Bazemore Signs Long-term Deal With DSR
February 19, 2004
Whit Bazemore has signed a long term contract with Don Schumacher Racing that will see the team retain Whit’s driving services through 2004 and beyond…
“This is my fourth year with Schumacher Racing and actually the first time I have a contract with Don,” said Bazemore, 40, of Indianapolis. “The team has come a long way and has been competitive from the very first year. Part of being a good race car driver is putting yourself with the team that enables you to best accomplish your goals. I think that’s what I’ve done here with Schumacher Racing and with Matco Tools.
I’ll say. I think Whit’s team is going to be one of the top contenders for the FC title this season…given that Force doesn’t have a come-back romp of a season and run over the entire field right out of the gate. In any case, hopefully we’ll see Lee Beard piss off Force with late stages to the point where Force jacks him up against the team truck again…
NHRA.com: Bazemore inks multi-year contract with Don Schumacher Racing
Bye Bye Ralf
February 18, 2004
The prelude to Ralf Schumacher getting the boot by Frank Williams may be this observation from BMW: “We don’t need a German Driver.” Especially one that wants a reputed 28 million a year! All the money they save on salaries goes to chasis and engine development to enhance the TEAMS performance. Emphasis on TEAM, Ralf! Get ready for 2005 Mark Webber, your destiny lays before you. Unless Ralf has a change in attitude? We’ll have to see, but I doubt it very much.
f-1live.com: German driver is a ‘bonus’ says BMW
Jordan Won’t Compromise
February 18, 2004
At least that’s the position Eddie Jordan thinks he will be in if he buys his chasis from another competitor. Not unlike Sauber and Ferrari, he is worried he would be under the thumb of the team he buys from. Eddie, you don’t really think a Sauber driver would slow down the rest of the grid if they were gaining on a Ferrari, do you?
motorsport.com: Jordan to keep building own cars
Dixon Questions Hornish As Team Player
February 18, 2004
It is written as a questioning article, but comes off more as a slam. We thought his attitude to his fellow drivers was slightly off kilter in a prior posting. It just comes off as petty when you hear the reigning champ ask the same question.
autosport.com: Dixon questions Hornish
Earnhardt Ready For “The Rock,” And Some Rest
February 18, 2004
Proximity is what Dale Earnhardt Jr. loves most about North Carolina Motor Speedway. It’s close, it’s easy to find, and it’s usually good for a stress-free week since Rockingham, N.C. is merely a stone’s throw away.
That was before he drove the No. 8 Budweiser Chevrolet to a win in Sunday’s Daytona 500, which, after spending 11 days away from home, guaranteed him another two to fulfill media obligations. Junior flew directly from Daytona Beach, Fla., to New York late Monday night, and spent all day Tuesday hammering through a media checklist that included stops at “The Today Show” on NBC, “Live with Regis and Kelly” on ABC, and “Late Show with David Letterman” on CBS, just to name a few.
Brandon Bernstein Back At Full Throttle
February 18, 2004
POMONA, Calif. - “There may be no other driver on the planet more revved up for the beginning of this season than me,” said an enthusiastic Brandon Bernstein.
Bernstein, injured May 18, 2003 at Englishtown, N.J., made his 2004 comeback Feb. 6 at a test session at Firebird International Raceway in Phoenix.
“The first pass we made was only about 300 feet,” explained Bernstein, “but the moment the team started the engine, and I began the roll through the burnout, it felt like I had never left the cockpit. It was a very comfortable feeling.”
Renault Continue To Impress
February 17, 2004
Fernando Alonso and Jarno Trulli came in 1-2 at the first day of testing at Mugello. Granted, they only had to top Sauber and Jordan, but the R24’s were in Melbourne trim and experienced no difficulties. The front runners are rightly concerned about the teams potential this year.
motorsport.com: Alonso fastest first day at Imola
Safety Documentary
February 17, 2004
The History Channel will air a documentary on Champ Car safety design characteristics and features. I guess this is one story the IRL will not be pressing for a while.
cart.com: CHAMP CAR SAFETY INNOVATIONS FEATURED ON HISTORY CHANNEL BROADCAST
Champ Car Sale To OWRS Complete
February 17, 2004
Open Wheel Racing Series today announced that it has finalized the acquisition of the assets formerly held by Championship Auto Racing Teams and will now commence with the operation of the Champ Car World Series.
Daytona Winners And Losers
February 17, 2004
A succinct summary of the days winners and losers. Distinctly missing from the losers side are the “Grey Beards”; Rusty Wallace, Ricky Rudd, Kenny Schrader and Sterling Marlin. With “kids” taking 8 of the top 10 slots, I guess we are seeing the slow but eventual demise of some of the biggest names in the sport that I know and came to admire.
And how about “Mr. Excitement” himself, Jimmie Spencer? I may not have seen every minute of the race, but I don’t recall his name or car number ever getting a mention. Way to go Jimmie, have any other clever historical observations to make about the Japanese?
thatsracin.com: Daytona 500’s winners and losers