New NASCAR Rules Welcome
September 19, 2003
NASCAR announced yesterday that there are two more new rules in their seemingly endless supply: No more racing to the yellow will be allowed and procedures followed entering the pits will be changed…
The Pro’s Pro
September 18, 2003
That would be Jimmy Vasser. See Gordon Kirby’s splendid story on the relationship between Jimmy and Team Spirit Johansson owner Stefan Johansson.
My suspicion is that these bonds are more naturally formed by team owners who are former drivers. They bring a more finely honed insight to the efforts of their drivers and a greater understanding of their frustrations. Check out Paul Gentilozzi as another example.
cart.com: GORDON KIRBY’S INSIDE TRACK: SELF-ASSESSMENT
Road courses, what road courses?
September 18, 2003
The IRL released the 2004 schedule, and much to MY surprise, there are no road courses. Tony George can afford to wait out CART and their shaky future before deciding to add road courses, probably in 2005. And if CART manages to rebound and become successful again, the IRL can remain an all oval series. I believe they call that a win-win situation.
crash.net.com: Oval-only IRL calendar set for 2004.
McLaren can’t race new car
September 18, 2003
A new McLaren Car? The new Mercedes-Benz/McLaren supercar? Oh yeah, the McLaren MP4-18 F1 car, originally scheduled for an April debut. Gee, I can’t think of anyone who even remembers the ballyhoo of the unveiling and new heights of performance promised by the new design. Bruce is spinning in his grave, no doubt!
f1racing.net: Newey: “we can’t race all-new McLaren”
What will we do…
September 18, 2003
..for comedic relief when Jacques Villeneuve is gone next year? Why oh why must a former World Champion rise to the bait David Richards constantly tosses out there for the simple joy of torturing Jacques? Not that Richards doesn’t have cause. Bravo, David! It’s truly a pity that Jacques just doesn’t get it. It’s over dude, no salvaging your reputation; just be quiet for two more races, and become the foot note of F1 history you’ve turned yourself into.
planet-f1.com: JV: If Madonna Won’t Do It Why Should I?
Vickers qualifies for final four
September 18, 2003
No, not THAT final four, the final four Winston Cup races of the season. Brian Vickers will drive the #01 U.S. Army Pontiac for MB2 Motorsports events this year in preparation for his full time ride in the #25 for Hendrick Motor Sports next year. Is it just me, or does anyone else see the irony of a 19 year old laying his life on the line in a dangerous sport, same age as most U.S. Army recruits serving in our military?
crash.net.com: Vickers gets US Army Pontiac for final four races.
No gentlemen, no agreement
September 18, 2003
NASCAR has finally realized that the lack of gentlemen drivers is responsible for non-adherence to any so called “Gentlemens Agreement”. They have offically banned passing at any time by any car once the yellow flag has been waved. I suppose all those cars bearing down on Dale Jarret at New Hampshire as he sat there virtually with a bulls eye on his car woke someone up at NASCAR HQ! What we need to know is what the penalties are, to find out how serious they are.
nascar.com: NASCAR bans racing back to caution flag
Busch series sponsorship success story
September 17, 2003
ST Motorsports owner Tad Geschickter has two happy, healthy sponsors
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Sept. 16, 2003)
Zanardi Returns!
September 17, 2003
Press Release from BMW
Racing comeback by Alessandro Zanardi:
The Italian will be driving for BMW at the ETCC race in Monza on 19 October
Munich. Alessandro Zanardi will be competing in motorsport again for the first time since he suffered severe injuries as a result of an accident two years ago. The Italian lost both legs when he was competing in a round of the American ChampCar Championship at the Lausitz EuroSpeedway on 15 September 2001. Now, he’ll be back in business again forBMW in the FIA European Touring Car Championship (ETCC) on 19 October 2003. In Monza, Zanardi will be the third pilot in the BMW Italy-Spain Team managed by Roberto Ravaglia driving in the final race of the European Championship. He will be piloting a BMW 320i specially adapted to his requirements.
Gunnar Jeannette and Miami
September 17, 2003
Palm Beach native Gunnar Jeannette will have the opportunity to race the streets of Miami in the Grand Prix Americas the weekend of Sept 26-28.
motorsport.com: Jeannette looks forward to Miami street race