Right Place At The Right Time
February 17, 2004
The right place is being in a non-performing Jaguar. The right time is next year. The fortunate man we are talking about is Mark Webber, who has an “out” clause in his contract with Jaguar. And the reason to use it would be a Williams seat in 2005, replacing the departing JPM, or the soon to be departed Baby Schu.
It would be refreshing to see a capable talented pilot, who doesn’t shoot his mouth off about the team or other drivers, catch a break and nab a good ride.
canberra.yourguide.com: Cards keep falling in Webber’s favour for 2005 Williams drive
Max Makes Tire Sense?
February 16, 2004
As previously espoused on this site, Max Mosely is recognizing the benefit of having a single tire supplier to all teams: Less testing. Will it happen? Only if it’s imposed by the FIA, as the teams will never support the idea 100%. The hold outs? Only Ferrari.
planet f-1.com: Mosley looks to cut tyre testing costs
More Rules Changes
February 16, 2004
The Champ Car World Series has announced some additional changes to its rules for 2004 in the in the interests of safety and enhanced competition.
First, the mandatory pit-stop rule has been adjusted to bring more strategy into play, especially when combined with the new point system which awards points for leading a race lap. Teams will be required to perform either two or three green-flag stops during a race and must have those stops completed by a certain point in the event. Champ Car Racing Operations will determine the number and at what point those stops must be completed prior to the race weekend. All green-flag stops must include a four-tire change in order to meet the series requirements.
speedtv.com: Champ Car World Series Announces Rule Changes for 2004 Season
Champ Cars To Vegas?
February 16, 2004
If your Paul Gentilozzi and partners, you’ve already taken a huge gamble. Why not race in Vegas? Maybe pick up some cash flow in the casinos while you’re there. Just don’t try and post your series as collateral to get a line of credit.
crash.net.com: Las Vegas and Champ Car working on future race.
Jenson Takes The High Road
February 16, 2004
While responding to rumors of his potential move to Williams, Jenson Button took a casual swipe at Mika Hakkinen’s assessment of Jenson’s chances of being world champion.
“I suppose Mika’s got nothing else to do now he’s retired,” JB continued when asked about the comments made in F1 Racing magazine, “He seems to have had a go at just about everybody except Kimi Raikkonen.
“But that doesn’t bother me at all. I’ve got far more important things to think about. The season starts in Australia in three weeks and we have a lot more work to get through before then. We need to make real progress this year.”
Good for you, Jenson. Now go and drive Ice Boy into obscurity.
crash.net: Button: I’ve had no contact with Williams.
gp2004.com: Button responds to Hakkinen
Ferrari, As Expected, Blocks Testing Changes
February 16, 2004
With their own track virtually next to the facility in Mugello Italy, why would Ferrari agree to limit testing? Not in their own best interest. With “Ross The Rat” having the ear of the FIA and Max Mosely as a Tifosi, what more could Ferrari want? Unlimited testing. After all, it was their aggressive testing and car modifications after Austria last year, that helped Ferrari cling to the championship. As long as unanimous agreement by all teams is required to limit testing, and hence costs, Ferrari will continue to block any votes in that direction.
f1-live.com: Only Ferrari resist test-limits
Bush And NASCAR
February 16, 2004
If the Daytona 500 is a precursor of things to come during the rest of the season, I just may have to stick to the open wheel series for my racing fix. I don’t know how much presidential politiking I can stand over the next few months. And it won’t be just Bush, as soon as John Kerry locks up the democratic nomination I’ll bet my last buck he’s at a track. Maybe both will have their mugs on the hoods of competing cars, hopefully a short track, with lots of rubbin’ an’ fender bangin’. I know! Spencer and Busch for a rematch, each with a candidates face on the doors. Who can make the most donuts on the other guys door wins the “debate”. Followed by the mandatory pit row fist fight. Just let Busch out of the car before you smack him Jimmy!
thatsracin.com: President gives the command, more in appearance at Daytona
Stewart On Andretti
February 16, 2004
Tony Stewart, as usual, did not mince any words on his opinion of John Andretti’s abilities and driving style, both before and after the race. To his credit, Tony did not display any anger or temper of any kind during his descriptions of what transpired.
“Ten days in a row is a long week for John Andretti,” Stewart said. “He starts running out of talent after the third day. It was my fault. I knew better than to be around him. You know he wrecks a lot and I talked to him during driver introductions and I said, ‘Stay away from my car.’ He still thinks he hasn’t done anything wrong.”
“Two days in a row he’s run us around the track,” Stewart said. “You know guys to trust, and you know guys that you don’t trust. That’s why the Pettys fired him.”
news-journalonline.com: Stewart vocal about unhappiness with Andretti
Earnhardt Jr. Takes Kisses
February 16, 2004
Dale Earnhardt Jr added his third NASCAR Busch Grand National victory in a row at Daytona by winning the rain-interrupted Hershey’s Kisses 300.
Drafting with Johnny Sauter in the closing laps of the race, the second-generation star withstood challenges from all comers to made Monday the 43rd Daytona win for the Earnhardt family.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Wins Daytona 500
February 15, 2004
Putting another “W” on the Earnhardt family score card at Daytona Motor Speedway, Dale Earnhardt Jr edged out Tony Stewart to win the Daytona 500…
NASCAR.com: Earnhardt wins Daytona 500 for first time
ThatsRacin.com: Earnhardt Jr. edges Stewart to win Sunday’s Daytona 500
RacingOne.com: Earnhardt, Jr. Wins Daytona 500