Rocketsports Renews Primary Sponsor
January 7, 2004
DETROIT, MICHIGAN, U.S.A. (January 6, 2004) — Johnson Controls (NYSE:JCI) today announced its continued sponsorship of Lansing, Michigan-based Rocketsports Racing in the 2004 Champ Car World Series. Brian Kesseler, group vice president and general manager of customer business units for the Automotive Group of Johnson Controls, and Rocketsports team owner, Paul Gentilozzi announced their return to the premier open-wheel racing series with ambitious plans for the upcoming season.
More Success for Hornish?
January 6, 2004
Well I don’t imagine anyone thinks Sam went to Penske to fall on his ass. Least of all Roger or Sam. The interesting part of this article points out that Sam will have a team mate in Castroneves for the first time in five years. How will he interract with another driver as a team mate? I was surprised by his answer…
“Basically, I stay away from all drivers,” Hornish said. “I don’t really hang out with them outside the track or even outside the race car. Probably the closest I get to those guys is when we’re getting ready for driver introductions. That’s pretty much the only time I talk to them.
“Basically, I don’t want to get into a situation where I feel bad if I beat one of them and if anybody got hurt. I don’t want it to affect how I drive a racecar because I’m worried about one of my friends that got in an accident. I’ve got enough friends at home and I don’t feel I need to hang out with any (drivers).
“We’ll (Castroneves) work together and do the best we can to get along, but I don’t know if we’ll be playing tennis or golf together. That’s just my way and it wouldn’t matter who my teammate was. I don’t know if I could get close to anybody.”
It sure sounds like the man is totally focused on winning, even to the point of alienating his competitors. I sure hope it continues working for him.
azcentral.com: Hornish may succeed even more with Penske
Jordan Sale Denied
January 6, 2004
If the rumors were true, it might have meant the end of the teams existence. Eddie Jordan may have walked off with a pile of money, but the new buyer would have been buried by the cost of running an F1 team.
Few investors, lacking the insight of the true cost of racing and constant grind of seeking sponsors, are willing to endlessly pour millions into a “sport”; At least not without a reasonable return on investment within sight. Any buyer of an F1 team lacking the experience to fiscally plan a teams future will soon be bankrupt.
motorsport.com: Denial after Jordan sale claims
Sorry Ross, More On The ‘03 Tyre Fiasco…
January 6, 2004
…that you and your tyre partner created. At last, a comprehensive look at the reason for “Squeeler” Brawn (I’m a little tired of calling him “The Rat”) calling in the FIA to save their year.
formula1.autoracingsport.com: How Ferrari and Bridgestone Stole the 2003 Formula 1 World Championships
Daytona Testing: Tuesday Cumulative Speeds
January 6, 2004
Cumulative results of Nextel Cup testing at Daytona International Speedway:
1. No. 15x, Michael Waltrip, Chevrolet, 48.171 seconds, 186.834 mph
2. No. 43b, Jeff Green, Dodge, 48.430, 185.835
3. No. 01a, Joe Nemechek, Chevrolet, 48.519, 185.494
4. No. 8b, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Chevrolet, 48.668, 184.926
5. No. 88b, Dale Jarrett, Ford, 48.717, 184.740
Montoya Committed To Win….
January 6, 2004
..the championship for himself and Williams this year. Only if his tender ego isn’t crushed by mistakes like last year at Indy. Maybe Frank, and his all knowing perception about drivers and their egos, saw a weakness in Juan and decided to let it go.
This year will show us a lot about the stability of Juan’s personality, confidence and focus. If he has a bust of a season, will McLaren still want him in ‘05? The story possibilties just get better and better!
abc.net: Montoya pledges F1 crown as parting gift for Williams
First Juan, Now Ralf, too?
January 6, 2004
It is apparent (and has been for a long time) that Frank Williams, when it comes down to salaries, has no regard for any driver on the grid. I don’t think Michael would ever have won more than one title if he drove for Frank, as he would have left the team, much as Damon Hill had to. I suppose it’s good business not to allow yourself to be hijacked over salaries by a winning or promising driver.
They are, after all, becoming a dime a dozen, right Jacques, David, Marc, Ricardo, Felippe….
planet-f1.cm: Ralf’s Williams Negotiations Put On Ice
Helpful Tips For Nextel
January 6, 2004
NASCAR.com’s Marty Smith offers Nextel some helpful hints as they embark on their first year as title sponsor or NASCAR’s premier racing series…
NASCAR.com: Note to Nextel: 10 things you need to know
Daytona Test Speeds: Tuesday morning
January 6, 2004
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Results of Tuesday morning’s Nextel Cup testing at Daytona International Speedway:
1. Michael Waltrip, No. 15x Chevrolet, 48.171 seconds, 186.834 mph
2. Jeff Green, No. 43b Dodge, 48.430, 185.835
3. Joe Nemechek, No. 01a Chevrolet, 48.667, 184.930
4. Dale Earnhardt Jr., No. 8b Chevrolet, 48.668, 184.926
5. Jamie McMurray, No. 42h Dodge, 48.788, 184.472
Kodak Goes To Penske On #77 Car
January 6, 2004
ROCHESTER, N.Y. and CHARLOTTE, N.C., Jan. 6 — Eastman Kodak Company and Penske Performance, Inc. announced that Kodak would sponsor Penske-Jasper Racing Company’s No. 77 Dodge for the 2004 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series.
The companies forged a multi-year agreement for Kodak to be the primary sponsor of the No. 77 Dodge, which will be driven by rising star Brendan Gaughan. Gaughan, the 2002 “Rookie of the Year” in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, won eight races over two full seasons and finished fourth in the Truck Series point standings in 2003.