than what was said? I said maybe she could bring $, but that's all she would have to offer. What else has she got for an F1 team... even a vapor F1 team? Seriously. :confused:

[MDS]

I'd like to think that I can be sarcastic, humorous and make a point all at the same time.

She's a mediocre talent who largely got her break by posing in swimwear and believes she is much better than she actually is. I get it. Some people don't like her, I don't either actually, but do constantly have to insult the woman?

But honestly, she is important, and I would hate to see her leave the sport, for F-1, NASCAR or anything else. Personally, I'd like to see Kathrine Legge added to the series as well.

[SarahFan]

But honestly, she is important, and I would hate to see her leave the sport, for F-1, NASCAR or anything else. Personally, I'd like to see Kathrine Legge added to the series as well.


I've mentioned it before... and believe it warrants discussion...


this a seriosly slippery slope.... what happens when Motrola doesn't reup for 7mil.... and lack of results doesn't warrant a seat...

look no further than the RHR situation.... will TG forced to fork over the dough come 2009 contract time?

[Jag_Warrior]

All I can say is, if you make a post about Danica not getting a shot at F1, people are going to point out the obvious. We can try to sugarcoat it, but...

The only way that Danica is going to leave the IRL is if AGR gives her the boot at the end of the year (not much chance of them killing the golden goose, IMO) and no one else picks her up (but someone always needs a golden goose).

There might be a NASCAR team out there that would take her on (again, for the sponsorship potential). I doubt it, but there might be. She has absolutely ZERO stock car experience. As for an F1 team, can you name a current or past driver who has never won a single road course event prior to entering F1? Most have won lower formula championships, and all that I can think of have won multiple races in lower formula.

I agree with you that she is very important to, and very popular in the IRL. What skills she has demonstrated suggest that she is exactly where she needs to be. No other series (that I'm aware of) is scrambling to get her. As you said, it is what it is. I'm really not trying to beat on her. It's just a statement of the obvious.

Paris Hilton is not going to get into Mensa. That doesn't mean that she's learning disabled or that I'm insulting her. But she still isn't getting into Mensa. :D

[Alexamateo]

.... But she still isn't getting into Mensa. :D


Way OT, but I've always thought it funny that "Mensa" tranlated to Spanish means "stupid" or "foolish". :D

[Oli_M]

Erm, I'm struggling to work out why AJ or Speed would want to go to F1..... AJ seems to be really enjoying and doing well in NASCAR and Speed has pretty much said he doesn't want to go back.

Can't see anyone who is racing in a top team in either the IRL or NASCAR wanting to give that up for what will probably be a lot less money and a back row F1 drive. The usual F1 career ladder just doesn't seem to 'mesh' with American racing.

[Ghostwalker]

about Danica or any other American driver, how many of them have had good success in F1? Jacques Villeneuve of course was very successful with his title.
Montoya did pretty good too with 7 wins and 30 podiums.

I dont know but its possible though that the new F1 cars with less driving aids would be more suitable to American drivers then the "old" type?

[EagleEye]

It has nothing to do with her driving ability. We all know she is talented enough to drive in F1.

Princess has done well at times on ovals, and qualified well at Mid-O her first year with AGR, but she has so far lacked talent on RC's.

The fact she was last or next to last a Barber, shows she has a way to go.

I hope you like NASCAR, 'cuz that is where she'll be in next year, if her handlers have their way.

[ShiftingGears]

sorry, no shes not. Surfers proved that time and time again

Bingo.

[pits4me]

It would be nice to have one thread about her that didn't turn into a dump on Danica thread.

She is what she is. I get a lot of people are offended by her complete lack of talent and diva attitude, but get over it, I have. She's one of the biggest stars in the IRL.

A star -- undeniably. Although to be honest here, the Mia Hamm-like comparisons have worn off. To believe Danica has harnessed the talent to land an F-1 seat is a major stretch at this point.

[pits4me]

I'd like to think that I can be sarcastic, humorous and make a point all at the same time.

She's a mediocre talent who largely got her break by posing in swimwear and believes she is much better than she actually is. I get it. Some people don't like her, I don't either actually, but do constantly have to insult the woman?

But honestly, she is important, and I would hate to see her leave the sport, for F-1, NASCAR or anything else. Personally, I'd like to see Kathrine Legge added to the series as well.

Kat at Indy would be nice. Then there's a slim possibility of Legge driving the new AUDI R16 (?) and challenge Corvettte for the GT1 ALMS title in 2010 on some familiar street circuits. The GT3 version shown here.

[Sonic]

The reason Danica isnt on the list is for 2 reasons..

1. They never approached her about it directly. They threw her name out and the media got a hold of it and spread it around as rumors. Danica herself, was shocked but flattered that her name was mentioned.

2. She said during a couple interviews that she was flattered her name was mentioned but that she is not interested in international travel. She wants to stay in the states. So in a nutshell, its basically.... "Thanks but no thanks."

It has nothing to do with her driving ability. We all know she is talented enough to drive in F1.

I respect your support of your fave driver and I'm not going to start bashing her (she done alright for herself) but having watched her career from her first race in the UK and saw her compete with other drivers who have since made it to F1 I can tell you she would never cut it on the F1 grid.

As for USGPF1 thingumy you'd have to have rocks in your head to accept a drive in that team.

[chuck34]

Unless 'Stompin Danica' does a lot better in the season than she has in testing this year she may be hard pressed to find a ride in anything next year.
Anyway USF1 or whatever it is called this week looks to me to be less and less likely to get on the grid period, let alone next year.
There has been nothing new in almost 2 months. As far as I can see still no shop or employees or anything else. Not even a bare web site. If you cannot do anything in 2 months how the heck can you design and build a car and team from nothing in 12 months.
I hope I am wrong but I also have some practical experience of running a team and setting up a shop and all the equipment needed and that was with much simpler cars and bought cars.
To get some idea of what it entails read Steve Matchett's books 'A Mechanics Tale' and 'The Chariot Makers'. Just finding suppliers and finalizing contracts with them can take weeks.
Starting from scratch 70 million is not going to go far. You are going to need at least 6 cars. There is over a half million for just the ruddy steering wheels!
Engines probably at least 5 to 10 million depending on the rules for next year.
Designers and fabricators do not come cheap and neither do drivers. Computer whiz kids with the ability to understand and program dynamic flow and wind tunnel results will cost a fortune. Outside of drivers with no experience in any major series it will cost several million per driver. Nobody in their right mind is going to give you credit and most will be payment before or at time of delivery. That is for everything including small things like office supplies!

So you think the website is on the top of their priority list? That doesn't bother me in the least. The fact that they have no shop does seem strange, but not too much. Remember Anderson owns/operates/founded Windshear. I'm sure there are a few spare offices that can/are using right now on a temp. basis.

The thing that does bother me about this effort is the fact that I have not heard about a chief designer yet. Unless Anderson himself is doing it? But even then I'm not sure that is a good choice. What was the last thing he designed, the Falcon (un-raced, un-proven)? That is a bit worrying.

I suspect though that they are pouring all their effort into finding an engine supplier. That seems to be what this whole car will be based around. You can get some preliminary aero stuff done fairly simply. But until you know what you are bolting all the stuff to, it is a bit hard to nail things down.

Just my 2 cents worth anyway.

[Easy Drifter]

I tend to disagree Chuck. When the "Brawn" was designed it was for a Honda engine. The switch to Mercedes went pretty quickly and well.
Now I do not think for a second it was just in the last 3 or 4 weeks but the car was designed last year for a Honda, not a Mercedes.
Add in with all the work to be done there was Windsor at the Aust. race as a reporter. I did notice less and less people willing to talk to him on the grid.

[chuck34]

I tend to disagree Chuck. When the "Brawn" was designed it was for a Honda engine. The switch to Mercedes went pretty quickly and well.
Now I do not think for a second it was just in the last 3 or 4 weeks but the car was designed last year for a Honda, not a Mercedes.
Add in with all the work to be done there was Windsor at the Aust. race as a reporter. I did notice less and less people willing to talk to him on the grid.

You're right about the switch from Honda to Merc. But again the aero work was done. And I susspect that is where the focus of this effort is right now. Don't forget about Anderson and Windshear. I'm telling you that is a BIG part of this whole deal.

Yes Wndsor was on the grid at Aust. But what did anyone tell him that was of real importance? Have you also noticed all the "foreign" team members standing around other's cars? Ferrari guys looking at McLarens, Renault guys looking at Braun cars, etc. Nothing really different there.

[Mark in Oshawa]

Marco? You have to be kidding. Lets look at his road racing stats:


2006
St Pete s:13 f:15
Watkins Glen s:3 f:16
Infineon s:2 f:1

2007
St Pete s:2 f:4
Watkins Glen s:6 f:5
Mid Ohio s:4 f:18
Infineon s:8 f:16
Belle Isle s:6 f:17

2008
St Pete s:12 f:25
Watkins Glen s:7 f:5
Mid Ohio s:3 f:25
Infineon s:10 f:14
Belle Isle s:13 f:18
Surfers s:14 f:13

Sorry, but Peter and his partners better have more sense than to pick this kid. The talk of Danica was just that talk. A PR move pure and simple. There is no way they would ever consider her for the ride. A test maybe, again to garner publicity, just like your suggestion that they should get Kyle a test. Just to raise awayness. But when it comes to picking a driver you better be sure you get a guy who can give you engineering feed back (that ain't Marco my friend), a guy who can win (that ain't Marco either) and a guy who isn't gonna come crying when the F1 guys had him his ass on a plate. Marco whines almost as much as his old man did. What do you want to bet that if he was offered a ride he would insist on living in the states and commuting for the job.

Gary

Gary...I didn't say he had the talent now, I just pointed out that he will be the guy they might look at when you consider no one else in the US is really pointing themselves at an f1 run.

Marco has two of the best teachers around in his dad and Mario. I may not have a lot of time for his dad but Marco has that potential, which for USf1 will be all that matters anyhow because it likely will be a backmarker if it ever makes the starting grid. You however will get pub putting an Andretti on the grid. Graham Rahal might take a stab at it, but unlike Marco has a bit more maturity and talent.

I really see no American hopes for f1 right now. Danica is a publicity stunt ( and talent wise no better than Marco, and without pedigree), Scott Speed is too smart to leave the Red Bull nest, and AJ Allmendinger will probably come REAL close to winning a Cup race this year so why would he leave? The Shrub (Kyle Busch) would be ideal if this team had talent and he had a championship in NASCAR behind him just on pure agression (he has the tude...)but you get beyond those picks and there is no real hope of a credible name in a USf1 effort that is American born outside of Marco and Graham. Neither really has the results or talent I agree, but both have pedigree, both have coaching from savvy dad's (and grandad in Marco's case) and both have the drive and attitude that they might WANT to do f1.

Slim pickings my friends.....scary really when I consider there are about 3 young Canadian drivers I would nominate for an f1 ride over some of the American options. The US should have about 5 guys that are just waiting for a chance like this that would be credible.......