Missed Opportunities

[Lennat]

Kenny Brack? I'll admit I've trawled Wikipedia for this, as although I remember him in F3000, I had no idea he very nearly won it or was an F1 test driver. Obviously most people remember him for that crash at Texas.

He was pretty good in the US, won the IRL in 1998, and Indy 500 in 99. Went to CART afterwards and was a title contender there as well with a runner up place in the championship. Might have been able to succeed in F1, but on the other hand Arrows would propably have kept him if he were that good.

[Saint Devote]

Anyone here also recall [drum rolls....] Paul Tracy testing for Benetton?

His times were good in Spain but he had to decide between the Flavio sort of method and promise of a drive after testing for a year or signing immediately for Penske in the CART series.

Maybe he did not really consider f1 an option - it was not f1's loss.

[Saint Devote]

One driver that WAS lost to f1 and it is a regret for all who love racing is the great Rick Mears.

In 1981 he was tested by Bernie Ecclestone in the Piquet Brabham and I do not recall the numbers but in his very FIRST laps in teh car he was fractions of a time slower than the Brazilian and soon to be world champion.

I dont remember what the situation was but it was a contractural issue.

People have to give credit to Bernie that while he was a successful world championhip winning team owner, he spotted and was always ready first with a contract where to drivers are concerned: Senna and Mears for a start.

I read some time ago that Bernie has always regretted the one the got away - Mears. And I agree.

[ArrowsFA1]

I dont remember what the situation was but it was a contractural issue.

Wasn't it that Mears had a good life in the States and was getting paid for his racing. He was somewhat surprised to learn he would have to pay for the Brabham seat so decided to stay put.

[ArrowsFA1]

One driver that WAS lost to f1 and it is a regret for all who love racing is the great Rick Mears.

Here's a few photos of the Mears test at Riverside in 1980:

http://www.motorracingphotographs.co...p?g2_itemId=17

[Saint Devote]

Wasn't it that Mears had a good life in the States and was getting paid for his racing. He was somewhat surprised to learn he would have to pay for the Brabham seat so decided to stay put.

I honestly do not remember you may well be correct - but it might have been a sponsor issue and contract because it was Bernie that wanted him in the Brabham.

Whatever occurred Rick Mears would have been a great f1 driver. Such a pity.

I also recall that Mears suffered leg injuries and when he tried an f1 car again it was just too painful when breaking. Heard that?

[Saint Devote]

Check out post 21 old bean...

Missed that one in my haste!

A succinct post.

Upon reflection I wonder if Tracy had the temperament for f1 because he was a wild performer during his years in CART - although an exciting driver.

[Saint Devote]

Here's a few photos of the Mears test at Riverside in 1980:

http://www.motorracingphotographs.co...p?g2_itemId=17

Excellent - thanks for posting that!

[Saint Devote]

Tom Kristensen

I absolutely agree.

But at least he was not lost to racing and is a great sportscar champion.