Openwheel drivers to NASCAR

Printable View

Show 40 post(s) from this thread on one page

26th November 2007, 11:12
Haulin'AssAndTurnin Left

Quote:

Muggle Not, Brian France has committed the most basic administration sin"If it is not broken, do not fix it". He has undertaken too many changes for a basically fairly conservative fan base. "The Overseas races and foreign drivers" are going to be a bit much for those carpenters working on that house. Throw in bizarre rules changes ;COT and you have a recipe for a lack of interest in NASCAR.

Nail hit squarely on the head.

Just as a side note. as a oversea's, non-american NASCAR fan i dont want races to be held here or anywhere outside the US. an exhibitions race or 2 would be good but NASCAR is an all american motorsport, its part of its charm.
18th December 2007, 17:49
RaikkonenRules

David Coulthard having thoughts about NASCAR after F1

Formula One veteran David Coulthard is open to the thought of a future move to NASCAR, but not until his F1 days are solidly over. "I would consider something like NASCAR," Coulthard said just before practice for the Race of Champions. "I don't think I would consider IRL. The only thing is, America, you have to commit to it absolutely. Which means you move out there, take your family there. But I'd certainly consider it. This will be my 15th season in Formula One. After that ... I'll do this as long as I'm having fun, as long as they keep saying 'Would you like to continue?'" Coulthard said NASCAR's lengthy 38-week schedule is of no concern to him. He said he has in the past raced every week but Christmas weekend, "and that wasn't a problem. It's not hard to get in private planes." He also feels the influx of foreign driving talent, like his former F1 mates Juan Pablo Montoya and Jacques Villaneuve, into NASCAR bolsters the perception of stock car racing internationally

jayski.com
18th December 2007, 18:38
Ichibrothers

Quote:

Originally Posted by RaikkonenRules

not until his F1 days are solidly over

That was sometime ago...was it not?

All the same, would be great to see him here in the States....in any series. Always liked DC. Why NASCAR though? Certainly a "different" challenge, but why not ALMS or Grand Am? Would seem a better fit. But then, could say that about any former F1 driver.
18th December 2007, 18:54
Lee Roy

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ichibrothers

That was sometime ago...was it not?

The article said it was "just before practice for the Race of Champions". The Race of Champions was just this past weekend (12/15-12/16).

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ichibrothers

All the same, would be great to see him here in the States....in any series. Always liked DC. Why NASCAR though? Certainly a "different" challenge, but why not ALMS or Grand Am? Would seem a better fit. But then, could say that about any former F1 driver.

NASCAR is big league and pays big bucks. I don't think ALMS and Grand Am can make that claim. JV and JPM have also chosen NASCAR over other racing series.
18th December 2007, 19:20
harvick#1

like DC really needs more money :rolleyes:

all these F1 drivers don't need more money, I really wish they would go to Prototype racing, because it would suit them more than being a moving chicane in Nascar
20th December 2007, 15:39
JasonD

DC knows the 2008 season is a tipping point in his career, he has to show some real brilliance to maintain a seat in F1.

So with that being said and most F1 fans knowing DC is past his winning days in F1, he might as well throw his interest in NASCAR out there to hopefully create some buzz and maybe get an offer.

It makes sense, hes on his way out and is just trying to line something else up, smart of him, though I think the NASCAR community is smart enough not to be interested.
29th December 2007, 23:17
truckmonster

Dario Franchitti

What do you guys really think of the open wheel guys coming into Nascar? It can only be good for the series really cant it?Being British I gotta say I hope Dario does well although I still want Jr to win championship!
29th December 2007, 23:37
muggle not

Quote:

Originally Posted by truckmonster

What do you guys really think of the open wheel guys coming into Nascar? It can only be good for the series really cant it?Being British I gotta say I hope Dario does well although I still want Jr to win championship!

What do you consider is "doing well":
Finishing in the top 10 in points
Finsihing in the top 15 in points
Finishing in the top 20 in points

Experienced world class drivers and former Champions that come into Nascar and finish out of the top 20 or 25 have not done very well IMO. I may have to re-think that but it is my first thought.
30th December 2007, 00:04
truckmonster

I think top 15 really would be realistic, although it would be a great achievement for him!
30th December 2007, 06:30
Sparky1329

Dario will have a guaranteed spot for the first five races so that should help. Staying in the top 35 after race 5 will be the challenge. He hasn't raced in any Cup series races which doesn't bode well for his chances in my opinion. Racing in one ARCA series race is meaningless in this regard. When you also consider that his team has never been terribly competitive I'd say he has a very tough row to hoe.
30th December 2007, 10:33
Jonesi

Probably none of the team/cars that any of the OW drivers are getting into are able to break the top 15 in points, with an experienced driver. Getting/staying in the top 35 will be "success" for them. Breaking into the top 25 would be very good, and top 20 would be excellent.
30th December 2007, 19:49
Gasman

Quote:

Originally Posted by truckmonster

What do you guys really think of the open wheel guys coming into Nascar? It can only be good for the series really cant it?Being British I gotta say I hope Dario does well although I still want Jr to win championship!

Like "Truckmonster" I'll be supporting Jr at Daytona come February.

I'm English, however I don't support drivers just because of their nationality; but that said, I would have been interested to see how Dan Wheldon would perform at Daytona et al. Its a pity that Dan didn't want to race in the (now sadly defunct) IROC series after his win in the Indy 500.

I would also suspect that with his record on US ovals (albeit in open wheelers) he would have had a better chance in a Stock Car than those other former IRL/CART/F1 drivers that have got a ride for 2008 in the Cup. I think that I'm right in saying that he has said in the past that he is interested in trying NASCAR at some stage, so maybe...?
31st December 2007, 00:46
DanicaFan

I think Dario will do very well. He will suprise a lot of NASCAR fans next year.

Go Dario !!
31st December 2007, 00:51
harvick#1

hes gonna find out how tough Nascar quickly is, he wont be in the best car like he was in the IRL, the cars are heavier and he'll have to learn to go through the corners instead of being full throttle at most of the tracks that the IRL raced at.

He may get 1 top finish next year, but that will prolly be about it
31st December 2007, 00:54
SOD

http://www.simpsonstrivia.com.ar/sim...eper-wille.jpg
31st December 2007, 01:25
muggle not

Probably will not finsh in the top 20 in points. Just hope he doesn't do damage to those in contention for the chase.
31st December 2007, 02:26
harvick#1

Quote:

Originally Posted by harvick#1

He may get 1 top finish next year, but that will prolly be about it

should be 1 top ten finish, maybe...
31st December 2007, 05:10
Sparky1329

Quote:

Originally Posted by harvick#1

should be 1 top ten finish, maybe...

I'll believe it when I see it. I won't be holding my breath waiting.
31st December 2007, 10:27
Jonesi

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sparky1329

I'll believe it when I see it. I won't be holding my breath waiting.

I'm not sure why you think he'll do that bad. This year Montoya (in about the same equipment Franchitti will have) had 5 top 10s, including one in the 4th race of the year and a win. Stremme in the team he's going into had 2. I think he will do at least that well. He may not be as talented as Montoya, but he probably won't make some of the low percentage moves that Montoya did either.
3rd January 2008, 17:18
JasonD

Quote:

Originally Posted by muggle not

Just hope he doesn't do damage to those in contention for the chase.

But Im sure you'll point out when a veteran causes the "big one" or ruins someones chances during the chase. :rolleyes:
15th February 2008, 05:48
RaceFanStan

AJ Allmendinger, Patrick Carpentier & Jacques Villeneuve are having a meeting Sunday ...
they are going to have a bbq in Orlando & watch the Daytona 500 together ...
because all 3 of them failed to qualify for the Daytona 500 they are very distraught ... http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g2...ink/orn/jo.gif
so they are meeting to critique the Daytona 500 & the drivers that made the race ... http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g2...link/orn/w.gif
rumor has it they plan to talk trash about Montoya, Hornish & Franchitti ... (among others) http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g2...ink/orn/00.gif
15th February 2008, 17:02
Sparky1329

Quote:

Originally Posted by RaceFanStan

AJ Allmendinger, Patrick Carpentier & Jacques Villeneuve are having a meeting Sunday ...
they are going to have a bbq in Orlando & watch the Daytona 500 together ...
because all 3 of them failed to qualify for the Daytona 500 they are very distraught ... http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g2...ink/orn/jo.gif
so they are meeting to critique the Daytona 500 & the drivers that made the race ... http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g2...link/orn/w.gif
rumor has it they plan to talk trash about Montoya, Hornish & Franchitti ... (among others) http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g2...ink/orn/00.gif

:D
15th February 2008, 17:14
Fangio

Quote:

Originally Posted by RaceFanStan

AJ Allmendinger, Patrick Carpentier & Jacques Villeneuve are having a meeting Sunday ...
they are going to have a bbq in Orlando & watch the Daytona 500 together ...
because all 3 of them failed to qualify for the Daytona 500 they are very distraught ... http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g2...ink/orn/jo.gif
so they are meeting to critique the Daytona 500 & the drivers that made the race ... http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g2...link/orn/w.gif
rumor has it they plan to talk trash about Montoya, Hornish & Franchitti ... (among others) http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g2...ink/orn/00.gif

LOL, you mean they are going to trash talk the drivers that where guaranteed a starting spot no matter how much they sucked?....hornish(cough)

:D
15th February 2008, 17:32
JasonD

Quote:

Originally Posted by RaceFanStan

AJ Allmendinger, Patrick Carpentier & Jacques Villeneuve are having a meeting Sunday ...

Would that be at a hotel or AJ's weekend timeshare he was looking at. With AJ spending so much time AWAY from the track it might be cheaper and more comfortable getting the timeshare.
16th February 2008, 17:41
RaceFanStan

what they are saying in other forums ...

from IndyCar Forum > Ex-Open Wheelers' qualifying pathetic at Daytona 500 :

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChicagocrewIRL

Tony Stewart - - - Qualified 6th - - - former IndyCar Champion
Juan Pablo Montoya - - - Qualified 15th - - - Indy 500 Champion, CART Champion Formula 1 World Champion
Sam Hornish Jr. - - - Qualified 19th - - - Indy 500 Champion, 3 Time IndyCar Champion
John Andretti - - - Qualified 22nd - - - CART and Indy 500 driver
Robby Gordon - - - Qualified 26th - - - CART, IRL and Indy 500 driver
J.J. Yeley - - - Qualified 37th - - - IRL and Indy 500 driver
Dario Franchitti - - - Qualified 40th - - IRL Champion, Indy 500 Champion
A.J. Allmendinger - - - DNQ - - - CCWS driver, Atlantics Champion, CCWS Rookie of the Year
Patrick Carpentier - - - DNQ - - - CART driver, IRL and Indy 500 driver
Jacques Villeneuve - - - DNQ - - - Indy 500 Champion, CART Champion, Formula 1 World Champion, CART Rookie of the Year

pretty sad showing for the open wheel guys going from "fighter jets" to "B-52 bombers"

I had to chuckle when I read that. http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g2...ink/orn/00.gif
7th March 2008, 21:05
Robert Ryan

Patrick Carpentier suprises in qualifying. 12th in Cup and I think 7th or 8th in Nationwide. He has been impressive considering his total lack of experience and poor equipment.
7th March 2008, 21:54
JasonD

And hes aparently got a major, major, major sponsor lined up.
10th March 2008, 05:09
woody2goody

Here is my opinion on the current situation between NASCAR, and open-wheel motor racing, especially F1. Please read and post your opinions :)

NASCAR in general seems to have a snobbish attitude towards any open-wheel driver who comes into 'their' sport. Juan Montoya, Jacques Villeneuve, Dario Franchitti, Sam Hornish and Patrick Carpentier have endured endless bitching, sniping and questions about their driving ability, just because they come from F1 and the IRL. Between them, they have 4 Indy 500 wins, 18 Grand Prix wins, 1 Formula One World Championship, 4 IRL championships, 2 CART championships and 2 NASCAR victories. If this doesn't convince the NASCAR faithful I don't know what will. I think because 4 of them are foreigners a lot of old-school fans are just not giving them a chance. They are prepared to give a young American kid coming from midgets through modified, through trucks and N-wide years and years of patience waiting for them to improve. But when an open-wheel driver takes one of 'their' places, there is uproar.

Last season, when Sam Hornish was struggling to qualify for races, many NASCAR fans said that he just wasn't good enough. But they probably didn't notice that half the time he was only 0.3-0.7 off pole, and it was really the top 35 rule that was keeping him out of the show. Now granted, these drivers have had a tendency to bang the walls and find themselves in the barriers occasionally, but this is part of their learning process.

Jaqcues Villeneuve has been unlucky in NASCAR. Unlucky with the criticism he has recieved, despite his honest gesture at Talladega to start at the back. Bill Davis Racing didn't give him enough time; I don't care if he had sponsorship issues, he would have qualified for most of the races this year, just because of his natural talent, and his ability to pull out a terrifically fast lap in quali. Johnny Benson will not get into as many races as Jacques would have. I hope he comes back to prove everyone wrong.

Montoya has had bad luck, a few accidents, a few bad performances, and a few good performances, including two wins (in seperate series), and yet many are still not convinced. His team isn't a front runner, and yet he does a very good job. Surely a CART championship, an Indy 500 win, 95 grands prix, 7 wins and now two NASCAR wins would be enough to convince the fans. Obviously not. I hope he makes the Chase for the Cup just to annoy a lot of them.

The difference with many F1 fans is, that they tend to appreciate others' achievements more. Sebastien Bourdais has won 4 Champ Car championships in a row. He comes to Toro Rosso and some people have their doubts, however they are willing to give him a chance to prove himself. The problem in NASCAR, is if a guy doesn't do well to begin with from open-wheel, he automatically isn't good enough. I guarantee, if Michael Schumacher was in a Hendrick Chevy, he wouldn't probably get into the top 10 for a few races. Would that mean he's not good enough? No. Just as if Bourdais gets beaten by Vettel next week, it doesn't mean that he isn't good enough.

There are many F1 fans who dismiss NASCAR as easy, and uninteresting because of the circuits they race on. I bet nearly anyone could run one fast lap at Daytona. Whereas hardly anyone could do a flying lap of monaco without ending up in the wall, or indeed the harbour. NASCAR has basic tracks, but the races are all about feeling the car, and planning according to how it feels, and taking the appropriate lines etc. This is in contrast with F1, where it is more reactionary, and the circuits offer far more of a challenge in themselves. F1 is technology and development, NASCAR is parity and exciting racing. NASCAR has longer races, and possibly more concentration is needed, because of the longer time period.

I think the sports are equal in many ways, except F1 enjoys a greater global audience. F1 drivers CAN cut it in NASCAR, and NASCAR drivers, I'm sure, can cut it in F1, although it would help if they had open-wheel experience first. Jeff Gordon proved he could do well when he tested the Williams with JPM in 2003 I think.
10th March 2008, 13:27
Lee Roy

Quote:

Originally Posted by woody2goody

Here is my opinion on the current situation between NASCAR, and open-wheel motor racing, especially F1. Please read and post your opinions :)

Quote:

Originally Posted by woody2goody

NASCAR in general seems to have a snobbish attitude towards any open-wheel driver who comes into 'their' sport. Juan Montoya, Jacques Villeneuve, Dario Franchitti, Sam Hornish and Patrick Carpentier have endured endless bitching, sniping and questions about their driving ability, just because they come from F1 and the IRL. Between them, they have 4 Indy 500 wins, 18 Grand Prix wins, 1 Formula One World Championship, 4 IRL championships, 2 CART championships and 2 NASCAR victories. If this doesn't convince the NASCAR faithful I don't know what will. I think because 4 of them are foreigners a lot of old-school fans are just not giving them a chance. They are prepared to give a young American kid coming from midgets through modified, through trucks and N-wide years and years of patience waiting for them to improve. But when an open-wheel driver takes one of 'their' places, there is uproar.

Not sure where you're getting this "snobby" nonsense from. I've noticed that the open-wheel drivers have been very welcome. I think you're the one with the "snobby" issue. I think you've been reading the open-wheel/nascar-hate websites and nothing else.

Quote:

Originally Posted by woody2goody

Last season, when Sam Hornish was struggling to qualify for races, many NASCAR fans said that he just wasn't good enough. But they probably didn't notice that half the time he was only 0.3-0.7 off pole, and it was really the top 35 rule that was keeping him out of the show. Now granted, these drivers have had a tendency to bang the walls and find themselves in the barriers occasionally, but this is part of their learning process.

You mentioned Sam Hornish. He and Franchitti were given cars with spots in the top 35 in points for the first 5 races(that they didn't earn by the way), and in three races they have both dropped out of the top 35 for this year.

To put it simply, they were given an 5 race head start and haven't been able to keep up.

Quote:

Originally Posted by woody2goody

Jaqcues Villeneuve has been unlucky in NASCAR. Unlucky with the criticism he has recieved, despite his honest gesture at Talladega to start at the back. Bill Davis Racing didn't give him enough time; I don't care if he had sponsorship issues, he would have qualified for most of the races this year, just because of his natural talent, and his ability to pull out a terrifically fast lap in quali. Johnny Benson will not get into as many races as Jacques would have. I hope he comes back to prove everyone wrong.

Jacques Villeneuve (and I'm a huge fan of his, atteneded many F1 races to see him race) was a victim of his long time association with Craig Pollock. Nothing new.

Quote:

Originally Posted by woody2goody

Montoya has had bad luck, a few accidents, a few bad performances, and a few good performances, including two wins (in seperate series), and yet many are still not convinced. His team isn't a front runner, and yet he does a very good job. Surely a CART championship, an Indy 500 win, 95 grands prix, 7 wins and now two NASCAR wins would be enough to convince the fans. Obviously not. I hope he makes the Chase for the Cup just to annoy a lot of them.

I don't know anyone who doesn't like Montoya. He's doing very well.

Quote:

Originally Posted by woody2goody

The difference with many F1 fans is, that they tend to appreciate others' achievements more. Sebastien Bourdais has won 4 Champ Car championships in a row. He comes to Toro Rosso and some people have their doubts, however they are willing to give him a chance to prove himself. The problem in NASCAR, is if a guy doesn't do well to begin with from open-wheel, he automatically isn't good enough. I guarantee, if Michael Schumacher was in a Hendrick Chevy, he wouldn't probably get into the top 10 for a few races. Would that mean he's not good enough? No. Just as if Bourdais gets beaten by Vettel next week, it doesn't mean that he isn't good enough.

Lord have mercy, where are you coming up with that non-sense. A lot of people get opportunities in NASCAR, whereas Formula One is one of the most "closed-shop" organizations on the face of the earth. If you want to show up and race at NASCAR, you are welcome to try (if you meet some minimum experience standards and have a legal car).

Can you do the same in Formula One? No effin' way!!!! If you're not part of the Concorde Agreement, don't bother.

Quote:

Originally Posted by woody2goody

There are many F1 fans who dismiss NASCAR as easy, and uninteresting because of the circuits they race on. I bet nearly anyone could run one fast lap at Daytona. Whereas hardly anyone could do a flying lap of monaco without ending up in the wall, or indeed the harbour. NASCAR has basic tracks, but the races are all about feeling the car, and planning according to how it feels, and taking the appropriate lines etc. This is in contrast with F1, where it is more reactionary, and the circuits offer far more of a challenge in themselves. F1 is technology and development, NASCAR is parity and exciting racing. NASCAR has longer races, and possibly more concentration is needed, because of the longer time period.

Your prejudice against NASCAR is showing.

Quote:

Originally Posted by woody2goody

I think the sports are equal in many ways, except F1 enjoys a greater global audience. F1 drivers CAN cut it in NASCAR, and NASCAR drivers, I'm sure, can cut it in F1, although it would help if they had open-wheel experience first. Jeff Gordon proved he could do well when he tested the Williams with JPM in 2003 I think.

Sorry, I know enough about Formula One to know just how full of holes your arguments are.
10th March 2008, 13:59
BenRoethig

The problem is that all those open wheel and road racing achievements don't translate very well. They have to basically forget every they ever learned driving other kinds of cars and learn how to drive a stock car. If they come in with the "oval racing sucks, NASCAB is going to be so easy" mentality prevalent within the road racing circles they will and have failed miserably. If they go straight into cup without learning how to drive a stock car they will fail miserably. If they put aside their ego and their past success, begin at a lower level and take the time to learn how to drive a stock car, they have a chance.
10th March 2008, 18:58
woody2goody

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lee Roy

Not sure where you're getting this "snobby" nonsense from. I've noticed that the open-wheel drivers have been very welcome. I think you're the one with the "snobby" issue. I think you've been reading the open-wheel/nascar-hate websites and nothing else.

No. And I've never even seen an open-wheel/NASCAR hate website.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lee Roy

You mentioned Sam Hornish. He and Franchitti were given cars with spots in the top 35 in points for the first 5 races(that they didn't earn by the way), and in three races they have both dropped out of the top 35 for this year.

To put it simply, they were given an 5 race head start and haven't been able to keep up.

Hornish got wrecked in California and Atlanta. Not sure about Dario, but he has struggled. He'll be alright it's just he'll need time to adjust.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lee Roy

Jacques Villeneuve (and I'm a huge fan of his, atteneded many F1 races to see him race) was a victim of his long time association with Craig Pollock. Nothing new.

I can see Pollock being a problem, but he was still booted too quickly by BDR in my opinion.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lee Roy

I don't know anyone who doesn't like Montoya. He's doing very well.

Fair enough. But I've still heard rumblings in the off season saying 'JPM has to deliver or he's not good enough'.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lee Roy

Lord have mercy, where are you coming up with that non-sense. A lot of people get opportunities in NASCAR, whereas Formula One is one of the most "closed-shop" organizations on the face of the earth. If you want to show up and race at NASCAR, you are welcome to try (if you meet some minimum experience standards and have a legal car).

Can you do the same in Formula One? No effin' way!!!! If you're not part of the Concorde Agreement, don't bother.

I myself have said many times that F1 should be more open and accessible to more drivers. But if there was a turn up and go mentality in F1, some cars would be terribly slow and would get blown away. You can tell that there is a difference between bigger and smaller teams in the NASCAR pitlane, but that difference is probably only 0.5 seconds a lap (a lot on an oval, yes), whereas in F1 it would be more than 5 seconds with the rate of technology and development that the top teams have. Even many of the factory teams in F1 struggle to keep up with the pace. That's why the Concorde Agreement is there.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lee Roy

Your prejudice against NASCAR is showing.

How does that make you think I have a predjudice against NASCAR? I love NASCAR, and if you notice, I make several good comments about NASCAR and it's drivers. I would watch NASCAR every weekend if I could, but I ony get an hour's highlights every week. NASCAR is a fantastic spectacle, and I have the utmost respect for the guys that slug it out on those ovals.

When I said it was easy to run a fast lap at Daytona, that would be without any other cars there. I believe I could qualify a car at Daytona and get within a couple of seconds (in the best car). But put me into a race and I would be useless, and frankly dangerous. The skill in NASCAR isn't as much in driving the tracks (although that is still significant), than racing in a pack, knowing when to push the tyres, conserving fuel and not taking out a guy when you try to pass them.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lee Roy

Sorry, I know enough about Formula One to know just how full of holes your arguments are.

And I know enough about NASCAR to know that your arguments aren't watertight either ;)

It just seems to me that both series don't give each other enough credit. And IRL and Champ Car come into that as well. I wouldn't moan if Kasey Kahne or Jeff Gordon was put into an F1 car over, say Anthony Davidson or Adam Carroll or someone like that, because I know that whoever was put into the car has earned it. I just wish SOME fans were the same, fans of BOTH series.
10th March 2008, 19:09
woody2goody

Sorry, Hornish got wrecked at Las Vegas, not Atlanta. My bad :)
10th March 2008, 19:48
Lee Roy

Quote:

Originally Posted by woody2goody

No. And I've never even seen an open-wheel/NASCAR hate website.

They're called open-wheel forums. There's one on this webpage. Right now, it's pretty well policed for NASCAR Hate Talk. But in the past, according to many there, and on many on other open-wheel forums that I have visited, because I am a NASCAR fan:

I weigh 450 pounds;
I'm uneducated;
Work for minimum wage (when I do work);
Not only am I married to my sister, but my parents were also first cousins;
I have a maximum of 2 teeth;
My abode is a trailer;
etc., etc., etc,

NASCAR drivers and other people involved in NASCAR get no respect either.

That's what I'm talking about.

Quote:

Originally Posted by woody2goody

Hornish got wrecked in California and Atlanta. Not sure about Dario, but he has struggled. He'll be alright it's just he'll need time to adjust.

Again, Hornish and Franchitti, hot-shot Indy 500 winners and IRL Champs, got unearned 5 race head starts this year, and they can't keep up.

They will get guaranteed starts this weekend at Bristol, but if they underperform again, they will be "Go Or Go Home" cars at Martinsville, and I have my doubts that they have the experience be able to qualify there.

Quote:

Originally Posted by woody2goody

I can see Pollock being a problem, but he was still booted too quickly by BDR in my opinion.

He lost out because his promised sponsorship didn't come through. As much as I love Jacques, he was lost in a Cup car. He needs to spend a year in ARCA, and maybe a year in the Trucks and Nationwide series. Bill Davis Racing is not rich enough to carry him in a Cup car as a "learning experience". And why can't a former Indy 500 winner, CART and World Champion get sponsorship????

Quote:

Originally Posted by woody2goody

Fair enough. But I've still heard rumblings in the off season saying 'JPM has to deliver or he's not good enough'.

That's between Montoya and Ganassi and their sponsors.

Quote:

Originally Posted by woody2goody

I myself have said many times that F1 should be more open and accessible to more drivers. But if there was a turn up and go mentality in F1, some cars would be terribly slow and would get blown away. You can tell that there is a difference between bigger and smaller teams in the NASCAR pitlane, but that difference is probably only 0.5 seconds a lap (a lot on an oval, yes), whereas in F1 it would be more than 5 seconds with the rate of technology and development that the top teams have. Even many of the factory teams in F1 struggle to keep up with the pace. That's why the Concorde Agreement is there.

Oh lord, where did you make up that non-sense from. The Concorde Agreement is an agreement on how F1 will operate and how the financial proceeds will be distributed. F1 is a closed shop because they want it that way to keep the value of the teams up. If you want to play in F1 you have to spend millions upon millions to purchase an existing team.

I recall when they did allow teams that wanted to, to participate. They had a pre-qualifying system, much like NASCAR's guaranteed 35 starting spots. As a matter of fact, NASCAR's guaranteed 35 is almost a complete copy in many ways. They now have a CLOSED SHOP. If you aren't in the club, don't bother to show up.

Quote:

Originally Posted by woody2goody

It just seems to me that both series don't give each other enough credit. And IRL and Champ Car come into that as well. I wouldn't moan if Kasey Kahne or Jeff Gordon was put into an F1 car over, say Anthony Davidson or Adam Carroll or someone like that, because I know that whoever was put into the car has earned it. I just wish SOME fans were the same, fans of BOTH series.

I've been a big fan of both F1 and NASCAR for years. I tried to be a fan of CART, but I was driven off by the hatefulness of the fans. (See above.) F1 is good enough to make it worthwhile to wade through the non-sense of some of those fans.

It has been my experience that NASCAR and it's fans have given much more respect to other racing series than they have ever received. In the past, you haven't seen threads bashing other racing series on NASCAR forums like you constantly see NASCAR bashing threads on open-wheel fourms.

I think that the Open-wheel drivers have been given much respect, but they are finding out that the Cup level in NASCAR is much more difficult than they thought it would be. That's life. There are always other drivers waiting in the wings to take their place if they can't keep up. Being from "open-wheel" doesn't make them "special". Sorry
10th March 2008, 20:17
woody2goody

I agree with you about the open-wheel forums. That's just plain insulting to NASCAR fans. They should do something better with their life than slag off NASCAR. I wouldn't ever make that assupmtion.

Hornish has been unlucky though you have to admit. Bristol and Martinsville are a test of your credentials that's for sure.

I wondered that about JV's sponsorship. And howTravis Kvapil had it for Daytona and not afterwards. I saw that Bobby Labonte, a former champion, doesn't have a sponsor for his Nationwide car either. Strange times. I agree with you that the trucks would be a great place for him to learn with less pressure. He already has some Truck starts under his belt so that could bode well. Especially now he could joust with fellow ex-F1er Scott Speed.

I get what you say about the Concorde Agreement, but I read in magazines and on websites that the Concorde Agreement for 26, then 24 cars was put in place by Bernie Ecclestone, who wanted to 'tidy up' 'his' show, and not have teams and drivers involved who couldn't compete at the highest level. He was more concerned with F1's image than it's accessiblity. this is why he dictated the finances, and put in place the $48 million entry bond, which is ridiculous in my opinion.

I personally don't agree with NASCAR's top 35 rule. I think everyone should have to to pre-qualify, with, for example, last year's top-12 drivers getting 1 provisional each, and maybe past champions should get an extra one. Just one mind you. that way they could get away with one bad qualifying, but not two. And a missed race would be a disaster if you fighting for the championship.

NASCAR does seem to respect other series, but it doesn't really recognise achievements as much. I know that F1 doesn't sometimes respect NASCAR, or the DTM, or Champ Car/IRL. I'm not happy about that, because, especially after a couple of years as a NASCAR fan, I definitely appreciate other series' achievements more than I used to.
30th March 2008, 20:49
e2mtt

Scott Speed finishes tenth in truck race at Martinsville (his second career Truck race)

This guy is trying to work up through the ranks the right way... and I think he is the real deal.

Some quotes:

Quote:

"Those guys are really aggressive," Speed said. "For the first half of the race I was like 'Are you guys kidding me? We've got just 20 or 50 laps in!' Everyone told me going in to be cool, save your brakes and try to keep the car together, and now I know why. It's because everyone's crazy."

Quote:

"I'm definitely happy," he said. "The patience part honestly, that and being smart and thinking, is the best part of my game, so for me this track plays into my personality. The hard part is to figure out which guys are nuts and which guys are crazy."
2nd April 2008, 23:50
ShiftingGears

Quote:

Originally Posted by e2mtt

Scott Speed finishes tenth in truck race at Martinsville (his second career Truck race)

This guy is trying to work up through the ranks the right way... and I think he is the real deal.

Some quotes:

Yep - good luck to him as well!
15th April 2008, 12:35
woody2goody

I agree. i liked him in Formula One, but a mixture of bad team management and horrendous luck with mechanical failures/accidents halted his progress somewhat. He wasn't any better than Liuzzi but you could tell he was improving before he was booted out by STR.

It's good that he's doing the truck races to work his way up. I'm surprised Villeneuve isn't trying to do truck races but there you go.

Some props to Juan Pablo after Phoenix; he is 15th in the standings without a single top 10 finish. He's been very consistent and has kept out of trouble the last few weeks. he's only about 50 points of a top 12 position at the moment.
28th April 2008, 00:29
ShiftingGears

Well done to Speed, who won his first ARCA race. He is the most likely ex-OW driver to succeed.
28th April 2008, 04:58
ShiftingGears

Quote:

Originally Posted by theugsquirrel

Well done to Speed, who won his first ARCA race. He is the most likely ex-OW driver to succeed.

After Montoya...
27th May 2008, 04:57
Placid

David Coulthard to visit Dover this coming weekend

Prior to the next round at Montreal, David Coulthard will make a visit this week
and observe the Red Bull Toyota team.

http://en.f1-live.com/f1/en/headline...27002747.shtml

Show 40 post(s) from this thread on one page