The first 2011 Silly Season driver/team thread

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Originally Posted by Scotty G.

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.

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.

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Scotty, your head strong attitude for what YOU want to be the right answers doesn't work very often. Your definition of "competitive" must be different than mine. Hornish was a joke on roadies although he DID show improvement. He certainly didn't have Dan Wheldon's road course skills and look how he faired the past few seasons. Hornish wasn't stupid, he left to go NASCAR racing when his stock had just passed its peak. With increasing road courses on the schedule, Penske wasn't going to keep him around forever because he just wasn't good enough. I'm sorry, he just didn't have the speed to cut it. Just because you want to believe he did doesn't make it fact. Ovals, different story.

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Originally Posted by TURN3

1. Hornish was a joke on roadies although he DID show improvement.

2. Hornish wasn't stupid, he left to go NASCAR racing when his stock had just passed its peak. .

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1. A joke? You need to go check the records. The facts, say otherwise.

Was he as good as Dario, Dixon and Helio? No. Nobody in the league is or was either. But he was a consistant top 8 qualifier and finisher. And he was getting better and better.

He was probably about the equivelant of Will Power on ovals this year.

2. No, he wasn't stupid. He left for big money and because his wife wanted him to leave. He left for the big leagues of American racing. He has failed in the big leagues of major league racing.

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Originally Posted by Scotty G.

1. A joke? You need to go check the records. The facts, say otherwise.

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The facts:
Hornish
2006: 8th @ St.Pete, 12th @ WG, 9th @ Sonoma.
2007: 7th @ St Pete, 2nd @ WG, 14th @ MO, 5th @ SO, 12th @ BI.

Danica
2006: 6th @ SP, 8th @ WG, 8th @ SO
2007: 8th @ SP, 11th @ WG, 5th @ MO, 6th @ SO, 2nd @ BI.

Nearly equal.

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Originally Posted by Scotty G.

1. A joke? You need to go check the records. The facts, say otherwise.

Was he as good as Dario, Dixon and Helio? No. Nobody in the league is or was either. But he was a consistant top 8 qualifier and finisher. And he was getting better and better.

He was probably about the equivelant of Will Power on ovals this year.

2. No, he wasn't stupid. He left for big money and because his wife wanted him to leave. He left for the big leagues of American racing. He has failed in the big leagues of major league racing.

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Originally Posted by Lousada

The facts:
Hornish
2006: 8th @ St.Pete, 12th @ WG, 9th @ Sonoma.
2007: 7th @ St Pete, 2nd @ WG, 14th @ MO, 5th @ SO, 12th @ BI.

Danica
2006: 6th @ SP, 8th @ WG, 8th @ SO
2007: 8th @ SP, 11th @ WG, 5th @ MO, 6th @ SO, 2nd @ BI.

Nearly equal.

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Thank you Lousada...like I said Scotty...a JOKE! This was with 16-18 car fields with only 8 quality cars. 8, count 'em. And where did he usually finish? As pointed out, he finished generally equal to Danica, and in today's league she's a joke. Like I said before Scotty, just because the things you have in your head are what you WANT to believe, doesn't make it real. Hornish couldn't compete on todays schedule and we all know it.

As I pointed out though, he was getting better. He was actually working his tail off to his credit. But he just never had that type of talent. Amazing on ovals though.

You can swallow now Scotty.

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Originally Posted by TURN3

Hornish couldn't compete on todays schedule and we all know it.

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Bullcrap.

The field is full of no-talent hacks. Many of the teams are on welfare.

You put Sam in a Penske car again, and he is top 3 or 4 in points. Today. There are only 7-8 quality cars in the sport today. Penske's 3, Ganassi's 2 and a couple from Andretti. No different in that regard then 2007.

Will Power almost won the damn championship by being average (at best) on ovals (never won a race).

Sam could do the exact same thing in reverse.

You can now swallow too, Turn 3.

Scotty & Turn - you guys are pretty much both right......

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Originally Posted by Scotty G.

Bullcrap.

The field is full of no-talent hacks. Many of the teams are on welfare.

You put Sam in a Penske car again, and he is top 3 or 4 in points. Today. There are only 7-8 quality cars in the sport today. Penske's 3, Ganassi's 2 and a couple from Andretti. No different in that regard then 2007.

Will Power almost won the damn championship by being average (at best) on ovals (never won a race).

Sam could do the exact same thing in reverse.

You can now swallow too, Turn 3.

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Comparing Will's ovals to Sam's road courses isn't going to work either Scotty. Will either won or finished top 3 on every single road course. By comparison, Sam wouldn't (even in a Penske) win or finish top 3 on every single oval (which there are fewer than road courses). Sam, as factually pointed out to you, was basically Danica on road courses. Where does she finish on roadies? Oh yeah, back of the pack. How about a comparison to another former series champ and Indy winner...Dan Wheldon. How does Dan do amongst today's no talent hacks?

You have no rationalization Scotty. Go ahead, its a thick pill. Don' choke, ahhh yes. That's it Scotty. Now sip some water and take a lil' nappy nap.

And by the way, Sam isn't coming back to Indycar and unless he has some major sponsorship dollars (which he doesn't), nobody would hire him anyway. Roger isn't taking him back...Chip wouldn't even consider him, and Andretti is only taking ride buyers. So that pretty much only leaves the possibility of a 1 off at Indy with a mid to back of pack team as the only prayer.

I'm sure you two would agree that it would be the best to actually see what Sam could do in IndyCar in 2011 instead of a theoretical debate about it.

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Originally Posted by Dr. Krogshöj

I'm sure you two would agree that it would be the best to actually see what Sam could do in IndyCar in 2011 instead of a theoretical debate about it.

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Actually I wouldn't, but I don't disagree with your philosophy and I understand what you are saying. My point is that I think Sam's ship has sailed. He's isn't competitive on road courses in a day when road courses are the majority of the schedule. He's been a complete failure in NASCAR and his value to Indycar isn't that high (who's is?). The guy was amazing on driver's ovals (i.e. Richmond, Kentucky, etc.) but I don't want to see Sam Hornish any more than I want to see EJ Viso. I really don't want to see either of them, I would prefer to see somebody like JR Hildebrand, James Hinchcliffe, or Graham Rahal (which we will but was out of a full-time gig last year).

I liken Hornish to a Dan Wheldon (without the attitude). Great oval drivers and good at Indy, but otherwise they are pretty irrelevant. Dan did have a couple of half way respectable drives on roadies this year but those were few and far between. We don't need any 1 trick ponies, we need truly talent open wheel drivers...in all facets of the sport.

Now if Hornish found a ride with somebody like Coyne or Conquest where it wasn't taking away from a legitimate contender on a mid-upper level team...then so be it. That would be better than a Mario Romancini in my opinion.

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Originally Posted by TURN3

1. How about a comparison to another former series champ and Indy winner...Dan Wheldon. How does Dan do amongst today's no talent hacks?

2. And by the way, Sam isn't coming back to Indycar and unless he has some major sponsorship dollars (which he doesn't), nobody would hire him anyway.

3. Roger isn't taking him back...

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1. Wheldon regularly runs in the top 8 on ovals running for a midpack team. He ran around 10th on the road courses this year. He has finished 2nd in the only race in Indy Cars that actually matters, the past 2 years.

And Sam is a better driver then Dan.

2. Your right. Indy Car owners only care about finding drivers who will fund them. That's why there are only 2 teams in the sport worth a damn.

3. Roger would boot Briscoe to the curb tomorrow, if Sam wanted to come back. Roger only cares about winning Indy. And Sam has done that. Briscoe and "No oval wins in his life" Power, have not.

Plus, Sam has won Indy Car championships. Something that Helio has never done.

Helio, Sam and Power would make a hell of a Indy Car team. All 3 would likely finish in the top 5 in Indy Car points, and 2 of the 3 would give Roger a legit shot at winning Indy.

Plus Turn 3, you were the one that said that "Sam couldn't compete in today's Indy Car series". You be wrong. He'd compete just fine in a Penske car.

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Originally Posted by TURN3

I liken Hornish to a Dan Wheldon (without the attitude). Great oval drivers and good at Indy, but otherwise they are pretty irrelevant.

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Being good at Indy (and winning Indy) trumps all the other Indy Car events about 10 fold.

Being good at Indy, doesn't make you irrelevent. Quite the opposite, actually. Like Danicker or not, but her star was made at Indy in 2005. Without her Indy 500 result, she is nothing.

Being good at St. Pete or Toronto (and finishing 18th at Indy), makes you irrelevent.

Sorry if some of you want to make the series into some 18 race, "every event is equally important" deal. And sorry if some of you want this utopian "our champion has to be great at everything and win on various courses". But the truth is, the sport only matters because of the 3 weeks every year in May at IMS. Without it, we have Star Mazda on steroids. A nice little series, with some nice little races. But irrelevent.

Well Scotty, you continue to put your own foot in your mouth. Just because Sam is your idea of the great American hope and you despise anything other than such, isn't going to get Sam back. Penske isn't getting rid of anybody on his current team for Sam. That is a fact, we all know it. Why would he? Briscoe has won ovals and contended for a championship...he's good on roadies. Castroneves has won on ovals, 3 time Indy champ, and is good on roadies. Power dominates roadies, and would've won this years championship if it weren't for 3 oval races he got screwed by his crew on. Sorry, I'm not buying the "Will Power can't race ovals" bit. The only oval mistake he made all year was at Homestead when it was go for it all time. Big deal. I'm sure Roger sits up at night wondering which one of those 3 championship contenders he gets rid of to make room for a guy that would likely finish around 10th.

With regard to Indy and its relevance, thank you for agreeing with me an supporting my earlier statements. That is why I think the only chance you'll see Hornish in an Indycar is a 1 off at Indy...he would be a good candidate for that. Or now that I think about it, maybe he can do the Ed Carpenter schedule next year and only run ovals.

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Originally Posted by Scotty G.

...He has finished 2nd in the only race in Indy Cars that actually matters...

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Originally Posted by Scotty G.

Being good at Indy (and winning Indy) trumps all the other Indy Car events about 10 fold...

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So why should we even bother to have any other races. Scotty?

Gary

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Originally Posted by TURN3

1. Just because Sam is your idea of the great American hope and you despise anything other than such, isn't going to get Sam back.

2. Penske isn't getting rid of anybody on his current team for Sam. That is a fact, we all know it.

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1. Yes, he'd be one of America's best hopes for a Indy Car driver. Him and Rice, are the only 2 American drivers to win the Indy 500 since 1998. He is the only American to win a Indy Car championship, in the last decade.

Who are the "American hopes"? Marco? Graham? Danicker? What the hell have they shown?

And I don't despise anything else. Just realize that there are really good reasons why .nothing ratings are the norm today and very few sponsors want to get involved. Losing guys like Sam and Rice, are 2 of the biggest reasons why.

2. IF Sam told Roger today he wanted to come back to Indy Cars, Briscoe would be gone. THAT is a fact. This is Sam's choice to race in NASCAR. Its what his family wanted (more specifically, his wife). He is making a great living, no matter how he does. Penske still loves him and will keep him in Nationwide, if Cup goes away. Penske would LOVE for him to come back to Indy Cars. Penske cares most about winning Indy. And 2 of his 3 drivers have never proven they can seal the deal at Indy. Sam has.

Those of you that think Sam would be a midpacker now, driving for Roger Penske, are delusional. And those that think that Penske wouldnt' want him back are really delusional.

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Originally Posted by garyshell

So why should we even bother to have any other races. Scotty?

Gary

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You are missing the point, Gar.


When someone says that Hornish or Wheldon would be "irrelevent" because of doing well at Indy, then they have no idea what they are talking about.

Sure, you need other races. And some are very good events. But without the Indy 500....this sport is absolutely nothing. It would be just another formula car series, that nobody cares about. The Indy 500 gives it relevence.

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Originally Posted by Scotty G.

2. IF Sam told Roger today he wanted to come back to Indy Cars, Briscoe would be gone. THAT is a fact.

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In the fantasy world that is Scotty G's own little fiefdom, the line between speculation and fact is non existent.

via Dictionary.com:

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Fact  /fækt/ –noun
1. something that actually exists; reality; truth: Your fears have no basis in fact.

2. something known to exist or to have happened: Space travel is now a fact.

3. a truth known by actual experience or observation; something known to be true: Scientists gather facts about plant growth.

4. something said to be true or supposed to have happened: The facts given by the witness are highly questionable.

5. Law . Often, facts. an actual or alleged event or circumstance, as distinguished from its legal effect or consequence.

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Gary

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Originally Posted by Scotty G.

2. IF Sam told Roger today he wanted to come back to Indy Cars, Briscoe would be gone. THAT is a fact. This is Sam's choice to race in NASCAR. Its what his family wanted (more specifically, his wife). He is making a great living, no matter how he does. Penske still loves him and will keep him in Nationwide, if Cup goes away. Penske would LOVE for him to come back to Indy Cars. Penske cares most about winning Indy. And 2 of his 3 drivers have never proven they can seal the deal at Indy. Sam has.

Those of you that think Sam would be a midpacker now, driving for Roger Penske, are delusional. And those that think that Penske wouldnt' want him back are really delusional.

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I have to agree with Gary - how is this FACT?? You MAY be right - but too many people can come up with too many reasons either he wouldn't go back or Roger wouldn't take him back.... We cannot forget that the theoretical choice isn't between Sam and Ryan - it is between Sam and ALL other potential drivers.... I don't see how Sam gets the ride IF it were to be open..... It is not like Hornish was one of the great Penske drivers of all time and it is not like he has been that successful for Penske overall (especially relative to other drivers to whom Penske has shown GREAT loyalty...).

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Originally Posted by Scotty G.

When someone says that Hornish or Wheldon would be "irrelevent" because of doing well at Indy, then they have no idea what they are talking about.

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And who said this? Where did this come from? I believe you're making a desparate attempt to hide the fact you're in left field by putting words in my mouth. I never said, "Hornish or Wheldon were irrelevant BECAUSE of doing well at Indy." To the contrary, specifically I mentioned that Hornish would be a good candidate for a 1 off at Indy. If Wheldon ends up without a ride next year I would think he would aso be a good candidate for a team looking to run just the 500. Other than that, they are both irrelevant.

And I'd also point out that even though Sam has been a great open wheel oval driver and won Indy, other than that year at Indy he has struggled there. If I were choosing between the two, I'd take Wheldon with a far better track record. An that's tough for me to say because I'd rather give him a reason for another new set of teeth.

I've always thought of Hornish as a very good IRL driver on ovals, but no more than a mid-pack driver on road/streets. As far as Penske making room for him on the IRL team, should he choose to give up his NASCAR dream, Penske has never indicated that AFAIK. All that Penske has said is that Hornish was free to pursue a seat with some other team, if he wanted to, since Mobil 1 dropped Hornish's ride in NASCAR. Why would Penske bounce someone like Briscoe to make room for Hornish? I could see him possibly bouncing Briscoe to get Tony Kanaan, because he's a more complete package. But why would he take Hornish over Briscoe? Since he's shown no sign of doing that, I'd say it's far from being a "fact".

There was an article about this about a month ago on That's Racing.com. It was part of the same article that put down speculation that Dodge might enter the IRL as an engine provider, running with Penske. Ralph Gilles shot that down (saying Dodge was focused on NASCAR) and Penske said then that Hornish was free to pursue other opportunities with other teams. What I took from that article was that if Hornish does return to the IRL, it will probably be with Panther.

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Originally Posted by Scotty G.

Those of you that think Sam would be a midpacker now, driving for Roger Penske, are delusional. And those that think that Penske wouldnt' want him back are really delusional.

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Talk about delusional...have you taken your meds lately? I guess since you're the only one I know of on this or any other forum with these thoughs of your boyfriend Sam, all of us fans are "delusional" and you're the normal one.

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Originally Posted by Jag_Warrior

But why would he take Hornish over Briscoe?

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The Indy 500.

Simple as that.

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Originally Posted by TURN3

Talk about delusional...have you taken your meds lately? I guess since you're the only one I know of on this or any other forum with these thoughs of your boyfriend Sam, all of us fans are "delusional" and you're the normal one.

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What do you have against Sam?

Sam's accomplishments in Indy Cars are right there for you. Can you read? Can you comprehend?

Would you rather us add another no talent hack instead? Or someone who won 3 Indy Car championships and is a Indy 500 winner?

Penske cares MOST about winning the Indy 500. Who do you think would give him the better chance of doing that? Hornish or Briscoe?

Enough said.

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Originally Posted by Chris R

It is not like Hornish was one of the great Penske drivers of all time.

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He won 8 races.

He won a championship.

He won Indy.


In Penske's book, that makes him one of the great ones that has driven for him.

As a comparison, Sam won 8 races for Penske in 4 years. Al Jr. won 12 races for Penske in 6 years. Both averaged 2 wins a year. Both won Indy once with Roger. Both won a championship with Roger.

Is Al Jr one of Penske's "great ones"? I think most would say yes.

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Originally Posted by Scotty G.

He won 8 races.

He won a championship.

He won Indy.


In Penske's book, that makes him one of the great ones that has driven for him.

As a comparison, Sam won 8 races for Penske in 4 years. Al Jr. won 12 races for Penske in 6 years. Both averaged 2 wins a year. Both won Indy once with Roger. Both won a championship with Roger.

Is Al Jr one of Penske's "great ones"? I think most would say yes.

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It's been pretty entertaining watching everyone go back and forth over Sam Hornish, and I've been content to sit on the sidelines and take it all in.

Now finally something prompts me to write.

I'd say the fields were stronger back when Al Jr was driving for Penske compared to when Hornish was there, and Penske probably know it as well. Do I know this as fact? Of course not. Just like everyone else, an opinion.

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Originally Posted by Scotty G.

What do you have against Sam?

Sam's accomplishments in Indy Cars are right there for you. Can you read? Can you comprehend?

Would you rather us add another no talent hack instead? Or someone who won 3 Indy Car championships and is a Indy 500 winner?

Penske cares MOST about winning the Indy 500. Who do you think would give him the better chance of doing that? Hornish or Briscoe?

Enough said.

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I have nothing against Sam, I do have something against you.

I've not discredited Sam's accomplishments in the least. I've stated quite clearly what an accomplished open wheel oval racer he was. I've also recognized the fact he is a former Indy winner, albeit the only year he did anything at Indy, it only takes once (see Mario Andretti).

Nope, I've never said Sam is a no talent hack. I do think however that you are a hack. You're going through about your 4th or 5th point, all of which have been blown up by others or myself. This is a typical thread where you're involved.

Since you're choking yourself to death, lets make it simple. The bottom line is, Sam is not coming back to Indycar with Penske and unless he has sponsors, he isn't coming back to run for a team like Coyne or Conquest either. If there were rumors of him in a 2nd car at Panther I would give that some credence because of their history and the fact they don't compete for championships...they compete for Indy. But, those rumors aren't even out there in lieu of Wilson, Rahal, Wheldon, Carpenter, etc. Doesn't seem to be in the works at this point. The only time you have a prayer to see him is at Indy driving in circles on a 1 off. The sooner you realize that and quit making yourself look like an idiot, the sooner you can get to the next topic that will make you look like an idiot all over again.

I'm really sorry you're embarassing yourself like this Scotty. Its ok to face the fact your great American hope won't be Sam Hornish. Maybe you should get on the bandwagon of somebody else? Who would you suggest?

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Originally Posted by Scotty G.

He won 8 races.

He won a championship.

He won Indy.


In Penske's book, that makes him one of the great ones that has driven for him.

As a comparison, Sam won 8 races for Penske in 4 years. Al Jr. won 12 races for Penske in 6 years. Both averaged 2 wins a year. Both won Indy once with Roger. Both won a championship with Roger.

Is Al Jr one of Penske's "great ones"? I think most would say yes.

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Al fell apart while at Penske - I would not rate him as a great PENSKE driver.... Really the great Penske drivers (i.e. the drivers that had long and productive careers mostly on his team ) were/ are : Donahue, Mears, & Castroneves. Great drivers who had great stints with Penske - both elder Unsers & Fittapaldi and probably Unser Jr. Decent drivers who had decent runs Sneva, Sullivan, DeFerran, Tracy, Hornish. Great drivers who had marginal results (with Penske) Andretti, Bettenausen. Also rans, Bobby Allison, Bill Alsup, Kevin Cogan, Andre Ribero, Gonzalo Rodriguez (RIP). I am sure I am missing some people - but perhaps not - Penske has been pretty stable over the years.....

My point is, I don't think Sam rates a de facto open seat at Penske.

If we could move onto actual news:

I haven't seen it anywhere other than the front page of AR1 yet but sounds like Rahal has himself a pretty good gig. Wonder what his salary is out of that $10M. As details emerge it will be interesting to hear everybody's thoughts on this.

Chip finally got that third car.

Andretti Autosport
Marco
Danica
TBD/RHR

RHR might go with TK to NHR.

Penske Racing/Team Penske Racing
Power
HCN
Briscoe

Target Chip Ganassi
Dixon
Dario
Rahal


A.J. Foyt Enterprises
Vitor

KVRT
Ride buyer ~1
Ride buyer ~2

Panther
Wilson

de Ferran Dragon Racing
Pagenaud
TBD

HVM
SDS

Conquest
Baguett/TBD
TBD

FAZZT
Tagliani
TBD/No $$

Newman Hass
TK
RHR/TBD

Dreyer and Reinbold Racing
Conway
TBD 2
TBD 3

Money and ride rides buyers fill this team out.

Sarah Fisher Racing
Fisher/TBD

Dale Coyne Racing
Ride buyer 1
Ride buyer 2

So HVM lost their primary sponsor, now partners up with Lola to run in ALMS, and you still say they will run an IndyCar effort? For which they are still short a chassis?

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Originally Posted by Enjun Pullr

So HVM lost their primary sponsor, now partners up with Lola to run in ALMS, and you still say they will run an IndyCar effort? For which they are still short a chassis?

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According to the press release Wiggins put out (on Racer & SpeedTv) it sounds like they are committed to run IndyCar next year. If they actually show up or not remains to be seen...

so is there any real news on the Rahal/Ganassi deal or is it still speculation??

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Originally Posted by Chris R

so is there any real news on the Rahal/Ganassi deal or is it still speculation??

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Appears as though it is fact. No denial from Ganassi. Sad that once again Sarah Fisher gets a sponsor and loses it to another team. Bigger team. The suggestion is she did not have a "no compete" clause in her contract and Rahal Snr and Jr spent some time with the sponsor over the five races they were with Jr and Sarah.
This is a big sponsor which has NTSB and other notable stores under it's umbrella.
There is no suggestion that Bobby or Graham did anything covert to take a sponsor. In fact it's suggested they compensated her for getting the sponsor(although) that is speculation.

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Originally Posted by Chris R

so is there any real news on the Rahal/Ganassi deal or is it still speculation??

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I've looked at Autosport,Speed and a few others and no mention of this yet... only Mark C. at AR1. I don't have a subscription, but reading what I could on AR1's front page, it said this was in "final negotiations". I'm not saying it isn't true, but I'm waiting until I see Autosport or someone else confirms it.

After looking at again, it said "final stages of agreement". I'm not sure if there is a difference, but for the sake of accuracy, there it is.

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Originally Posted by Scotty G.

The Indy 500.

Simple as that.

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Some may, but I don't have anything against Hornish, Scotty. I'm just saying that in order to accomplish what you are suggesting (winning/being competitive at Indy), Penske could just put Hornish in an extra car for Indy (and maybe a warm-up oval prior to May) and do just that. He wouldn't need to fire Briscoe just to have Hornish for the full season, in the hope that he could win Indy. Penske released Hornish to look for employment elsewhere. That is the glaring fact that we can't overlook.

Hornish, as I said, is/was a very good oval driver (in the IRL). But Rick Mears he's not. I'm not really plugged into the news & rumors any longer. But just from the article written a month or so ago, if Hornish returns to the IRL, it will likely be with Panther - there's no indication that it will be with Penske (although that could change). But if Penske wanted him, I don't believe he would have released him and told him to find work elsewhere if he could.

Excited for GR to get deal with TCG. Here is the link I am not subscriber but was able to read the entire thing.

http://www.autoracing1.com/article.asp?id=2384

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Originally Posted by Otto-Matic

According to the press release Wiggins put out (on Racer & SpeedTv) it sounds like they are committed to run IndyCar next year. If they actually show up or not remains to be seen...

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While it'll be great news if young Rahal is able to get himself onto a big player team, I have to admit that it was Simona who I cheered for most of this season... along with Ryan Hunter-Reay. If either or both of those drivers wind up on the sidelines, I can't say that the upcoming season will hold that much interest for me. Probably not enough to force myself to sit through Genius Jack A-root's "tech" segments and the constant fawning over The Danica.

EagleEye, is there ANY (real) chance that Simona could find a decent ride with another team if HVM can't field a car? I don't think she has any/much money though. So if HVM folds, does she end up heading back to Europe and becoming the next Katherine Legge? :(

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Originally Posted by Jag_Warrior

EagleEye, is there ANY (real) chance that Simona could find a decent ride with another team if HVM can't field a car? I don't think she has any/much money though. So if HVM folds, does she end up heading back to Europe and becoming the next Katherine Legge? :(

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She impressed many with her talents and her attitude this past season. HVM is cash strapped, and she could end up somewhere else. I agree, it would be great to see her on solid ground with another team if HVM does not get the funding. Make it a two-fer with her and Canon, and that would give her a good chance to have a solid second season.

There are very few paying rides left...but she deserves and has earned the chance to drive at this level. I'll keep my ears open....

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Originally Posted by jackmart

Excited for GR to get deal with TCG. Here is the link I am not subscriber but was able to read the entire thing.

http://www.autoracing1.com/article.asp?id=2384

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The link no longer works unless you are a subscriber. Anyone know the details of this? Is it a fact or a Cipolini fact?

Gary

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Originally Posted by Jag_Warrior

While it'll be great news if young Rahal is able to get himself onto a big player team, I have to admit that it was Simona who I cheered for most of this season... along with Ryan Hunter-Reay. If either or both of those drivers wind up on the sidelines, I can't say that the upcoming season will hold that much interest for me.

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I agree 100%. I rooted for RHR the most and if he still doesnt land a competative ride, after all he's proven, then i dont know how strongly I can follow ICS. yeah $$$ talks but at some point, if you want to be a legit organization that wants to win, talent has to mean something.

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Originally Posted by Otto-Matic

I agree 100%. I rooted for RHR the most and if he still doesnt land a competative ride, after all he's proven, then i dont know how strongly I can follow ICS. yeah $$$ talks but at some point, if you want to be a legit organization that wants to win, talent has to mean something.

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I keep hearing folks make similar comments, but I don't understand how you make that jump of team owner decisions weighing on the legitimacy of the organization. ICS doesn't hire or fire drivers. The team owners do.

Gary