More Takes On Chase For The Championship
January 25, 2004
It’s always about the money, when you get down to it. And the focus is no longer on the fan at the track, it’s about the TV viewers. Since the media began pouring hundreds of millions of dollars into NASCAR, it always has been about the TV ratings.
With 10 or more drivers within 50-75 points of each other in the last ten races of the year, you know there will definitly be some close, contentious, fender bangin’, finger pointin’, pit lane cussin’ contest this year. Can you say “WWF on wheels”?
money.cnn.com: Payoff of Nascar’s playoffs
mysanantonio.com: Richard Oliver: Nextel Cup drivers have to race to the finish
Michael Fears Kimi?
January 25, 2004
At least that’s the writers conclusion. If Der Speed Meister is overlooking Fernando Alonso it would be the ultimate mistake of his career. Fernando brings a quiet intensity and a bucket of talent to the series, and given a competitive ride (which he will have), he’s my dark horse candidate for a first or second in the final standings this year.
f1-live.com: Schumacher admits he’s wary of Raikkonen
Dark horse only because you just can’t write off the Williams and McLaren teams. AND, the big unknown for all teams will be the reliability of the one engine per weekend factor. AND the qualifying positions. So many factors, so much potential for spectator fun! If we can manage a year without boycotts!!
Mosely Admits Intervention On Ferrari’s Behalf
January 25, 2004
Read the attached article and there will be no doubt as to where Max’s sympthay lay. There were many an arched eyebrow (not to mention pised off) from Williams and McLaren fans when the FIA (that would be you, Max) REDEFINED the tire regulation last year. No, they did NOT clarify it, they redefined it, and the rest as you all know is history.
“Once or twice last year it looked as though Ferrari had had it, particularly towards the latter part of the season,” said Mosley. “This year it looks as though it is going to be very competitive but nobody can tell because if Bridgestone come out with a magic tyre, which can happen, then it changes everything again. That’s the problem with tyres, they are the biggest single factor.
pitpass.com: Mosley: New system almost cost Schumacher title
I am sure “Ross The Rat” is not the least bit concerned about any magic rubber from Michelin, new nose designs from Williams, or any other developments that may threaten a Ferrari championship, because Max will find a way to outlaw it as soon as it’s dominance becomes apparent.
Is there any way we can have Max arrested under the new warrant laws? Surely what the FIA did last year was a crime!
George Out-bids OWRS, Ready To Go Higher
January 25, 2004
Despite having put in a bid on CART’s assets last week, Tony George has been surprisingly mum regarding his intentions…until now. As anyone with any knowledge of the situation would have guessed, George rightly sees this as his chance to complete a goal 10 years in the making…the unification of American open wheel racing. I especially like the following quote…
“None of these guys has as much appreciation for open-wheel racing as I have,” George said, referring to the partnership of CART team owners Gerald Forsythe, Paul Gentilozzi and Kevin Kalkhoven in the Open Wheel Racing Series group that is the other bidder for CART’s key assets. “Their collective appreciation does not equal mine.
“I committed to the Indy Racing League 10 years ago, not 10 months ago. I am very committed to making sure open-wheel racing succeeds, and the IRL is on a very firm foundation going forward. We’ve got the right path to be successful, and we will be.”
IndyRacing.com: A Letter From Tony George
IndyStar.com: IRL doubles competitor’s bid for CART
IndyStar.com: George set to increase CART bid
Kellogg’s Stands By Their Man
January 24, 2004
It impresses me that Kellogg’s has re-upped with Hendrick Motorsports and the #5 Terry Labonte car. Aside from winning the Southern 500 this past season, Terry has been a bit off the map as far as results go the last few seasons. There must be something extra special that an outfit like Hendrick offers a high-end sponsor like Kellogg’s. I mean, why not go sponsor the #99 Roush car? After all, Rouch won the championship this season???
RacingOne.com: Kellogg’s Extends Sponsorship
Gary Scelzi Pre-Season Interview
January 24, 2004
FRESNO, Calif. - Three-time Top Fuel champion Gary Scelzi returns in 2004 to the NHRA POWERade Drag Racing Series for a second full season in Funny Car competition, driving the HEMI Oakley Dodge for Don Schumacher Racing.
The team will test two Funny Cars at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Jan. 29-31, and at Firebird Raceway in Chandler, Ariz., on Feb. 6-8, in preparation for a serious charge in 2004 to earn Scelzi his first Funny Car championship.
OWRS Still Unphased By IRL Threat
January 24, 2004
LANSING, Mich. (Jan. 23, 2004) — The Indy Racing League’s (”IRL”) submission of a bid for selected assets of Championship Auto Racing Teams, Inc. (”CART”) has only reinforced the Open Wheel Racing Series, LLC (”OWRS”) commitment to preserve the future of open-wheel racing through the continuation of the Champ Car World Series.
More Change Needed
January 23, 2004
If the France boys are willing to blow up the scoring system to such a radical degree, they are overlooking (or too chicken to go this far) a huge potential boost to the Cup run. It’s about time and long over due to move the Daytona 500 from first in the season to last, and allow it to truly be the super bowl type event it was intended to be. Mr. Cote’s article takes great glee at Homestead’s season ending status as a potential champion deciding event. Don’t get too excited Greg, it may not last long!
miami.com: Super Bowl of racing now set for Homestead
The Proverbial 600 Lb. Gorilla
January 23, 2004
That would be Nascar. And he’s “sitting” (wherever he wants, according to the old joke) on the necks of drivers and owners. Check out this quote.
“Change is great.” “NASCAR has brought us to where we are today, and I think we need to follow them. …Our strategy is going to be to win races and stay in these races and gain points. We’re not going to worry if we’re 12th or 13th. We want to be in the top 10 when the bell goes off for the final playoff.
“I think the drivers have to step back and say ‘how did you get here? What was the organization that brought you to the top? Who’s giving you the notoriety to be a superstar?’ …I’m not on the side of the drivers on this one. I think it’ll only make the sport better.”
That would be Roger Penske speaking. Maybe he’s a relative newcomer and “outsider” to Nascar, but you still have to respect his cumulative racing experience and knowledge. In other words, he’s saying stop all the bitchin’ and get behind the program. Maybe it’ll be better then anyone expected, and support the management that made the series what it is today.
thatsracin.com: Opinions change on new points system
Media Tour-Thursday Transcript
January 23, 2004
Here, courtesy of NASCAR and ASAP Sports, is the transcript of yesterday’s press conference on the Lowe’s Motor Speedway Media Tour.
Participants were:
GARY NELSON, NASCAR Managing Director of Research and Development
JOHN DARBY, NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Director
BRIAN DeHART, NASCAR Busch Series Director
WAYNE AUTON, NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Director
GARY SMITH, NASCAR Director of Event Logistics
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