Bumpy Kentucky Speedway
June 20, 2003
After the recent IRL test at Kentucky Speedway many drivers are highly concerned about the bumps in turns 1 and 2. Speedway officials agreed that the constant freezing and thawing this winter did cause changes to the track. However they will not do any repaving before the IRL race in August or the NASCAR Truck race in July. They may however enstate rules to slow the cars and compensate for the added danger of the bumps.
Beneficiaries of Nextel deal
June 20, 2003
What other companies besides Nextel have the largest upside potential from the new Nextel deal? Cingular and Alltel. All other telephone companies will be prohibited from sponsorship in the new Nextel Cup series. As sponsors of the 31 and 12 cars, Cingular and Alltel will be “grandfathered” and allowed to remain as sponsors. Can you see Ryan Newman standing in the winners circle with his Alltel hat and car singing the praises of the Alltel team in front of the Nextel signs? Lets see how much Tim Donahue likes that!!
I predict that Cingular and Alltel will increase their funding to their teams in hopes of additional exposure in the winners circle (goodby Robbie Gordon!)
Racing in the rain
June 20, 2003
The best of Portland races, at least for me, are run in the rain. Hopefully the actual race will have some precipitation to liven things up.
Nascar and Nextel
June 20, 2003
The primary reason RJR (Winston) was such a great corporate sponsor for Nascar was the consistant level of cash they could infuse into the series. Pete Pistone’s article highlights potential growth opportunities for sponsor and Nascar.
Question: Where does Nascar turn when the next tech market implosion occurs and Nextel becomes pinched for cash?
Eddie in a Benz?
June 20, 2003
We all could look good in a Benz. Can Eddie’s reluctance to support Paul Stoddart in his battle with the car Manufacturers be due to his future engine supplier?
Robbie road racer
June 20, 2003
Hey Robbie, if your such a hot shoe on road courses, how come you qualified 40th today?
Dario done
June 20, 2003
Dario Franchitti, who just returned from missing three races due to motorcycle induced back injury will now miss the rest of the 2003 IRL season. Apparently there will be another surgery needed to full repair the damage he did to his back and make him 100% for the 2004 season. Heartbreaking for Dario…and the people who like to watch him.
Autosport: Franchitti’s 2003 season over
Ferrari’s demise
June 20, 2003
When I read that Ferrari management yearns for an Italian driver it can signal the end of their dominance. Not because there are no competitive Italian drivers, but they will settle for something less than the best for “business” reasons. Thank god Villeneuve isn’t italian! I would have to find an entirely different form of racing to root for.
More about Irvine
June 20, 2003
Sterling Moss comments about the ego of Eddie Irvine, from atlasf1.com
Bodine discharged
June 20, 2003
A couple of days late with this one, but Bodine was released from the hospital. Projected to be back in 3-4 weeks.