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Quote:
Originally Posted by TURN3
It is still too early to tell on PT. Things were set then, not set.
I love PT, but there are some other dominos that have yet to fall.
TK would be first on most lists, and since I last posted (hours ago) add Penske to the mix. TK at the top with Wilson, Rahal, RHR being the next group. Then you have PT, kind of on an island.
I'd rather see PT end up somewhere other than KV, to be honest. Maybe back with NH?
NH? No kidding...interesting thought. Appriciate the info.Quote:
Originally Posted by EagleEye
Also wondering if the Rahal team TBD has anything to do with TK? TK likely isn't bringing a sponsor so you'd think if the funding keeping him from a 3rd car he'd go with Rahal.
Like I said, going to be an interesting silly season...thankfully.
Some more info about Simona's "Sponsor"
http://www.airlockalpha.com/node/787...-to-court.html
IT DOES NOT HURT TO DREAM.Quote:
Originally Posted by hornet
There are plenty of series where he can start if C.D. decides to go over the Atlantic. There is the British F3, the Euro Series, or even GP3 / WSR.Quote:
Originally Posted by chuck34
I am pulling for Hildebrand to land a full time IRL ride. But to wonder, the young driver program in F1 is next month. Will there be a 2nd chance for JR?
Graham Rahal has a massive choice to make. Go for the best available ride, which could be almost anything honestly, or make the choice to build Rahal Letterman over the long term, which could be in his best interest given he stands to inherit his father's share at some point.
Conor Daly and Graham Rahal are good, good friends . They're in Ohio talking with Bobby this week. Given that the NTB deal is a two year deal that would give them time to build the team back up and launch an FIL team for Conor with the aim of moving him into IndyCar in 2011 with two of the highest profile young American drivers.
I was told if you see Graham making an appearance on Letterman expect an announcement on that show.
Last night on Letterman there was a woman who showed a champion sweet potato she had grown or developed. The presentation was about it being useful for chips or ethanol. When the woman suggested it would produce enough fuel for Dave's Indy car he sharply retorted "Lady, I don't have a car." Clearly a touchy subject for him.
Gary
MDS,
good breakdown from so far back. Only one issue has come up and that is Seven Eleven is leaving and Tony has to get sponsorship or no ride.
I could see APEX/Brazil stepping up to sponsor TK. They are a big supporter of Brazilian drivers, and TK is their top man.
I also like to see Cafe Do Brazil or Petrobas to step up for TK as well!!!!!!!!!!!!
From the HVM site...
Simona and HVM Racing will be teamed together again in the 2011 IndyCar Series and their focus will now turn to the changes, improvements and financial structure that will be implemented before the first race.
Simona De Silvestro – Driver – “We have tremendous chemistry as a team and money can't buy that. I am thankful for the chance Keith gave me this year and for Imran’s support. The whole team has come a long way. We faced a lot of adversity, yet we remained strong and that speaks to the character and cohesiveness of our team and my supporters. We have proved we can run up front, despite the funding challenges from sponsorship short falls.”Keith Wiggins – HVM Racing Team Owner – “When we started this season we could not have anticipated the challenges we would face, both financially and on track, with incidents and equipment damage. However we could not also have anticipated the development of Simona in such a short period. The team and driver showed what is possible. Now it is time to put 2010 behind us and do the job properly in 2011. This team knows how to win and we are focused on getting the right package together to move forward. ”http://e2ma.net/userdata/23214/image...tes/spacer.gif
rh
Considering that Kanaan is probably the second most popular Brazilian IRL driver, behind Helio Happy Feet, I think you guys are right: APEX, Cafe do Brazil or some other Brazilian company will step up and get him in a car next year. If he ends up without a ride next year, I'll be surprised.
Speaking of companies backing drivers, let me ask this to EagleEye (or anyone else in the know): did IZOD resent being "guilted" into having to come up with the money to keep their face man, Ryan Hunter-Reay, in a car? It doesn't sound like they have any intention of fully sponsoring a car again next year. Did that create some tension with the series sponsor?
^^ interesting
I know Izod did a commercial with Graham but he was driving in his 02 car so I think they got rid of it. I know it was like part of water sports or something so I wonder if he was supposed to be in the race to the party commercial.
The merry-go-round had reached to Andretti Autosport. Ryan Hunter-Reay is without IZOD. RHR is another to pass up. Hopefully he can get a ride. If he heads to Grand-Am or ALMS, he will be done. I like to see Lotus, Virgin or HRT open a door and give him a test.
Ryan has a contract with Andretti for next year. They signed it right around the Indy 500. It might be contingent on finding sponsorship but Ryan isn't ride shopping.Quote:
Originally Posted by Placid
TK is talking to everyone, but Ganassi might have the edge. Chip wanted TK badly a few years back, and he and Dario are great friends. And, TK desperately wants to win the 500, and this would put him in position to accomplish that goal. And, with Dario mulling retirement, having TK onboard as a teammate or replacement would be good for the team.
Of course, if Penske comes calling, that would also require consideration. And, rumor is he has. Briscoe could be out, and TK in, if the team has the funding to do so. His long time engineer Eric Cowden is at Penske, and the two had success in the past. This would also put TK in position to win the 500, so either of these two opportunities seem likely.
Andretti Autosport
Marco
Danica/TBD
TBD
They are not getting all their funding back, and major changes are in place with only Marco being set. Danica has an opt out clause, and it will be interesting to see what she and her advisors will do. Her being a named a NASCAR driver for speaking engagements might give you a glimpse of her future.
The team hopes to have three/four cars for next year, and should have at least two, but the money is not there right now.
TK has been granted a release (it he wants), as 7-11 is either gone or reducing its funding.
RHR has also been told to look since they do not have funding for him but they are working on trying to land something in order to keep him in a car.
Penske Racing/Team Penske Racing
Power
HCN
TK/Briscoe
Power and HCN are a lock.
Briscoe to stay if they do not go after TK or someone else.
Target Chip Ganassi
Dixon
Dario-?
TK/TBD
For the third straight year, the team is trying to get sponsorship for a third car, and the talk is they might just have it. TK would have the edge, as noted above. That might depend on where Dario is at.
A.J. Foyt Enterprises
Vitor
KVRT
Ride buyer ~1
Ride buyer ~2
Ride buyer ~3
It was noted on AR1 that they are looking to TK. TK and JV are pals, but they team only has a history of cashing others checks, and I could ony see this if they line something up sponsor wise for TK. Or, if TK does not get picked up by the big two, and needs a ride just before the season starts, and he lowers his price.
TK wants to win the 500, and this team did not get PT in the show last year. And, they wrecked a few cars along the way. A lot of -few- cars.
Look for Sato and Mutoh in two cars, with a floating third car for another check provider.
Panther
TBD1
Graham had first dibs on the seat and passed. Wilson or RHR. Kanaan might also be a long shot, as this might be a good spot if the big two don't make him a good offer.
de Ferran Dragon Racing
TB1
TB2
Time has passed with Matos and the team is looking for a solid leader. Wilson, RHR, Rahal and Pagenaud. One interesting note has Simona in the second car, though it might be a rent a ride. Could be another chance to land TK, depending on the team's financials especially if the Captain steps in. Could be a home to Briscoe if TK goes to Penske. Yes, I am confused!
HVM
TBD
Money is a huge issue, and this could end up being a last minte deal. They love Simona, but they owe money...and getting more for nest year might be a stretch.
Conquest
Baguett/TBD
TBD
Baguett has secured his place for next year, but funding is very tight. The team hopes to keep key people in place. The second car could be a rent a ride, but if Wilson does not land anywhere, he could surface here with his old engineer, and team he started with in Champcar.
FAZZT
Tagliani
TBD/No $$
Pagenaud has a chance for the second seat. They talked ot TK, and would sign in a second, but money would have to be found for the 2nd car. Money is tight.
Newman Hass
TBD 1
TBD 2
The team is looking to get backing for two cars, and would welcome Wilson and Rahal. Too early to tell.
Dreyer and Reinbold Racing
Conway
TBD 2
TBD 3
Money and ride rides buyers fill this team out. Wilson might be back.
AFS Racing
TBD
AFS could be the thrid/fourth car working out of the AA camp. RHR in the seat or Carroll. Too early to tell.
Sarah Fisher Racing
Fisher/TBD
Part time team unless more funding is found, and looking to rent the car for road races. That is IF funding can be found.>>>Please send funding to this great team! Sarah might step aside and run Indy only, as she thinks the comp has passed her by. Wheldon, interestingly has been talked to. the team has great chemestry, and one can only hope they find a good fit.
Dale Coyne Racing
Ride buyer 1
Ride buyer 2
Could Milka the moving chicane return? One hopes not.
Walker Racing Partners
TBD
Hope Derrick can get funding for a car. Pagenaud would be his first choice. That old money thing is the key. Another good place to fund a team.
Bryan Herta Autosport
TBD
Unless funding is found, Indy only.
Rahal
Rahal
Looking at running Graham, if it makes sense. Servia if funding can be found.
New Team A
TBD
Money, money, money----
I still think that Go Daddy and the Princess will be gone from ICS to Nascab full time in 2011 and that Andretti, given the loss of 7-11, will be lucky to field 2 cars and may only field one. I estimate an overall field size reduction in ICS in 2011 vs. 2010.Quote:
Originally Posted by EagleEye
I don't think anybody here really has an appreciation on how bad the US economy really is now and indications are that it will continue into 2013. With creeping socialism, high health care costs, and uncertainty of upcoming much higher taxes, so far US business have been parking billions of potential business dollars on the side. However, when it becomes less risky to invest in foreign countries like Chine vs. domestically, you will begin seeing these funds leave the US and these are exactly the types of funds that would have been spent on luxury advertising like auto racing. Even Nascar is seeing sponsorship start to drops as well as well as less fans being able to afford the travel/ticket cost to see races live.
So I was thinking the idea of 3rd car at TCG was really possible with Graham but looks like not so much...
http://www.racingwest.com/news/artic...p-ganassi.htmlQuote:
Whether that's with a -- I wouldn't think a third car is in the cards at Target Chip Ganassi Racing.
I don't know why everyone thought Graham was going to end up at Ganassi. Service Central is a competitor of Target among other reasons.Quote:
Originally Posted by jackmart
Graham is in Florida meeting with the Service Central people this week. They're close to an announcement for next year.
Conor Daly is currently testing GP3. And he showed progress.Quote:
Originally Posted by chuck34
Log to
http://www.gp3series.com
Cool I wish him luck.Quote:
Originally Posted by Placid
Prior to Graham's getting sponsorship, RB was key to get an american in a great seat, and Graham was the current free agent of choice. Since his deal was complted, you are correct that this would not happen. Especially now with TK being an option.Quote:
Originally Posted by MDS
Ganassi is going to wait a bit until Dario gives him a go, no go for next year. I have heard it is everyting from 60-40 to return, to 60-40 to retire, so maybe it really is 50-50. Dario might end up in sportcars, but it is his call.
If Dario retires, then TK would be Chips first choice. Even if Dario returns, Chip might make a play for TK. If the american driver push is still strong from RB, then RHR might make sense.
At this time, Graham looks set to return to his Dad's team.
Eagle, your PM's are off. Selective adjustment?
Should be all sorted.Quote:
Originally Posted by Enjun Pullr
Any more news on AFS racing? Will the team be full time? Will they be based out of the AA shop using their equipment? And im guessing that If AA run less than 4 cars, some of the crew might end up there too.
Jay Howard was on Trackside with Cavin/Curt last night, and he said he will have a Indy 500 ride for 2011.
He said Service Central will buy his ride for him again.
He hinted it will be linked with Graham's deal (teammate to Graham).
Sounds like a 2nd car with Rahal/Letterman Racing, to me.
I hope he can finally make the field. He got screwed by Roth in '08.Quote:
Originally Posted by Scotty G.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Scotty G.
According to Graham that is BS:
From IndyHungary:@jayhoward66 and @GrahamRahal are teammates at Indy nxt year? ROX!
Then from Graham:@IndyHungary I can tell you contrary to what he says, that is false.
Gary
No, he got bumped out of the ride, because he had been awful in practice that week.Quote:
Originally Posted by Otto-Matic
Curry had worked with John Andretti before and John is a superior driver to Jay.
Pretty easy call for Maddog Marty.
Here is an article that seems to go along with Graham having a chance at TCGQuote:
Originally Posted by MDS
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/201...hnson.Fontana/Quote:
Graham Rahal says he has landed a major sponsor. Now the IndyCar driver has to find the right team that could nudge him toward Target/Chip Ganassi Racing as driver of a third car. Rahal's agent, John Caponigro, confirmed that Chip Ganassi's team is certainly one that he is talking to about giving Rahal a ride in 2011.
"You're darn right, we are talking to Ganassi," Caponigro said. "We want to get Graham on one of the top teams in the series and that team is certainly at the top of the list."
Rahal's sponsor is TBC Retail Group and has entered into a multiyear spokesperson and sponsorship association with him to represent its family of tire and automotive retail brands. Now that a sponsor is in place, they are actively negotiating with several IndyCar Series teams, including Ganassi and Rahal Letterman Racing, to place Rahal in their car.
"Again, we are talking to a lot of teams," Rahal said. "Dad's team did a good job for me at Indy, but the best thing for me to do is not be in my father's shadow. I need to do it on my own. We have not canceled anything out, but we have a lot of teams in play
Read more: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/201...#ixzz12Ueo6buv.
Then as posted arleady Graham says that its false taht he is teaming up with Jay Howard at least for Indy. I wonder why Jay would say that?? Instersting
OK, here's some fantasy based on fact and rumor:
Fact: Ganassi has partnered with Sam Schmidt for the last two years to run a car at Indy.
Fact: Sam Schmidt bought Vision Racing's shop and equipment about three months ago. If that included any Dallaras, there was no mention of it that I have seen.
Rumor: This was posted yesterday by a guy who has connections to Rahal, and he doesn't often drop stuff in public:
"Methinks the demise of a third car at Ganassi is greatly exaggerated "
That guy would know if Graham plans to run with his Dad, or if Graham is still working on a Ganassi deal.
Fantasy: Graham is still working a deal with Ganassi, who will run a third car as a satellite team at Sam Schmidt Motorsports.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Enjun Pullr
Very perceptive, Grasshopper.
That person who has "connections" to Rahal, is RLR's PR guy. And he knows exactly what is going on. If he says Ganassi very well could be running a 3rd car, then Ganassi is probably going to run a 3rd car.
Your thought about Ganassi running the 3rd car (with Sam Schmidt's team), sounds pretty doable. That way, Chipper can "run" Graham (and not deal with Target's demands about matching $$$ for any additional GANASSI RACING entry) in a satellite operation. He can call it "Ganassi/Sam Schmidt Motorsports", with it mostly being filled with Ganassi people and using some equipment from SSM. Could even be run out of SSM's new shop (which IS, Vision Racing's old digs).
There have been WAY too many rumors linking Graham with Ganassi, to think its not eventually going to happen someway.
According to Jayski two former open wheel drivers are out of their NASCAR rides and looking for job.
Apparently Richard Petty Motorsport is in the process of folding and Casey Kahne is going to move from RPM to Red Bull. That means both Scott Speed and A.J. Allmendinger are looking for a job.
Yes Indycar might not be their first, or second, choice, but RPM going away is a big thing. That's four cars that won't be in the field potentially, and they may just be the first team to fold over the off-season. Its going to be harder to find paying jobs and probably harder in the Nationwide and Camping World series as well.
With Sam Hornish, Scott Speed, A.J. Allmendinger and Michael McDowell job hunting there's a growing chance at least one of them could end up at KV or Newman Haas.
I doubt it.Quote:
Originally Posted by MDS
Hornish is most likely to go to Nationwide with Penske, and with a more road course-heavy schedule, his value to an IRL team has to be a bit less.
Speed has always been critical of IndyCar racing and still has a contract with Red Bull (the sponsor); they'll find him some ride, and since they have no involvement in IndyCar, I don't think it will be there.
A.J. Allmendinger's lack of a ride is speculative at this point, and he wants to be in NASCAR. A lot of team owners have expressed interest and he may retain the Best Buy funding if RPM disappear.
Michael McDowell? He ran a total of one Champ Car race and is having a great time starting-and-parking various cars. If you're doing start-and-park, you obviously want to be a part of NASCAR, so I feel like that's just no chance.
And they'd all need funding to return if that's what they wanted to do. It seems unlikely and, quite honestly, I'd prefer fresh, new talents.
Speed's contract had a clause that they could release him if he wasn't in the top 16 in points. Considering the quality of the Red Bull cars, I suspect he knew this day was coming for some time and he is now a free agent. But that could change if Vickers isn't cleared to race.
For the reasons you listed (among others), I also doubt that we'll see any of those guys in the IRL anytime soon.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr. Mister
But on the other hand, I would dearly love to see Allmendinger and Speed in competitive cars on different teams. Why? Because they apparently hate each other with a passion! For those who watched CCWS in its dying days, you surely remember how Allmendinger suddenly became a feisty terrier, even versus his former mentor, Paul Tracy.
Maybe Allmendinger and Scott Speed have kissed & made up since their feud started. But probably ten years ago I remember reading in AutoWeek how the two of them had spared in go-karts and lower formulas... and had absolutely no use for each other. Having these two in the IRL would (FINALLY!!!) give us two hard charging personalities, who would surely duke it out on the track... and maybe off the track too! Something akin to the old CART days of Michael Andretti vs. Paul Tracy (anybody remember that?) or Robby Gordon vs. Michael Andretti.
Imagine A.J. or Scott producing something like this, with one placing the other's picture on it.
http://img216.imagevenue.com/loc125/..._122_125lo.jpg
So yeah, I'd LOVE to see some talented guys, who bleed race fuel, come into this series. Some guys (or gals) who also have big personalities and oversized egos... and who could do an interview that wouldn't sound like someone politely asking for extra mustard on their hotdog. :s nore:
But as you correctly said, why pay for a ride in the IRL when you can make better money (and get at least as much media coverage) starting & parking cars in Sprint Cup or the Nationwide series? But if we're lucky, maybe we'll get a new crop of (slightly) more talented GP2 washouts than some of the ride-buyers we have now though. :dozey:
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr. Mister
1. Hornish actually was much better on road/street courses then some would like to think he was in Indy Cars. Go look at how many times he made the Fast 6. Plus, his "value" in Indy Cars, is because he won the only race in Indy Cars that truly matters.
2. Speed's an asshat. And has never shown much actual driving talent either. Maybe he ought to actually accomplish something in racing before he has to go find a real job.
On Hornish, when he was in Indycar the field was a weak 18 cars. Hornish is a perfect example of why the IRL was supposedly created. He got his chance because of it, never would've had there not been a split. He wasn't horrible in Atlantics but he wasn't that great either. Turned into a fantastic oval driver but while not Danica bad on roadies, wasn't competitive pure and simple. But you're right, he is a former 500 winner and there is his value. All that said, he isn't coming back to Indycar unless it is for a 1 off deal at the 500.Quote:
Originally Posted by Scotty G.
Pretty much correct on everything with Speed except since when do you have to accomplish anything to be in racing? Including the most popular driver award winner, 3/4 of the field has accomplished no more than he has. And that is sad, pathetic, etc. as we all know. Like Hornish, he isn't coming back though. Red Bull has no intentions of going Indycar racing. Possible exception would be a one off at Indy the same way.
He still was competing on the road/street courses against Helio, Dixon, Dario, Herta, Kanaan, Franchitti, Briscoe, Hunter-Reay and Marco during 2006 and 2007.Quote:
Originally Posted by TURN3
And he was competitive on the road/streets.
Is the field now, really that much better in talent? Sure, there are 8-10 more cars. But how many of those are actually being driven by talented drivers or talented teams? Not many.
The field now is a little more talented then it was in 2007, just on sheer numbers. But not that much more.
On the road courses, this series is 10x more talented then it was when Hornish was around, on road courses. Sure, there are a bunch of no name drivers a lot of people like to refer to on here, but all of these foreigners come from road racing backgrounds.Quote:
Originally Posted by Scotty G.
Hornish would be mid-pack at best on the twisties now, but would probably still come close to dominating the ovals, if he is in the right car.