Renault F1 R24 Launched
January 29, 2004
The Mild Seven Renault F1 Team today launched its 2004 challenger, the Renault F1 R24, in front of 650 assembled worldwide media and VIP guests at the prestigious opera house, Teatro Massimo, in Palermo, Sicily.
The team’s objective for the upcoming season will be to improve on last year’s successful performance.
“We must look to dislodge at least one of the teams above us in the championship,” announced Chairman and CEO Patrick Faure. “One can no longer just talk about the top three teams: last year, we became part of the Big Four. Renault’s targets for this year are, logically, placed higher, and in order to achieve them, absolute reliability will be critical. The correct steps were taken last year in order to ensure this, and we are confident we will attain this target from Melbourne onwards.”
Ty Norris Resigns From DEI
January 29, 2004
Ty Norris, Executive Vice President of Dale Earnhardt, Inc resigned his position with the team yesterday. He will be taking time off before looking for another position.
Norris has been part of DEI almost since the beginning. He started his career as a sports writer and I think he worked for RJR as a marketing guy before Dale Sr and Teresa hired him in 1996 to help build their new team. Ty has overseen day-to-day operations at DEI since Dale Sr died in February 2001.
Norris was also Dale Jr’s spotter on race weekends. I hope this does not de-stabilize DEI too much. This is no way to start off a season…
ThatsRacin.com: Norris moves out, Gilmore moves up in changes at Dale Earnhardt Inc.
FOXSports.com: After ‘blow-up,’ Norris out, Gilmore in at DEI
ThatsRacin.com: Norris, DEI dismiss reports of ‘blow-up” before change
DEI’s official press release pretty much glosses over the fact that Norris is gone, but focuses on Gilmore’s promotion.
Greg Anderson To Fly With Thunderbirds
January 29, 2004
GLENDORA, Calif. - NHRA POWERade Pro Stock champion Greg Anderson will be the guest of the United States Air Force on Feb. 17 at Nellis Air Force Base outside of Las Vegas. He will be in the co-pilot seat of an F-16D during a 60-minute flight.
Juan And Schumi Fight For Lap Record
January 29, 2004
In what we hope is a preview of the battles to come this season, Juan Montoya and Michael Schumacher fought for the track record at Valencia testing. Ultimately Montoya came out on top, shaving 0.113 seconds off Michael Schumacher’s Valencia lap record. The bad part is that Schumacher was driving last year’s car and Montoya was in the 2004 Williams. The new, high tech Williams shouldn’t have had to fight so hard with last years Ferrari…should it?
Planet-F1.com: New Williams battles old Ferrari for lap record
OWRS Reacts To Court Decision
January 29, 2004
LANSING, Mich. (Jan. 28, 2004) — With today’s decision in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Indianapolis by Judge Frank J. Otte, Open Wheel Racing Series, LLC (”OWRS”) will immediately take over operations of the Champ Car World Series. Judge Otte ruled the bid submitted by OWRS partners Paul Gentilozzi, Kevin Kalkhoven, and Gerald Forsythe was the best option for all concerned parties.
Lotus Elise To Debut At Sebring
January 29, 2004
BRASELTON, Ga. - One of the most revered and successful automotive marques in racing history, Lotus, will debut on the American Le Mans Series in 2004 as Team Elite fields a Lotus Elise in a full season of competition in the professional sports car racing series.
The full-bodied, green-and-yellow Lotus Elise will compete in the LMP 1 class of the American Le Mans Series beginning with the 52nd annual Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring at Sebring (Fla.) International Raceway Mar. 17-20.
Why George Can’t Be Trusted
January 28, 2004
No, not me, Tony George and the IRL. As a reminder of the IRL’s “Founding Principle” read the attached article and come to your own conclusions.
indyracing.com: Series Preserves Heritage Of American Racing
I believe the IRL’s willingness to bring road courses (a couple) to the series is in direct response to CART’s- Champ Cars continuing competition. Without it, Tony would gladly avoid all road racing venues except for one. F1 at the Brickyard. With CART dead, who would control road racing in America? Tony. If F1 wanted another race in America, say Long Beach or Watkins Glen or both, who would be able to pull it off? Tony.
All hail Der Fuerher of racing in America.
Why Ferrari Are Champions
January 28, 2004
From my many sarcastic comments concerning Ross Brawn and Ferrari in general, one can conclude I am a Ferrari hater. Au contre, mon frere, I am their biggest fan. I simply find it detestable that a marque I love, with the best driver of his generation, stoops to such vile tactics to continue winning. We should be better then that, boys, elevate the sport, don’t denigrate it!
Jean Todt, at the unveiling of the F2004, highlighted some of the key reasons (other than their cheating) why they have maintained their dominance. One point overlooked in his statement is his own importance. Todt’s was the first hire to have an impact on Ferrari’s rise from mediocrity, and is the calming influence that keeps them all on an even keel.
OWRS Victory Or Lingering Death
January 28, 2004
We’ve all heard the talk, now it’s time for the boys of OWRS to walk the walk. I for one would LOVE to learn the financial particulars the judge evaluated in making his decision. Don’t misunderstand, I still believe OWRS has the best interest of road racing at its core of beliefs, and will make a better effort at promoting the sport then Tony George.
cart-racing.com: OWRS Statement on taking over the Champ Car World Series
Jeff Gordon On Leno
January 28, 2004
Jeff Gordon will be a guest on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno tomorrow night (1/29) and, much to the joy of new series sponsor NEXTEL, he will be showing off his new #24 Jeff Gordon i736 handset…
LasVegasSun.com: Around the paddock (bottom of page)