Next: A driver from India?

[Lee Roy]

http://jayski.com/cupnews.htm#news14sun



Driver from India hopes to run NASCAR: Starbeast Motorsports wants to be a startup team plucking talent from around-the-world to tap into the interest of the international market. In doing so they've entered a technical alliance with JTG-Daughtery [#47 Toyota], which is, itself, aligned with Michael Waltrip Racing [#00, #55, #56 Toyota's]. Last weekend at the ARCA test at Daytona International Speedway, Starbeast imported two stars of its' own from Asia. Narain Karthikeyan from India and Darryl O'Young from Hong Kong. Narain Karthikeyan, a veteran of Formula One, the 24 Hours of LeMans (which feels to him like a single seater) and A1GP, had a blast adapting to the closed cockpit cars on Daytona International Speedway's high banks. The first shock was climbing in through the window to get seated. "The weird thing, it was difficult getting into the car -- literally. Putting your legs inside the car and twisting your body. A couple of times I had my helmet on and it got battered and scratched. When we come here it's a daunting task you have to start from scratch," said Narain. "The only thing in common (to his experience) is the high speeds. You need to get a good feel of the car, honestly I think after three for laps I was okay and I got the hang of it. It's quite bumpy and the car moves around a lot." He said adding the most important aspect is "leeping it flat and hang on to it." He added "there's no downforce and it's comparatively slow," to the cars he's driven. He's hoping to get a shot at a NASCAR-type ride saying it's "one of the options for next year if these guys can put it together. I'd love to have a go at it.(Auto123.com)(12-27-2009)

[harvick#1]

its funny how it seems only Nascar gets surprised when a driver from a different nationality comes in and tries NASCAR or ARCA out.

what's the big deal, hopefully Narian will do better than his debut in the 24 Hrs of Le Mans were he broke his hand from slipping off the pitwall before the race

[Lee Roy]

its funny how it seems only Nascar gets surprised when a driver from a different nationality comes in and tries NASCAR or ARCA out.

what's the big deal, hopefully Narian will do better than his debut in the 24 Hrs of Le Mans were he broke his hand from slipping off the pitwall before the race

Surprised? I think that's your own narrow interpretation of this news item.

It is a thing of note because until the last few years, there was little if any participation from drivers outside of the US. I think it is a sign of the NASCAR's increase in international standing and recognition, as well as a sign of the decline of racing around the world, at least racing that is of a financial reward for drivers, as opposed to racing where the drivers are expected to brign money to fund the team.

[Mark in Oshawa]

The world has finally realized NASCAR is legitmate racing. It was all along, but until JPM showed up and DIDN'T win or even get close much did the f1/road racing crowd outside of North America clue in it isn't a case of just driving fast and turning left. Well...it is, but to do that is a real trick...

Personally, I am ticked one my Canadians cant buy a break in the top 3 divisions. Carpentier didn't really get enough time to really start to do much more than get his feet wet with a team in turmoil. Tracy never really was given the time to acclimatize, so most of the Canadians are only getting love when the Nationwide or Cup guys go roadracing. Hopefully tho, the NASCAR Canadian Tire series will graduate some drivers to the next level....

[Lee Roy]

I'm waiting for Andew Ranger.

[NickFalzone]

I don't think it's a coincidence that more foreign drivers are coming over at the same time that NASCARs races are much more available on international television outlets. ESPN international along with several sports broadcasters like Sky in the UK. This international recognition, along with NASCAR teams in a down economy that can use a driver that comes with money, means an influx of drivers. Whether they stick around for more than a season is the real question though.

[Mark in Oshawa]

I'm waiting for Andew Ranger.

You and I both brother.....the kid has figured out how to win on the ovals as well as the road/street courses up here. He is an aggressive little sod believe me.....

[The instant classic]

nascar has danica now time to finsh off indycar, get more drivers from over-sea's now.

[Mark in Oshawa]

nascar has danica now time to finsh off indycar, get more drivers from over-sea's now.

Ya Classic, why Danica just drew gazillions of fans to the IRL. Why, the networks were just beating themselves to death to get the broadcast rights because of Danica. Oh right....they didn't. What is more, Danica is still an IRL driver first, so I fail to see how she will save NASCAR. Wait til you see her run 20th too.....

[harvick#1]

You and I both brother.....the kid has figured out how to win on the ovals as well as the road/street courses up here. He is an aggressive little sod believe me.....


Andrew is a very good and talented driver, I'd like to see him get a chance with a NWS team as I think given the time, he can become a solid driver

[The instant classic]

Ya Classic, why Danica just drew gazillions of fans to the IRL. Why, the networks were just beating themselves to death to get the broadcast rights because of Danica. Oh right....they didn't. What is more, Danica is still an IRL driver first, so I fail to see how she will save NASCAR. Wait til you see her run 20th too.....

if nascar is smart and they are, im very sure they will make a really really big deal out of racing even if it's short time in 2010. i know her fans will follow her to nascar and the media and ratings ,but im with you on she will run 20th or DNS. but no matter where she finshes it will be the big talk everytime she races nascar, for myself im not a danica fan or hater, not even 2010 yet and it's such a big talk between fans its crazy, come daytona im gonna sit back and watch the fans vs haters on the forums :p

[Mark in Oshawa]

if nascar is smart and they are, im very sure they will make a really really big deal out of racing even if it's short time in 2010. i know her fans will follow her to nascar and the media and ratings ,but im with you on she will run 20th or DNS. but no matter where she finshes it will be the big talk everytime she races nascar, for myself im not a danica fan or hater, not even 2010 yet and it's such a big talk between fans its crazy, come daytona im gonna sit back and watch the fans vs haters on the forums :p

Well, she actually wont race in a NASCAR sanctioned event until Fontana, so if you watch the Nationwide race at Daytona, dont' look for Danica. She is doing ARCA, but your girlfriend could win an ARCA race with the right team and a bit of luck...or a lot of luck some days.

Danica moves the needle for the press and tv types only as long as she is close to competitive. She is in the IRL, yet they are not seeing any huge upside to that attention other than ABC's sucking up to her at Indy. In NASCAR, the second they see she isn't competitive, people will only ask where the heck Chrissy Wallace is. She was the woman people were predicting a year ago to crack into one of the top 3 series in a good ride....and I think she is the one woman out there who will find a way in time....

[Continental Op]

Narain Karthikeyan have won racing series and numerous races. Danica Patrick haven't

[Mark in Oshawa]

Narain Karthikeyan have won racing series and numerous races. Danica Patrick haven't

ssssshhhhhhh!!! Don't point that out...you might deflate the balloon!!!!