French GP To Return In 2005
November 24, 2003
The French GP may be going away in 2004, however the French have inked a deal with F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone to stage the event from 2005 to 2009…just in time for Juan to start getting fiesty in a Mclaren…
RPM.ESPN: Race to be back on schedule in ‘05
ananova.com: Year off for French GP
Telegraph.co.uk: French Grand Prix off schedule
Lowe’s Motor Speedway Says Goodbye To Old Friend
November 23, 2003
The UAW-GM Quality 500 on Saturday night, Oct. 11, was the last race at Lowe’s Motor Speedway under the Winston Cup Series banner as R.J. Reynolds stepped aside after 33 years as title sponsor of stock car racing’s premier circuit. H.A. “Humpy” Wheeler, president and general manager of Lowe’s Motor Speedway, worked hand-in-hand with Winston representatives for nearly 30 years. When asked to jot down a few thoughts about that relationship, Wheeler, a former journalist, penned the following.
Jeg Wins Moroso Brackets
November 23, 2003
Jeg Coughlin put on a different helmet after returning from the 2003 NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series awards ceremony at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood.
IRL Teams Test “New” Homestead
November 22, 2003
Indianapolis, Friday, Nov. 21, 2003 – Several top IRL IndyCar Series teams tested Nov. 19-20 at the reconfigured Homestead-Miami Speedway outside Miami.
Nascar in the years to come
November 21, 2003
As the headline states, young, fast and connected. Based on what we’ve seen, I would say it’s definitely a trend. The most encouraging thing to hit the circuit next year will be the tire change, to a softer compound which will mandate more tire changes and reduce the win potential of mileage conscious teams. Yeah, I’m talking about you, Ryan. Undoubtedly a great driver, I would love to see Newman in more races with 30 laps to go, where a late gas and go doesn’t factor into the win.
Undoubtedly, the tire adjustment and reduced spoilers will give the “old guns” like Rusty (remember him?) the opportunity to win a few before they hang up their Nomex.
hamptonroads.com: NASCAR sees its future: Young, fast, connected
An Open Wheel Great, Lost To NASCAR
November 21, 2003
As speculated…American open wheel racing has lost another potential super star to the gang from Charlotte. USAC standout J.J Yeley has signed a multi-year contract with Joe Gibbs racing. Gibbs will provide Yeley with the standard ABC entry package next season (some ARCA, some Busch, and some Cup rides). This will no doubt lead up to a full on Cup assault in 2005. What a shame for the IRL…but great for J.J…
Motorsport.com: USAC star Yeley gets the call to NASCAR
JoeGibbsRacing.com: Joe Gibbs Racing Signs USAC Standout J.J. Yeley
Fisher wins…
November 20, 2003
…most popular driver award for the 3rd consecutive year. I am sure Sarah would trade all three for a single victory. Remember the hype and ballyhoo surrounding her entry into the series? It’s hard to realize she is still in her early twenties and has the potential to improve and become a winner. Especially since Chevy has stepped up with a competitive engine package. Maybe this year Sarah, don’t let the bastards wear ya down!
crash.net: Fisher wins ‘Most Popular driver’ again.
Why sponsor a race team?
November 20, 2003
Exposure. The IRL announced the equivalent dollar value of the sponsor exposures during the season. Does in excess of 220 million dollars impress you?
I would love to know the value of Nascar sponsor exposure as a comparison.
irl.autoracingsport.com: Exposure Increases for IndyCar Series Sponsors
Vasser To Retire?
November 20, 2003
At age 37, with a string of relatively mediocre seasons behind him, Jimmy has a management position waiting for him if he so chooses. Will he? I think not, as he still is chasing that Indy 500 dream, and really loves the game. We’ll just have to see.
autosport.com: Vasser offered Patrick role
Rookie class assessment
November 20, 2003
That would be an “F” according to the attached posting. Allthough less spectacular than the prior three rookie of the year winners, without a win, Jamie McMurray shows all of the promise of the recent winners with a more important quality; maturity. He is not sadled with the tempers of Stewart or Harvick, nor the bland personalities of Kenseth or Newman. I love Newman’s driving, but the boy could use a personality infusion during the off season.
greenvilleonline.com: Rookie class flunks out