T. Labonte ends drought, wins final Southern 500
August 31, 2003
Terry Labonte broke his 156 race winless streak today at the final Southern 500 at Darlington. This is an extra special win for Terry because he made his first Winston Cup start here in 1978, and got his first of 22 career wins here in 1980.
NASCAR.com: Race Results
NASCAR.com: Points after Darlington
NASCAR.com: T. Labonte breaks through in Southern 500
NASCAR.com: It’s Terry Labonte’s turn
U.S. Nationals postponed due to rain
August 31, 2003
Persistent rain showers Sunday and a gloomy forecast for the following week forced NHRA officials to postpone the conclusion of the 49th annual Mac Tools U.S. Nationals until Sept. 5-7…
NHRA.com: Updated schedule info
DragRaceCentral.com: U.S. Nationals Postponed One Week
NHRA.com: Saturday Recap
Michelin runners boycott Monza?
August 31, 2003
No doubt as a way of bringing added presssure to the FIA’s latest rules adjustment regarding tire contact patch measurements, Michelin is suggesting that all the the teams shod on Michelins may boycott the Monza race on 9-14.
Right, Williams and McLaren are going to be spectators as they watch their championship hopes ride off uncontested with Ferrari? Not to mention the outrage of the drivers involved?
Crashnet: Michelin runners to boycott Monza?
Bridgestone tire response
August 31, 2003
One way to overcome the defficiency of your product is to claim the other guys
product is illegal. In the world of big money motorsports, no allegation should come as a surprise. If you’re engineering staff is outwitted by the competition, it’s due to the other guy cheating as opposed to being more creative within the rules structure. I can’t believe the FIA is threatening to make an issue of the point of contention with three races to go, as opposed to making any adjustments necessary in 2004.
When Michelin were not performing up to the level of the Bridgestone’s earlier this season, no complaints were forthcoming. Now that the situation is reversed Bridgestones only response is to cry “foul” as opposed to getting busy.
Grandprix.com: Trouble coming over tires
ANANOVA: Michelin upset over rules change
Grandprix.com: It’s not a new rule
Autosport.com: Tire controversy set to rock F1
Drivers upset about Darlington surface
August 30, 2003
Jeff Gordon led a chorus of discontent about the asphalt patch work that was done to Darlington Speedway in June. The patches are in turns 2 and 4 and make the track that is already famous for eating up tires even more challenging. Terry Labonte doesn’t think there will be any need for discussion on how many tires to take on a pit stop; “You’re going to get four tires every time here.”
SI.com: Track patches on Darlington surface upsets drivers
Junqueira retains pole in Denver
August 30, 2003
No one could catch Bruno Junqueira in Denver today. Oriol Servia equaled his best ever qualifying attempt starting second next to Bruno. It looks as though the previously unstoppable Paul Tracy’s sprint to the championship could be falling apart. Tracy spun on his 3rd qualifying lap and will start 11th. Team Players teammate Patrick Carpentier had a similarly miserable day spinning on his second qualifying lap, but still improving his Friday time…
CART.com: Race Lineup
CART.com: JUNQUEIRA KEEPS POLE, SERVIA TAKES SECOND SPOT
CART-Racing.com: Bruno Junqueira retains Denver Pole Position
ChampCarNews.com: Denver News Summary
Gordon a “Grumpy Old Man?”
August 30, 2003
I guess Jeff Gordon has every right to complain about his recent habit of getting run over and bumped off the track by the “kids” that are dominating the NASCAR circuit this year…but he was one once too you’ll recall. And Jeff has used the chrome horn a time or two in his day…
BuzzFans.com: ‘The Kid’ sounding old and grumpy these days
Tundra is born
August 30, 2003
Toyota Racing Development USA has officially begun testing of the Toyota Tundra race. The Tundra’s first official race will be at Daytona in February…
ThatsRacin.com: Toyota race truck gets first on-track test
AutoSport.com: First test for NASCAR Toyota Tundra
LasVegasSun.com: TOYOTA TESTS TRUCK (scroll to bottom)
Indy - Rain ends Friday qualifying early
August 30, 2003
DragRaceCentral.com: Rain Delays Start of Pro Qualifying
IndyStar.com: Rain postpones pro qualifying
Junqueira on provisional pole in Denver
August 30, 2003
CART.com: Qualifying 1 Results
CART-Racing.com: Junqueira takes provisional pole position in Denver