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I have heard Daniel Morad in the second FAZZT entry if they run two cars.Quote:
Originally Posted by MDS
Beck/3G have had rumors swirling around every now and then that they wanted to run two cars in 2010. Would that be the plan? Maybe Antinucci and Hinchcliffe?
I just realized, this is a Danica thread, I think I will start a new one for 2010 silly season.
Whatever. The "Danica Brand" is keeping it in the news. Is she going here, is she going there, is she going to bed (OOOOPS).
Just look at this thread.
The Toronto Sun motorsport columnist has an update on her constantly and he reports 90% on taxi cabs.
Another forum I belong to, which has many thousand members and DF belongs to, doesn't even bother with her except for DF.
She, or her mgt. team promote her, not motorsport.
I admit I do not like her but I feel she is an adequate driver in IRL.
Anywhere else the Jury is not even sequestered yet.
HOWEVER, I do not think she is a RACER. Driver yes, Racer No.
So many good points here to quote them all, I agree with many. Nice to see people in this thread with actual value to their input for a change (especially regarding Danica). As far as IRL surviving without THE DANICA...I've argued with my GF (whom can't stand Danica either) that short of some casual fans at the races, she does very little for or against attendence or especially TV ratings. Not to bring up a Champ Car vs IRL war subject but weren't Champ Cars rating about pretty much the same as the IRL before the merger? If I'm not mistaken I believe attendence was better for Champ Car races too. Of course I'm speculating without looking up actual facts. But it is to be considered being that Danica was in the IRL. I'm excluding Indy obviously.
Another point to make, looking at the recently posted TV ratings...The races where PT was most promoted (Indy and Toronto) were the 2 highest ratings of the year (Watkins Glen, Mid-Ohio, and Milwaukee where basically last minute additions for him and weren't promoted as a race with him). I recently saw a TV show ranking PT as the 4th most recognizable race car driver in the world (with F1 in the mix I'm not a believer of that for what it is worth). My point being Danica has brought a lot of attention in her first couple of years based purely on photo shoots. A guy like PT, a proven winner and constant on and off track entertainment has more value to the IRL than Danica. That is just my opinion looking at some of these points.
I hope you are right. For me to be wrong on my assessment would be good.Quote:
Originally Posted by Starter
Right driver, wrong team (s). He looks to be coming for sure next year, but it will not be with 3G/Curb or any variation of that outfit. I bet you a pair of signed Zanardi gloves on it. An must not be common knowledge, since it has not been reported...anywhere.Quote:
Originally Posted by MDS
Only you and another have used such personal attacks, like calling me an a-#$%. Very mature. The others true fans, who actually make it to races are quite nice, informed and enjoy good discussions, freebies and good food at hospitality!
Danica's father told me a deal was done. I called the NASCAR car owner in question and asked him, and he said it was done but I could not report it "elsewhere" so I chose to do so here. And, I am still not wrong, just as those who reported that Favre is retired, were not wrong AT THAT TIME. Some things change, and I never once backed off it by saying "oh now she is coming back to AGR" as many posted here (and which for now is also not fact). As I said, there are a lot of things going on at this time. She is going to NASCAR, but it might not be in 2010, 2011, 2012..?
Sine then, GM is has some serious issues, and has had to restructure, TJ is under a gag order, and Danica is still going to NASCAR.
I have been wrong, or missed things. For example, after the Kentucky race, I mentioned here that I "missed the Dorrbos thing" and did not have a clue it was coming.
If you do not want infomred inside scopps here, ahead of the "official" or standard reporting elsewhere, no problem.
You and your boyfriend can meet me in Longbeach, start finish line, pitside an hour before the race next year. Bring me some El Pollo loco, and peace may be at hand. If peace comes earlier, you could end up in hospitality, and some signed driver goods...it is all up to you and your beau.
Things are a a mess, at best for the ICS. There is little good to discuss, and these is so much going on this time that one can only hope some good news arrives soon.
I am happy to bring my wife (not boyfriend *LOL*) and meet you at long beach, not only will I bring El Pollo Loco I wil get you a King Taco if we can end up in hospitality !!!Quote:
Originally Posted by EagleEye
You are SO right !!! ICS is a mess now with no viable media or TV coverage, no name drivers, and lack of sponsorships, amid a lessening economy.Quote:
Originally Posted by EagleEye
I had hoped that after the "merger"; that the confusion in the marketplace regarding open wheel racing would have resulted in a strengthening of OWR's position but it hasn't worked out that way.
Any inside info you can bring to forum members I think would be appreciated if you actually report it. The impression I have of you (and I think the other members) is that you think you know everything. Instead of making a statement you sort of float information out there where you can spin it to look like you actually knew all the details. If you are hearing rumors or have some inside info say something like "I'm hearing...." or something to that effect. Your ...there's a driver from Canada not named Tags or PT that might have gotten a speeding ticket when he was 12 that if you spell his name with a cryptic code backwards then turn it upside....is crap. Just be real, things change, rumors turn out to be false, but you seem to make a really big deal about making sure you look like a genious. It has backfired numerous times and that is why you get negative feedback.
Then what team? Why leave it open if it's locked up? At least I give the info I have and don't try to lord it over people to play some guessing game for your own enjoyment. I've heard some other rumors I can't repeat without giving up my source, but yeah, Hinch is more than likely going to be the IRL next year and has talked with several teams, 3G/Curb included.Quote:
Originally Posted by EagleEye
First of all I didn't call you an a-- I just said that certain comments make people think you are one. If you have information why share bits of it in tiny bits cryptic enough to make a telephone psychic proud? Either its solid info or its not. Reporters should not be in the business of spreading rumors.Quote:
Originally Posted by EagleEye
As far as Long Beach goes, thanks, but we have standing reservations at the Hyatt and several hospitality invites from my personal and professional connections. Maybe we'll run into you, but I doubt it because I don't need the drama, and trust me, I can spot you, and I doubt you can find me.
I made it to two races this year, and next year I'll be at least three, and maybe Indy if they get the aero package right, and more likely than not Toronto. If they had more races in the south, and/or brought back Cleveland and/or Detroit, I'd go to more.
You made a bad guess "Curb" despite no info at all, just as you posted about Bourdais/Red Bull/AGR...that was not based on fact at all. Same with the Silly Season nonsense you posted. Talk about a crystal ball!Quote:
Originally Posted by MDS
There are at least 3-4 teams in play (they have never talked to 3G) for JH. This is based on direct converstations with the players and watching his him and his manager talk to people in the paddock. And there really is nothing to report as far as which team, because it is way to early and there are a lot of things going on.
For example, Danica has still not signed with AG, despite everyone's (including yours) assumption made after Sonoma. That is really the first thing that has to get sorted, as it has huge implications in the paddock. If she were to sign with someone else there would be a huge hole at AG. AG would have a big money issue, and drivers bringing some support would come into play. This is the first shoe that needs to drop. The second would be Power and Penske, as Ganassi might run a third if the Captain brings Power back to the fold. And we all know he wants to, but the money has to be there. And then it goes on from there...
Money, not talent will rule the off season.
Silly season is in full swing, and there are things I would love to share. FWIT, Penske15 will also be able to provide some spot on information...I think I know who it is especially after being at Sarah's shop when she got her new chassis. Maybe we can just bring up some good stories from RA and Long Beach.
Quote:
Originally Posted by EagleEye
So what is this, the freakin' National Enquirer? This has become down right sleazy. What right do you have even posting this sort of TRASH, let alone offering to whisper who it is to the right ear that bows and kisses your ring?
I for one think you have REALLY stepped over the line here. First it starts off with all you chest thumping, I know the inside scoop and the rest of you are a bunch of peons, attitude. Then it gets into the private lives of one of our members with your cute little comments about someone's boyfriend. Now its reduced to this sort of BS. Maybe you do have the inside track. But frankly Scarlett...
MDS was right, folks think you are a ...
Gary
hook line and sinker
That is exactly what I wanted to post :up:Quote:
Originally Posted by garyshell
Boy am i glad i'm not getting hit with any mud here.................
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ken
well that post doesn't make much sense after the thread was sanitized....
but it's almost comical how they same folks take the bait over and over and over again
First of all, I said that was entirely speculation and a rumor I heard on another board when I posted it. I never claimed to have any sort of inside information about where Seabass would end up.Quote:
Originally Posted by EagleEye
That's the difference between you and I, I usually state the source of what I'm hearing. Also if you read my posts you'll notice I was the first one to hint that Doornbos was out at NHL before the end of the year.
I said I believe DP will be back with Boost at AGR, but I've never said a contract is done and dusted.
Also, if the deal's not done why are you making statements that make it seem like you know what the driver/team combo is when you're just hearing the same rumor that I am? Hinch has some backers, he's talking to a couple of teams, 3G included, about buying a ride next year. I know at least one of the other teams, but I don't want to say it for fear of violating a trust, and since you haven't named it yet I don't want to add to your knowledge.
Difference is you heard a rumor that might be true and you wrote it like it was a secret you knew and no one else did. If you were more descriptive like "I've heard that a Canadian is talking with several times about a full time ride in 2010, but I don't know," or "can't say any more," then there wouldn't be issues.
They have NOT talked to 3G at all.Quote:
Originally Posted by MDS
The difference is you guess, while I actually talk to people.
You will note that (starting to repeat myself) that I totally missed on the Doorbos thing, and I was actually there and talked to him that weekend. I had no clue or indication that was going to happen, that way at least. Your guess there was correct.
As for the "edited" material above, and Starter can back me up on this, there were no insults or negative comments directed at you. I asked about an incident that happend some time ago at the CART awards dinner. It was a bit too "R" rated for this forum.
just letting you know...
EE, I have a question for you in good faith. It doesn't pertain to Danica or Danica sucking so it really doesn't belong here but, with regard to silly season, what are the rumors about PT you have floating around? I haven't talked to anybody or pretend to know some secret but I have a funny feeling something is up. My intuition tells me he is close to getting sponsors lined up for a full season to go along with Geico on ABC races...but with nothing being signed or official there is an effort to keep it under wraps. Just curious if you're hearing anything in his camp.
I'm not guessing, I know he talked with 3G, and unless your source is Hinch, which seems unlikely because he's a pretty tactful guy, and you specifically asked about 3G and they told you the truth you don't know for sure. And givin how you've represented things as fact before I'm pretty sure you don't know for absolute truth.Quote:
Originally Posted by EagleEye
As someone who has leaked things to the press on a couple of occasions let me tell you how these things work. No one tells you complete and total truth. Truth is Hinch has talked with 3G, even if it isn't his first, second, or third choice. How many high school football players spread rumors that scouts from D1 Schools are looking at them only to end up at mid-teir D2 schools.
No one gives reporters insider info for fun, but because they hope to gain something about it, you're probably being gamed my friend.
But neither AJ nor Mario are the "future winner of the Indy 500" :)Quote:
Originally Posted by beachbum
Danica will stay in the IRL because IMG or whoever is marketing her knows that she would be a total flop in NASCAR.
If she ever qualified or was part of the system they use in NASCAR where so many points guarantess an entry can you imagine her running side by side nose to nose, tail to tail with all those cars? No freakin way!!!
Danica has some talent but is an overhyped useful appetizer to the the fringe viewer. Every oval I turn to always seems to indicate she is running 5th , 6th or 7th. With the money she has from Motorola I would expect she have podiums and wins galore at this stage.
Turn 3 mentioned earlier that she had superior quality machinery or words to that effect. I agree. Give Sarah Fisher that car and I bet there would have been wins by now. Oh, more than one fuel conservation win at "Motegi Japan" wink wink.
By the way. this 2,3,4 car argument I hear depending on DP staying becuase of her large sponsorship; what does that have to do with Motorola. If they are sponsoring Patrick why should that impact any other part of the team. Are you suggesting a Adrian Fernadez, Tecate, Gigante scenario???
IMG is leading the charge for her to go to NASCAR. They get paid a percentage of what she makes and the money potential is at least three times or more in NASCAR than in the IRL. Dale Jr. is a total flop in NASCAR, performance wise, yet he remains one of the top (if not the top) in money earned through his "brand".Quote:
Originally Posted by Gluaistean
Performance is not a consideration for IMG, but building the brand and maximizing the cash potential is. She is currently earns more in the IRL than any other driver, yet her performance, as you noted, falls below several others.
It is not a question of if, but when. IMG and NASCAR want her to take the jump next year (the boost in ratings, justifies their pursuit). The ball is firmly in her court and there are several intersting scenarios in place that she could go after.
If she leaves AGR/AG, that would put a huge hole in the budget, and there would be some significant changes in the team structure.
anyone have any idea when this will all finnally play out?
When the check clears the bank.Quote:
Originally Posted by Ken
The obvious take is that people around her are just in it for the money. There may be potential there, but I disagree that the ball in her court. She doesn't own the ball, or the team.Quote:
Originally Posted by EagleEye
What seems forgotten is that it isn't up to her or even IMG to decide if she gets a contract offer. She can "go after" anything she wants, but she may not get it. Her "brand" isn't that powerful. Some team has to decide that she brings enough to the team to convince them to make an offer. Of course, she (or IMG) could buy a ride. From the few reports that have surfaced, IMG was not met with open arms with their "charge" to get her into NASCAR.
The suggestion is that she will bring in so much money someone will take her on just for the sponsorship and promotion. Yet no one have shown where these big money sponsors are coming from. In a day when top teams with proven winners are having trouble getting and keeping sponsors, the idea that a novelty act will be the hot ticket just seems a bit far-fetched. At some level, performance does count.
There has been a long pattern shown by Danica and her handlers making repeated claims of opportunities that turned out to be pipe dreams, or just plain fantasy. Over the years, people from Bernie E to Jack Roush and Tony Steward have found themselves forced to make public statements disputing claims from her camp.
As the saying goes, I will believe it when I see it. IMHO, her little gamesmanship to push up the value of her "brand" could backfire. A number of people have suggested that she may not have a chair when the music stops.
As for Dale, Jr being a flop, that is just hogwash. There are many in NASCAR who would take his record, even this year. Not only has he won multiple times in Sprint Cup (18), but has been in the top 10 in points 4 times. In Busch he had 22 wins and 2 championships. Not bad for a flop.
I would tend to agree with regard to Danica. This is what I've been saying all along, in part. I don't think she'll be left without a seat simply because she does have some sponsorship backing. Even if not to the level that Motorola and her group from the past 3 years, she does seem to have some coming to the table (i.e. Boost, Go Sissy, etc.). Because money is at such a premium, I'm sure somebody will put her in something on the IRL grid unfortunately.Quote:
Originally Posted by beachbum
I'm not a fan of Dale Jr. by any means, much for the same reason I'm not of Danica. His performance does not live up to his hype. By NASCAR standards he's probably not a flop because he has won and he has been competitive. The big BUT is though, he's been in bar none top of the crop Hendrick equipment now for 2 years and has not only been dusted by his teammates, he hasn't sniffed anything more than a Danica-like fuel economy win at MIS last year. The comparison between the 2 of them is fair, Dale Jr. has just a little more of an argument that he's not a flop.
I'm not a big Dale, Jr. fan either. But just because of all that he's won in the past (including the Daytona 500) and the fact that she's a one time lifetime winner, maybe he is a has been now - but The Danica really is a never was. Let's just be honest folks; there is one reason, and only one reason that Danica comes up in discussions. What other one time lifetime winner gets a thread, much less multiple threads? By winning that one race, she did accomplish something. I wouldn't take that away from her. But just as a driver, gender aside, what are we talking about? Not much, IMO. She's a PR created, media sensation.
Strictly as a race car driver, she's got more in common with Buckshot Jones than she does Dale, Jr. (IMO).
Two points to make. Hendrick has always seems to have 3 very good teams and one that is doing relatively poorly. For years it was the 5 team with revolving drivers. This year, it seems Junior's team is the laggard. I am not a big fan of Junior, but at least he often uses his popularity to take some controversial positions about the sport. For the record, Junior's average finish in 2006 and 2008 was higher than Jeff Gordon's, so I guess Gordon was a flop those years.Quote:
Originally Posted by Jag_Warrior
Second point. GoDaddy just announced major sponsorship of Mark Martin at Hendrick, as well as retaining the sponsorship at Junior's team. As big as they are, that probably doesn't leave much left over for Danica. Since many thought they were her big hope for big bucks, things may not be so rosy on her sponsorship front.
IHMO, she will be back at AGR next year, but the contract may not be as good as she has now. Early rumors were that it would only be a 1 year deal, and after all of the noise about going to NASCAR, I can't see AGR wanting to make a long term commitment.
She has plenty of offers. She owns the "brand", and that is what people are after.Quote:
Originally Posted by beachbum
[/quote]What seems forgotten is that it isn't up to her or even IMG to decide if she gets a contract offer. She can "go after" anything she wants, but she may not get it. Her "brand" isn't that powerful. Some team has to decide that she brings enough to the team to convince them to make an offer. Of course, she (or IMG) could buy a ride. From the few reports that have surfaced, IMG was not met with open arms with their "charge" to get her into NASCAR.{/quote]
Actually she has a signed deal with IMG, and they have a financial interest in her. While the decision is hers to make, IMG pulls a lot of weight. And her "brand" is stronger than you think.
[/quote]
The suggestion is that she will bring in so much money someone will take her on just for the sponsorship and promotion. Yet no one have shown where these big money sponsors are coming from. In a day when top teams with proven winners are having trouble getting and keeping sponsors, the idea that a novelty act will be the hot ticket just seems a bit far-fetched. At some level, performance does count.[/quote]
Motorola, Boost, Go Daddy have been onboard. GM, Ford, Honda, and many others are more than interested. And then there is this small operation called NASCAR. They have run the numbers, and see a fairly large boost in ratings and ticket sales for races that feature Danica.
[/quote]There has been a long pattern shown by Danica and her handlers making repeated claims of opportunities that turned out to be pipe dreams, or just plain fantasy. Over the years, people from Bernie E to Jack Roush and Tony Steward have found themselves forced to make public statements disputing claims from her camp. [/quote]
AGREE!! But I think the economy has had more to do with it than spin. Her original deal went south when GM had issues. Now that TJ has been silenced, a bit, things will play out.
[/quote]As the saying goes, I will believe it when I see it. IMHO, her little gamesmanship to push up the value of her "brand" could backfire. A number of people have suggested that she may not have a chair when the music stops.{/quote]
You will see it soon! She will be one of the top money "earners", and I use the term loosely. I agree she has not really earned it...
[/quote]As for Dale, Jr being a flop, that is just hogwash. There are many in NASCAR who would take his record, even this year. Not only has he won multiple times in Sprint Cup (18), but has been in the top 10 in points 4 times. In Busch he had 22 wins and 2 championships. Not bad for a flop.[/quote]
He has been a major flop with the top team in NASCAR. No chase, one win and lags far behind his other team-mates. Very bad for a Hendrick driver!
Quote:
Originally Posted by EagleEye
EE, rational response to my post. I agree with you on the monetary aspect. I had not thought of the dollar ruling the day. Should have since I am in advertising. Must have been early for this cantankerous old man
Maybe it is just me, but this is beginning to sound like the "Boy Who Cried Wolf". We have heard this story many times before in one guise or another.Quote:
Originally Posted by EagleEye
When she went to England, her group claimed she had the endorsement of Bernie - He released a rather pointed denial.
When in FF, she claimed to have Ford as a patron with Jackie Stewart's backing - Yet Ford never mentioned any backing in any PR and Jackie made a tepid denial.
Rahal claimed to have a ride lined up for Danica at Paul Stewart Racing in F3 - but then Rahal got fired and the F3 money dried up.
After coming back to the US in 2002, she got a number of tests set up by Rahal. One was a Busch car and the claim was that she was going to get more tests - Somehow they all got canceled.
She tested a BWM GT car and even claimed to have a contract - but the team had already known they would not be racing the next year because of a rule change. She did get a job at BWM - giving demo rides to customer.
When Ford ran a driver search in 2004 to find a woman driver to support fro development to move to NASCAR, Danica wasn't in the group or even mentioned. Oddly enough, the person behind the driver search was the same person her group claimed in 2002 was their patron at Ford -John Szymanski.
Rahal got her a ride in a ProDrive Ferrari in ALMS and claimed to have the ride for the year - yet she was pulled from the car in the middle of her first race before her stint was over and never drove for them again.
In 2006, she claimed to have an offer from Rousch - Jack revealed in an interview that there was no contract, just a few complimentary tickets.
When she ran the Grand-Am last year at Daytona there was much hoopla - yet she missed a couple stints, and didn't complete others.
Earlier this year, it was rumored Tony Stewart was going to be her new mentor in NASCAR - He issues a press release that they just talked.
Somehow throughout her carrier, her PR machine has indicated she had support from many manufacturers at different times. Ford in England, BMW for a time, Toyota in Atlantics, Honda in the IRL, and now - well everyone. Honda was the only one to publicly acknowledge support.
Some of the funnier PR "speaks" came in an article in 2004.
Concerning Toyota - "but as title sponsor and engine supplier, couldn't afford to be seen as favoring one driver by providing Patrick sponsorship"
Concerning Ford - "while Ford would love to have a photogenic young woman in one of its stock cars (think of the sponsorship possibilities!), the company has been understanding of her priorities"
Just what is real about Danica and what is a "brand" created by the fertile minds of PR people and based on imagination? Eventually, this will all play out and we "might" get the truth. Then again, maybe not.
Oh come now, you are just making too much sense. I mean come on, Eagle Eye has already told us the deal is done, game over, no questions. And we know he is always right, just ask him.Quote:
Originally Posted by beachbum
Gary
A deal was done, as I was told by her father, and the car owner. Her father has since had a gag order in place, and the automotive industry went into a tailspin. And when those "reported" her deal was done with AGR, I did not retract anything. Note: her deal is still not done with AGR. As I said, there are a lot of things in play at this time, and weather she belongs, deserves or is qualified to run NASCAR is not the point. She is going that way, and maybe sooner rather than later.Quote:
Originally Posted by garyshell
Those who reported Favre had retired were not wrong. The situation changed. I'm sorry if you missed the last year or so regarding the autmotive industry. Feel free to catch up any time now.
I never claimed to be always right but by attending every event, I think I have a bit more knowledge those at home. And considering how often I have been correct (too many times to count) just like in this case, I think the information is a bit more credible than those who guess at home.
I have never seen such jealous bunch of "wanna be's". I have offered to meet with some at races, and I in fact have. Those who i met came away fairly impressed, and enjoyed the freebies. Others, just never show up.
If you want we can discuss this Monday morning as I'm sure you will be at the same event most of us are attending. We missed you in Motegi!
Spare me all the self sanctimonious garbage, you have no clue where I will be on Monday or any other day for that matter.Quote:
Originally Posted by EagleEye
Gary
I know you will not be at the event Monday. Don't get hurt falling off your couch...Quote:
Originally Posted by garyshell
Quote:
Originally Posted by EagleEye
Gee, just three messages back you were so certain I'd be there. Don't break you arm patting yourself on the back...Quote:
Originally Posted by EagleEye
Gary
I was being sarcastic, as I knew you would not be there, and you certainly were not missed at Motegi. You are never near any event.Quote:
Originally Posted by garyshell
You continue to loose every arguement you pcik with me. Three cars for NHL, JW going to NHL a few years back, no phoenix, no las vegas, and on and on.
Like I have told you in the past if you got something to say come do it in person. I know that means actually going to an event, but give it a try.
Quote:
Originally Posted by EagleEye
Once again Nostradamus, you know much less than you think. I was at two events this past season, and I didn't to try to find you at either. As a matter of fact, I wouldn't bother to cross the street to do so. I could care less what access you might grant, or freebies you might hand out to curry favor. Your pompous, I know more than everyone else, attitude is wearing a might thin.
Gary
Is this why you can pick up a like-new copy of her autobiography "Crossing The Line" at amazon.com for $ .01? And there's lots of them to buy there for that price. Check it out. That's one powerful, mass-market "brand" there.Quote:
Originally Posted by EagleEye