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Fran-Am to race twice at
Montreal
It was officially announced earlier this week that races of
both the Fran-Am Sport 2000 and Fran-Am Sport 1600 Series will
be staged at the 2003 Formula 1 Air Canada Grand Prix next
June. The Air Canada Grand Prix – one of the two prestigious
Formula 1 Grands Prix to be held in North America this year –
will host two distinct Fran-Am Sport races, June 13-15, 2003
on the 2.71-mile (4,361-km) long Gilles Villeneuve Circuit
located on Ile Notre-Dame, a stone throw from downtown
Montreal. It is expected that an impressive crowd of several
hundreds of thousands of spectators will watch the two Fran-Am
races during the three days of the event. These two
development series are designed to showcase the talent of the
most talented young road racers who have the ambition of
making it into Formula 1 and ChampCar racing.
4/11/03
Gentilozzi tops practice times
Paul Gentilozzi was a dominant force during Friday’s
first-round practice for Sunday’s Trans-Am Series for the
BFGoodrich® Tires Cup race, part of the Toyota Grand Prix of
Long Beach. Gentilozzi, driver of the No. 3 Design 500 Jaguar
XKR, toured the 11-turn temporary oval in a time of 1:22.570
minutes at an average speed of 85.804 miles per hour. “We’re
not 100 percent yet, but it runs pretty good,” said
Gentilozzi. “The (brake) pedal was a little soft. I was being
pretty careful under braking. In fact I was braking a good car
length short, but we snuck up on it. “The track conditions
were pretty darn good,” added Gentilozzi. “It was a little
slick in spots, but overall, it was pretty good.” Boris Said,
driver of the No. 33 New Century Mortgage/Applied Computer
Solutions Ford Mustang, recovered from an early session shunt
in turn nine to record the second fastest time at 1:23.371
minutes, ahead of Scott Pruett’s No. 7 Jaguar R Performance
XKR. Stu Hayner, driver of the No. 2 Trenton Forging/GMAC
Commercial Finance Corvette and Michael Lewis, driver of the
No. 12 Trans-Am Tools by ProQuest Jaguar XKR, completed the
top five.
4/11/03
Sarah
looks dejected Sarah
Fisher doesn't look very happy in Motegi on Friday as she
tries to come to grips with the Motegi circuit and the fact
her Chevy engine can't keep up with the Honda's and Toyota's,
both trying to win in their home country. A typical
small IRL Friday crowd looks on. Photo by Ron McQueeney/IMS.
4/11/03
BAR tests new Honda engine
B·A·R Honda concluded a three-day test at Paul Ricard today.
A predominantly trouble-free day resulted in 134 laps of track
time for Jacques, the second fastest time of the day, and
plenty of data for the engineers. Jacques commented, “The
beginning of the test was affected badly by the weather so we
were unable to do much work on the first day. The afternoon of
the second day was very productive though. We managed to do a
lot of laps with the new engine, which was great; it is
reliable and works well. We concentrated mainly on tire
testing and were able to choose our tires for Imola. I'm
really looking forward to the next race.”
4/11/03
Justus wins provisional pole
CART Toyota Atlantic Championship rookie Aaron Justus (#3
RuSPORT) threw down a blistering lap of 1:17.260 (91.701 mph)
in provisional qualifying for Sunday's Argent Mortgage Toyota
Atlantic Race at the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach (SPEED
Channel, Sunday, April 13, 1:30 p.m. ET) to claim his first
career provisional pole. Justus' performance today shattered
the previous track record for a Toyota Atlantic car on the
1.968-mile temporary street circuit, which was set by Canadian
David Rutledge in 2001 at 1:18.168 (90.636 mph). In total, the
top six qualifiers today turned laps in excess of the former
track record. In the process, Justus earned one championship
point and guaranteed himself a Toyota Atlantic career best
starting position, as he will start no worse than second on
Sunday. His previous best starting position was 10th, which he
achieved in the 2003 CART Toyota Atlantic Championship
season-opening Tecate/Telmex Monterrey Grand Prix three weeks
ago. Sunday's race will be just the fifth Toyota Atlantic
start for the 2000 U.S. Formula Ford 2000 national champion.
Building on the momentum of a second place result in
Monterrey, Canadian Jonathan Macri (#84 NTN) placed his car
second on the provisional grid after posting a best lap of
1:17.549 (91.359 mph). Macri matched his previous best
qualifying performance today, as he also started on the
outside of the front row for Toyota Atlantic events at Mazda
Raceway Laguna Seca in 2001 and 2002. After finishing second
four times, Macri enters the weekend looking for his first
career Toyota Atlantic victory. Qualifying third provisionally
was Mexican Luis Diaz (#33 Telmex/Dorricott Racing), who
clocked a best lap of 1:17.613 (91.284 mph). Going into
tomorrow's final qualifying session, Diaz will be looking to
claim his second consecutive Toyota Atlantic pole position
after taking the pole at the season opener in Monterrey.
Should he take the top qualifying position, it would be the
fourth pole of his Toyota Atlantic career. He is looking for
his third career Toyota Atlantic race victory this weekend.
4/11/03
Rain, track will make race
difficult We quizzed Sebastien Bourdais after
qualifying today what he thought it will be like on Sunday if
the forecast for rain in Long Beach holds true. "it will
be very very difficult," stated Bourdais. "The track is
a bit bumpy, we no longer have traction control, and the power
in the higher boost Ford Cosworth engine comes on with a rush,
making it hard to control these cars on the rain slicked track
and not clip a wall." Mark C.
4/11/03
Villeneuve on the attack again
According to Autosport, Jacques Villeneuve is not impressed
with the safety at the Paul Ricard test track in France. The
Paul Ricard circuit was recently redesigned as a state of the
art F1 test track. Instead of tire barriers, the circuit
features wide concrete run-off areas featuring special strips
to slow the car so it is not damaged by an impact, but
Villeneuve is unimpressed, saying "Some of the corners are so
dangerous – I wish they'd put some tire barriers here. Those
asphalt strips do stop the car, but if you miss the line you
can go over and just carry on driving, which isn't like any
other circuit we race at." Villeneuve was second fastest in
testing at the circuit yesterday but says the smooth asphalt
at the circuit limits the relevance of testing at the track,
saying "We did some tire work but it doesn't help much because
the asphalt is so different from any of the circuits we race
on. I really don't know why we keep coming here. We did some
mileage today, but it didn't have a purpose."
4/11/03
Look for Alex Yoong to improve
Alex Yoong told us the setup on his car was way off this
morning, but once they get it right, he expects to improve
significantly. We asked him how he likes the track.
He stated, "it's a fun track, not too difficult, and good for
these cars."
4/11/03
Elkhart Lake back on
Mario Andretti met with reporters today in Long Beach and said
his negotiations were successful and the Road America Champ
Car races will be reinstated for 2003. There are still
some legal formalities to deal with (like getting the lawsuits
dropped) so it won't be announced this weekend.
4/11/03
Pollock still talking to Salo
We asked Craig Pollock today about the status of his 2nd car.
He told us he is still working on it, but won't announce it
until all the funding is in place. We are hearing that
Mika Salo is still his #1 choice for the 2nd car and to look
for something toward the end of the year. Mark C.
4/11/03
CART's future at Fontana may
depend on NASCAR CART President Chris Pook said in
this Orange County Register
interview. Q: Are ovals still going
to be an essential part of the CART schedule in the future?
A: Yes, I believe so. It is all part of our heritage and
our culture. We need to watch Fontana very carefully and make
sure that the customers still want it. As long as the numbers
are respectable there, we will still go there. Although, that
might change if California Speedway gets another Winston Cup
race. That would definitely factor into our decision to return
there after our contract with the speedway expires in 2004.
4/11/03
Pook speaks CART
President Chris Pook is never one to hide his feelings when
talking to the media. He was in rare form in this Orange
County Register
interview. Q: What did you say to the
established teams that went to the IRL? A: Don't let
the door hit you on your (butt) on the way out. There are a
couple of them I have a great admiration for and continue to
respect. But there are a couple who I have absolutely no
respect for. I wouldn't relieve myself on their brains even
if they were on fire. These are guys who made their living
on the CART circuit. They would have been nothing without this
series. They were part of the equation of it going wrong, and
then they turn around and badmouth it and trash it and then
move on. ... That bothers me.
4/11/03
Tracy tops opening practice in
Long Beach Paul
Tracy led opening practice this morning in Long Beach and the
2nd free practice session is now underway. At 11:22 AM
PCT, Patrick Carpentier currently tops the charts ahead of
Mario Dominguez and Roberto Moreno.
4/11/03 F3000
Arden team completes Barcelona
test
The Arden Team completed final preparations in Barcelona today
for next weekend's first round in Imola. Both Townsend Bell
and Bjorn Wirdheim recorded impressive times and secured third
and forth fastest lap times respectively, continuing to work
through development programs. Christian Horner commented:
"We've had two positive days covering all items on the Testing
agenda. We now look forward to the first race with confidence
in what appears to be one of the most competitive Driver line
ups for the 2003 season". Bjorn Wirdheim commented: " I am
very happy with our preparations and feel very confident in
the car. It has been a good two days. It's been a long winter
and can't wait to get started in one weeks time". Townsend
Bell commented: "I have really enjoyed this circuit and it has
surprised me how the track varies from the morning to the
afternoon. We have completed full tank runs, practice starts
and pit stop simulations and I am looking forward to making my
debut next weekend".
4/11/03
Formula One may be CART's
answer This Long Beach Press Telegram
article says, The Press- Telegram has learned from
sources that spoke on condition of anonymity that CART is in
talks with Ecclestone. The plan would be to allow Ecclestone
to purchase a majority interest in CART which would clear the
way to take the company private and likely end Pook's run as
CART president and CEO......CART's Champ World Series would
not become so much a feeder series for Formula One, the
pre-eminent open-wheel racing series in the world, but a
"compatible series,' one source said. But some reports out of
Europe have CART becoming the new F1 Championship if the
manufacturers break away to start their own series like they
have been threatening for years. Either way, Ecclestone's
involvement in CART would be a boon to promoters like the
Grand Prix Association of Long Beach. His dollars Ecclestone
is one of the five richest people in England and status in the
racing world would give CART increased credibility and, more
importantly, stability. "If this comes about, I think it would
be advantageous to the series,' Grand Prix Association of Long
Beach President and CEO Jim Michaelian said. "Without knowing
the dealings, it is hard to make a complete assessment ... but
his name and experience would be a valuable asset to have.'
Calls made over the past week to Ecclestone's office were not
returned, but that's fairly typical. Ecclestone is known for
keeping a lid on his business dealings until there's something
official to announce. The next CART board meeting is April 22,
but board member and team owner Derrick Walker said he
wouldn't expect anything to happen that soon. A majority of
the board would be needed to lift the so-called poison pill,
which effectively limits ownership of CART stock to 24.9
percent of the company. Then there are various Security and
Exchange Commission filings which could take months to
complete. If all the hurdles are negotiated and Ecclestone
takes over, Pook would likely step down from his post but
remain chairman of the board. That would clear the way for
David Clare, CART's current chief operating officer, to step
in. Clare was one of Ecclestone's top deputies for nine years
before coming to CART in January. "We'll see what happens,'
Pook told the Press-Telegram while in town March 24 for the
CART Town Meeting. "There's some talk of that, but we'll see.'
Pook and other CART officials said that since the company is
public, regulations prevent them for commenting further on the
possible merger with F1. Others not bound by SEC policy have
spoken openly about a possible merger. Team owner Gerald
Forsythe told the Press- Telegram at the Grand Prix of St.
Petersburg (Fla.) in February that he wants to take the
company private. When he was in Monterrey, Mexico, last month
for CART's second race of the season he told reporters that
Ecclestone is a possible investor and the two combined could
take the company private. "It's clear something is going on,'
said CART team owner Stefan Johansson, who is a former F1
driver. "If something were to happen, it would be great.' "I
would have no doubt it would help,' said racing legend and
current CART team owner Bobby Rahal, who once raced and headed
a team in Formula One. "He (Ecclestone) wields a lot of power
in Europe and having that kind of clout wouldn't hurt any
organization.' Pook met with Ecclestone as recently as last
month, but that's only partly to blame for the rumors of a
merger. Pook's moves since taking over as CEO have aligned the
series closer to F1, leading many to believe a merger with F1
is imminent......If Ecclestone doesn't hop on board with CART
and the series fails, it's not likely F1, as it stands now,
would come back to Long Beach. Ecclestone told the Press-
Telegram in October that Long Beach lacks permanent garages
and other amenities needed to host an F1 race. Michaelian said
the Grand Prix Association would have to substantially raise
ticket prices if that were to happen, a prospect he isn't
thrilled about.
4/11/03
Pollock does not think the
breakaway F1 series will happen We spoke to CART
team owner Craig Pollock in Long Beach this morning and he
expressed to us that he doubts the breakaway GPWC series will
happen. He pointed out what happened to Indy Car racing
when CART and the IRL split and he thinks if that happening in
F1 it could be fatal. He thinks the GPWC is just a
bargaining tool by the manufacturers to get more of a say in
F1. The manufacturers have said they want Bernie
involved in their series, but we doubt Bernie would ever agree
to working for the manufacturers. He would devote 100%
of his time to CART before he did that. Mark C.
4/11/03 F3000
Townsend Bell moves up to 3rd
fastest in Spain
Townsend Bell of San Luis Obispo, California continued to
place among the quickest drivers in F3000 racing after the
second day of an FIA test at the 2.95 mile Catalunya circuit
near Barcelona in Spain. He improved his times over a second
from the previous days run. Bell and his ARDEN International
teammate Bjoern Wirdheim of Sweden were 3rd and 4th today,
using up their allotment of tires in the morning test program,
and using the afternoon to test gearbox settings for the Imola
race next weekend in Italy. Bell’s 3rd place time was 1
minute, 32.191 seconds, with Wirdheim at 1:32.314……. “We got
everything done that we wanted”, said Christian Horner, boss
of the ARDEN team. “We are in good shape for Imola. We had a
long list of things to check and used up all 4 sets of tires
we are allowed for the test. So did not run at speeds in the
afternoon, just used the time to make sure the Imola settings
were working”. Spain was a warm sunny 60° as the 19 cars used
their last chance to prepare for the season opener in Italy
April 19. Townsend Bell described the key differences between
Imola and Catalunya as grip and two very high-speed corners at
the Spanish track. He said, “You go through tires very quickly
in Spain. My fastest lap was generally on my first quick lap –
an out lap and then the fastest time I could get. We could
easily use up 8 sets of tires here, but the FIA only allow 1
set for the test”. Bell said, “ I think I am ready for the
first race. The team has been great, we did all the checks we
had on our list. Am looking forward to Imola”. The times for
the top ten are: Driver Team Times
Ricardo Sperafico Coloni Team 1:31.184
Patrick Friesbacher Red Bull Jr.Team 1:31.610
Townsend Bell Arden Team 1:32.191
Bjorn Wirdheim Arden Team 1:32.314
Rob Nguyen BCN Team 1:32.647
Vitantonio Liuzzi Red Bull Jr Team 1:32.855
Zsolt Baumgartner Coloni Team 1:32.875
Tony Schmidt Astromega Team 1:32.894
Yannick Schroeder Superfond IRS Team 1:33.011
Jeff Van Hooydonk Astromega Team 1:33.084
4/11/03
Lights tested for Cleveland
On Thursday, March 20, the first Musco light tower was erected
temporarily and tested to ensure the lighting plan is ample
for July’s race. In addition to Grand Prix and Musco
personnel, Champ Car President and CEO Chris Pook was on hand
to evaluate the lighting. “The Musco lighting is magnificent.
We were able to conduct this initial test thanks to the
cooperation of the City of Cleveland and Burke Lakefront
Airport,” said Mr. Pook. “With the bright lights and the
Illuminating the Burke Lakefront Airport circuit is the
world’s largest temporary lighting project ever undertaken. It
will also mark the first time a road racing circuit has been
lit. The project will require 21 Musco Mobile lighting trucks
producing the equivalent of nearly a half million standard car
headlights. The excitement surrounding the spectacle of night
racing has spread to race fans. Ticket renewals are up by nine
percent over last year’s numbers. In addition to racing under
the lights, the official City of Cleveland fireworks will add
to the nighttime excitement on Friday, July 4. Admission
prices to this 22nd annual event remain the same for the third
straight year. Tickets to the U.S. Bank presents the Cleveland
Grand Prix can be ordered by calling 1-800-498-RACE (7223) or
through Ticketmaster.
4/11/03
Fantasy CART
Check out
www.FantasyCart.us and place your bet as to who will
be the Long Beach Grand Prix Champion. Fantasy CART is a
sponsor of American Spirit Team Johansson. Registered players
will have a budget to build their ultimate Champ Car team;
entries must be received before the event weekend begins.
Prizes include American Spirit team gear, cash, race
credentials and the opportunity to spend a race weekend as an
American Spirit guest which will include lunch with Jimmy
Vasser and Ryan Hunter-Reay.
4/11/03
Parrott returns to Roush
Roush Racing announced today that they have re-hired Brad
Parrott and assigned him to join the #99 CITGO team, reporting
to crew chief Paul Andrews. "We are excited to bring Brad
(Parrott) back to Roush Racing," said Jeff Burton, driver of
the #99 CITGO Ford. "Our Busch Series team had a lot of
success last year and Brad was a big contributor to that
success so we think he can come in and help the #99 team this
year." Parrott was crew chief for Burton and the #9 Busch
Series team in 2002 making the trip to victory lane five times
in only 14 races. Crew chief Paul Andrews is excited to have
this kind of experience in his stable. "I think this is a
really good thing," said Andrews. "We will be able to utilize
Brad's (Parrott) knowledge and expertise to help advance the
#99 team. We are fortunate to have so many talented people
working on the CITGO team, and Brad will help make us even
stronger."
4/11/03
Fisichella named winner of
Brazilian GP Reuters reports Formula One's governing
body has overturned the result of Sunday's chaotic Brazilian
Grand Prix, awarding a first career victory to Jordan's
Italian driver Giancarlo Fisichella. McLaren's championship
leader Kimi Raikkonen of Finland, declared the winner at
Interlagos, was demoted on Friday to second place after a
meeting of race stewards at International Automobile
Federation (FIA) headquarters. "I am delighted for Giancarlo,
the team, Ford and all our sponsors," said team boss Eddie
Jordan. "Sunday's race was absolutely thrilling and I am very
grateful to the FIA for examining the results in such detail
and acknowledging that the victory is Giancarlo's."
F-18 Flyover at Long Beach
Those in attendance at this weekend’s Toyota Grand Prix of
Long Beach will get a dose of air power with a F-18 fly-over
as part of the ceremonies preceding the Champ Car World Series
race on Sunday at 1 p.m. PT. The four F-18 fighters, based in
China Lake, will circle Palos Verdes and San Pedro before
making their run toward the downtown Long Beach area and the
1.97-mile Grand Prix race circuit on the city streets
surrounding the Long Beach Convention and Entertainment
Center. The fly-over is part of a pre-race ceremony that will
include a joint service Color Guard presenting the American
flag, as well as the Elite Frogs parachute team comprised of
current and former U.S. Navy SEALS who are masters of the
free-fall and canopy relative work. In addition,
representatives from each of the U.S. military services will
serve as Grand Marshals for the race. The 29th Annual Toyota
Grand Prix of Long Beach will take place April 11-13 on a
1.97-mile, 11-turn temporary race circuit through the downtown
streets of Long Beach, Calif. For tickets or race information,
call (888) 82-SPEED, or visit the official race Web site at
www.longbeachgp.com
4/11/03
Scott Pruett to appear on Car
and Driver Radio
Two-time Trans-Am Series for the BFGoodrich® Tires Cup
champion Scott Pruett is scheduled to be interviewed on ³Car
and Driver Radio,² hosted by Alan Taylor on 97.1 FM Talk in
Los Angeles. Pruett will be part of a live remote being held
in the Expo Center at the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach
temporary circuit Saturday, April 12 at 3:30 p.m.
4/10/03 F3000
Townsend Bell news from Europe
Townsend Bell continues to impress the F3000 series
competitors with a 4th quickest time at the official FIA
testing today at the Barcelona track in Spain. This was the
young Californian’s first time on the 2.95 mile 14 turn course
at Catalunya and he was quickly up to speed according to ARDEN
team boss Christian Horner. “ He was on the pace on his second
run in the morning and I was very pleased to see him
understand the track complexities that early in the day”. Bell
said, “ the track is not as tricky as Imola to learn, has two
really fast corners, the last two, which are perfect for me.
“We did the usual testing of a lot of things you do at tests,
things we were not able to do at Jerez because of the rain. We
tried different springs, shocks, shock builds, diffs and
dampers….We tried standing starts…That is a bit like driving
an NHRA car! But once you get the hang of it is the same as
stop light racing on the streets of California. It is new for
me but I should be OK. “ The morning was the quickest for most
drivers because of the cooler temperatures. You only get one
good lap out of the tires. We tested without tire warmers,
which is the way it will be in the race events. The abrasive
nature of the track means that on the second or third lap you
must be on the pace. You must also get a special rhythm on the
high speed last two turns to get a good time.” Bell’s best
time, set in the morning was timed to the same 1/1000th of a
second as N. Kiesa, the Den Bla Avis driver, a time of 1
minute 33.304 seconds in the FIA timing charts. Derek Hill,
another Californian entered by the Super Nova team was out of
the top ten today in his second test outing of the year, with
a time of 1:35.106. The top ten times are as follows:
1. Ricardo Sperifico
Coloni Team
1:31.552
2. Patrick Freisbacher
Red Bull Coloni Team
1:32.891
3. Jaroslav Janis
Superfond IRS Team
1:33.093
4. Townsend Bell
Arden Inernational Team
1:33.304
5. N. Kiesa
Den Bla Avis Team
1:33.304
6. Bjorn Wirdheim
Arden International Team
1:33.401
7. Yannick Schroeder
Superfond IRS Team
1:33.486
8. Jeff on Hoydonk
Astromega Team
1:33.542
9. Vitantonio Liuzzi
RedBull Jr. Team
1:33.648
10. Tony Schmidt
Astromega Team
1:33.786
4/10/03
Ford recognizes Johnson
Controls
Champ Car Official Sponsor Ford Motor Company awarded its
highest supplier honor– the World Excellence Award– last week
to 41 suppliers for their superior performance during 2002.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin-based Johnson Controls Inc., primary
sponsor of Rocketsports Racing’s entry in the Bridgestone
Presents The Champ Car World Series Powered by Ford with
driver Alex Tagliani (#33 Ford-Cosworth/Lola Bridgestone),
left the ceremonies in Dearborn, Michigan with three
distinguished awards. “Ford Motor Company’s recognition of us
with such great honors speaks volumes when you are among their
premier forty-one suppliers spanning 13 countries,” said
Manager of Johnson Controls Motorsports Programs Jeff Telman.
“From a motorsport perspective, we plan on continuing to
utilize technologies gained in Champ Car’s competitive
environment to positively shape our business.” Johnson
Controls accepted the awards in a ceremony at the Ford Motor
Company Conference and Events Center amid a theme celebrating
Ford’s Centennial. Nearly 200 of Ford’s largest production and
non-production suppliers attended the fifth annual event.
“During this special year of our Centennial, we take great
delight in honoring our supplier partners for their dedication
in helping us build quality into our cars and trucks,” said
Ford Vice President of Global Purchasing Tony Brown.
Specifically, Johnson Controls won three Recognition of
Achievement Awards, including the Corporate Citizenship Award
for Social Responsibility for suppliers that excel in
community involvement and address working conditions issues;
the Consumer Driven 6-Sigma Award for suppliers that had a
black belt lead a project that had a direct impact on Ford
customer satisfaction; and the Warranty Reduction Award for
suppliers excelling in warranty improvement.
4/10/03
Coulthard on top at Paul Ricard
test session
Driver
Team
T
Laps
Time
Gap
1. Coulthard
McLaren
M
124
1:08.019
126.711 mph
2. Villeneuve
BAR
B
135
1:08.199
0.180
3. Wurz
McLaren
M
114
1:08.337
0.318
4. Raikkonen
McLaren
M
88
1:08.393
0.374
5. R Schumacher
WilliamsF1
M
87
1:08.403
0.384
6. da Matta
Toyota
M
99
1:08.590
0.571
7. Gene
WilliamsF1
M
94
1:08.717
0.698
8. Panis
Toyota
M
46
1:09.969
1.950
4/10/03
New Ferrari test photos from
Mugello
4/10/03
Teams signup for breakaway
series Formula 1's threatened breakaway series, the
Grand Prix World Championship, took another big step closer to
reality today. AUTOSPORT sources have revealed that all 11 F1
teams, from Ferrari to Minardi, have signed up to the concept
of the Operational Agreement for the series, which is
scheduled to start in 2008. The teams met with the GPWC
organizers in Munich, Germany, today (Thursday), where the
five car manufacturers involved in F1 presented an Operational
Agreement – their version of F1's Concorde Agreement. They are
understood to have signed a Memorandum of Agreement over the
terms of the Operational Agreement, which is believed to
feature more favorable financial terms to the teams than they
currently receive. GPWC must now meet with Max Mosley
and Bernie Ecclestone to update them on the meeting.
Autosport.com
4/10/03
IRL falling short of drivers
for signature event This Portland Oregon
article says, You have to wonder if anyone remembers
what really started America's open-wheel racing war. The
longer it lasts, the more muddled it seems. Now, it appears
the Indianapolis 500, the largest prize in the conflict, might
be the latest victim. As of today, the Indy Racing League
doesn't have enough drivers to fill the 33-car field at Indy
next month. The deadline to enter cars was a week ago.
Seventeen teams have submitted applications for 34 cars. Six
drivers are listed as TBA (to be announced). That means that
if at least five drivers don't show up at Indy with fat
sponsorship behind them, it is possible the race might begin
with only a partial field......It wasn't too many years ago
that IRL founder Tony George created the series to give
American drivers a chance to show their stuff on American
ovals with American-made horsepower. Back then, he didn't care
much for the domination of foreign drivers in CART. Or foreign
engines. Or foreign race tracks. But, this weekend, the IRL
competes at Motegi City, Japan, for its first race overseas.
And who is leading the IRL as it heads to Japan? Brazilian
Tony Kanaan. Followed by Brazilian Helio Castroneves. Followed
by New Zealander Scott Dixon, then Brazilians Gil de Ferran
and Filip Giaffone. And they are driving cars powered by
Toyota and Honda. A few Chevrolets are in the field, but they
are so far behind the Japanese in the horsepower battle that
the Chevy drivers can barely get a whiff of burnt methanol.
And as far as drivers who learned their craft on ovals? Well,
there's Sarah Fisher. And, well, there's Sarah Fisher.
4/10/03
Champ Car test for F3000
champion
The FIA International F3000 Championship's primary suppliers
Lola, Zytek and Avon have pooled their resources to create a
$150,000 prize fund for the 2003 series, including a Champ Car
World Series test for the winning driver. Teams will receive
an all-new exhaust system for this season, provided by Zytek,
which dramatically changes the engine note of the 450bhp V8
engine. Avon tyres have also committed awards, not only for
race wins but also pole positions and fastest laps. Teams
spokesman Christian Horner commented: "This prize fund
generously donated by Lola, Zytek and Avon is a real boost for
this years championship. A guaranteed Champ Car test for this
year's championship winning driver offers a unique opportunity
and coupled with new engine acoustics from Zytek, and
performance related support from Avon, provides a real benefit
during difficult economic times." Last year's F3000 champion,
Sebastien Bourdais, is racing in the Champ Car World Series
for the frontrunning Newman/Haas squad.
Autosport..com
4/10/03
Bobbi buys Minardi test ride at
$250K per weekend The Minardi team has stated that
Italian racer Matteo Bobbi will run the PS03 at Imola next
week in a four-race weekend test deal worth £159,000
($250,000) per Friday.
4/10/03
USAF and Walker Racing
Darren Manning’s #15 RAC Walker Racing Champ Car will take on
a new look for this weekend’s Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach,
sporting the distinctive United States Air Force winged logo
on its sidepods in a tribute to troops defending the United
States. “We felt it was fitting to take this opportunity to
show our support of the men and women of our armed forces in
our first race in the United States since the conflict began,”
said team owner Derrick Walker. “The Grand Prix Association of
Long Beach will be paying respect to the troops in various
ways throughout the weekend, and this allows us to enhance
those efforts by further recognizing these men and women, the
Air Force in particular, for their courageous efforts.” Over
8575 Air Force personnel operate out of three bases in the
southern California region surrounding the Long Beach area.
“We are truly grateful that Walker Racing is demonstrating
their support by promoting the Air Force in one of the series’
largest events, the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach,” said
Captain Jeff Owen. Darren Manning echoed the team owner’s
sentiments. “The skill and courage of all the troops from the
many nations that are involved in this conflict, including
support from England, is truly amazing,” Manning said. “I
admire the sacrifice that these men and women are making. Our
thoughts are with the troops for a safe return home.”
4/10/03
McGee optimistic about CART
This AP
article has comments from Jim McGee who is generally
positive on the future of CART.
4/10/03
F1 tops TV ratings
The new rules must be working. The Brazilian Grand Prix
topped TV ratings in the UK last weekend as the ITV coverage
reportedly pulled a peak of 13 million viewers.
4/10/03
Hey NASCAR, show us the proof
This RPM.ESPN.com
article talks about NASCAR's call to not give a
penalty to Dale Earnhardt Jr. for passing below the yellow
line in last Sunday's Talladega race. This article
says NASCAR rules, making them up as they go.
4/10/03
Mario Andretti on F1 now and
then This Autoweek
article says, This year marks the silver anniversary
of Mario Andretti’s Formula One world championship. In 1978,
he became only the second American driver to win the title,
Phil Hill being the first. Andretti’s championship is also
significant because it came just as the sport was ramping up
to engage in the highly sophisticated technological warfare
that Max Mosley and the FIA are now trying to abolish.
Mosley’s new rules package banning telemetry, radios and other
electronic forms of driver assistance would relegate next
year’s F1 pilots to cockpit conditions similar to those when
Andretti reigned. So we asked Mario, 63, what Grand Prix
racing was like a quarter of a century ago and how he feels
about the proposed changes?
More.....
4/10/03
Conquest Racing testing news
Mi-Jack Conquest Racing and driver Mario Haberfeld wrapped up
to productive days of testing at Arizona Motorsports Park on
March 8 and continued West to Long Beach, for this weekend’s
Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach. Mario was second quick of
five cars at the test, just a tenth off the fastest time. “We
had two good days, although we a small gearbox issue”, said
Mario. “I guess that had to do with the ECU, and was more an
annoyance than anything else. But overall, I was very pleased
with our progress. We had a chance to work through a large
number of options, some of which we’ll be able to use this
weekend. The guys worked very hard, and we are developing good
communication.” Mario, currently leading the Rookie of the
Year standings and sixth overall in driver points, is looking
forward to the Long Beach experience. “I understand that the
atmosphere and energy is fantastic, and it will be great to be
a part of it. But we’re there to achieve a good result, so
we’ll be focused on the car and the race.” Mario is also
looking forward to next week, when the team will travel to Las
Vegas Motor Speedway. “It will be my first time on an oval”,
Mario noted. “That’s what makes the Champ Car Series so
challenging. In a single week, we’ll test at a road course in
the desert, run a huge event through the streets of Southern
California, and then run 200 mph on an oval at Las Vegas.
After that, we’ll load up for two weeks in Europe. What an
experience!”
4/10/03
WatchTime Magazine signs deal
with Conquest WatchTime Magazine, a leading
world-wide magazine devoted to wristwatches and lifestyle,
today announced an agreement to become an associate sponsor of
Mi-Jack Conquest Racing and driver Mario Haberfeld in the 2003
Champ Car World Series. “WatchTime combines a unique blend of
European expertise and US editorial coverage to serve the
needs of our US readers”, said Wolfgang Blum, President of
WatchTime USA. “The Champ Car World Series and Mi-Jack
Conquest Racing are a great match for our company. We are
aware of the strong connection between the technology in Champ
Car and fine watches, and are pleased to associate with this
form of upscale motorsport”. Eric Bachelart, President & CEO
of Mi-Jack Conquest Racing, was pleased to make the
announcement with WatchTime. “We plan to show WatchTime that
the Champ Car environment is an effective platform to grow
their business. Media companies are a great fit for
motorsports partnerships, and the WatchTime reader is probably
already a Champ Car fan.” WatchTime Magazine is owned by Ebner
Verlag, Europe's leading publisher of consumer oriented
wristwatch and jewelry magazines.
28 drivers for 33 Indy 500
slots The entry list for the 2003 Indy 500 is final.
28 drivers are entered for 67 cars. Former race winners (5): Arie Luyendyk, 2 (1990, 1997);
Al Unser Jr., 2 (1992, 1994); Buddy Lazier (1996); Kenny Brack
(1999); Helio Castroneves, 2 (2001-02). Former pole winners (5): Arie Luyendyk, 3 (1993, 1997,
1999); Al Unser Jr. (1994), Billy Boat (1998), Greg Ray
(2000), Scott Sharp (2001). Rookies (9): Scott Dixon, Roger Yasukawa, Dan Wheldon,
Scott Mayer, A.J. Foyt IV, Tora Takagi, Vitor Meira, Buddy
Rice, Tony Renna. U.S. born (15): Robbie Buhl, Roger Yasukawa, Scott
Sharp, Al Unser Jr., Buddy Lazier, Michael Andretti, Scott
Mayer, A.J. Foyt IV, Sam Hornish Jr., Billy Boat, Sarah
Fisher, Jaques Lazier, Greg Ray, Buddy Rice, Tony Renna. Foreign born (13): Scott Dixon, New Zealand; Tomas
Scheckter, South Africa; Kenny Brack, Sweden; Tony Kanaan,
Brazil; Dario Franchitti, Scotland; Dan Wheldon, England;
Shigeaki Hattori, Japan; Tora Takagi, Japan; Felipe Giaffone,
Brazil; Arie Luyendyk, Holland; Vitor Meira, Brazil; Helio
Castroneves, Brazil; Gil de Ferran, Brazil. Youngest: A.J. Foyt IV, 18. Oldest: Arie Luyendyk, 49. Most previous starts: Arie Luyendyk, 17.
4/9/03
Dale Coyne signs Alex Yoong
– We rumored this yesterday. Malaysia's ex-Formula 1
driver, Alex Yoong, who turned in an impressive debut in Round
2 of the Bridgestone Presents The Champ Car World Series
Presented By Ford in Monterrey, Mexico two weeks ago, has been
confirmed by Dale Coyne Racing for the remainder of the 2003
CART season, beginning with this weekend's Toyota Grand Prix
of Long Beach in California. Yoong just finished his first
off-race weekend test with Coyne Racing yesterday at the
all-new Arizona Motorsports Park Circuit, west of Phoenix,
where he ran 97 trouble-free laps and clocked very respectable
times. "We would like to welcome Alex on board our team
once again. He will definitely start the Long Beach race this
weekend alongside our regular driver, Joel Camathias," said
owner, Dale Coyne. "Alex's solid performances at Monterrey and
during our 1-day test have convinced us that, given the
opportunity for a full season ride, Alex will show the world
his competitive abilities." "Alex is great to work with and he
has the talent and potential to be on the podium this year
once he learns more about the Champ Cars after getting a late
start to this season. We are expecting great things from him
this year," added Coyne. The number 11 Lola/Ford/Bridgestone
car will be the mount for Alex for the remainder of the
season. The team is planning additional testing as the busy
summer swing begins. Yoong, meanwhile, is looking forward to
the Grand Prix of Long Beach which is reputed to be the
biggest Champ Car race of the year in the States as well as
being an event steeped in tradition. "I'm very happy to get
Dale Coyne Racing's vote of confidence and, naturally, I'm
excited about the prospect of doing the whole season, as well
as being relieved that this is sorted out. We can now
concentrate on the racing," said Yoong, enthusiastically.
4/9/03
Motegi a homecoming for some
Until Hiro Matsushita joined the CART series in 1991, there
had never been a Japanese driver in open wheel Indy-type
racing. When the green flag is waved for the start of the Indy
Japan 300 at Twin Ring Motegi on April 13, however, three
Japanese natives and an American of Japanese descent will push
on the throttle and seek victory. Japanese fans
attending the Indy Racing League IndyCar™ Series’ first visit
to their country will have plenty to cheer for, and their
names are Shigeaki Hattori, Shinji Nakano, Tora Takagi and
Roger Yasukawa. Hattori finished 13th in final 2002 IndyCar
Series standings and drives the EPSON Dallara/Toyota/Firestone
for four-time Indianapolis 500 winner and team owner A.J. Foyt
Jr. Nakano and Takagi are both Formula One veterans and
competed in CART in 2002. Nakano is driving the Beard
Papa’s/Auto Project Honda Dallara/Honda/Firestone for Beck
Motorsports, while Takagi drives the Pioneer Panoz G
Force/Toyota/Firestone for Mo Nunn Racing.
4/9/03
Armed Services to be honored at
LBGP – In recognition of their efforts at home and
around the world, representatives of each branch of the
nation’s armed services will serve as Grand Marshals for this
weekend’s 29th Annual Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach. “I’m
sure that all race attendees this weekend will welcome the
opportunity to salute the joint services in recognition of the
heroic efforts of our military forces over the past few
weeks,” said Jim Michaelian, President and CEO of the Grand
Prix Association of Long Beach. “Their presence here is
a strong reminder of the commitment that has been made by so
many in the defense of our country.” The Grand Marshals will
give the time-honored command, “Gentlemen, start your engines”
to the 19 starters in during pre-race ceremonies for Sunday’s
1 p.m. (PT) Champ Car World Series race. The race will be
televised live on SPEED Channel.
4/9/03
CART TV replays
A reader writes, Dear AutoRacing1, Has anyone noticed that the
premier draw for this weekends race at Long Beach will be
rebroadcast once the following Thursday but the Toyota
Atlantic's will be shown as repeat twice, once Sunday night
then later in the week. More unbelievable is that Trans-Am
will be rebroadcast (3) times. Am I the village idiot on
wondering why Champcars get so little airplay on Speed Channel
or are Atlantic's and Trams Am more popular? I guess I
shouldn't complain. At least they are being replayed after
this race. First one this year to my knowledge. Fill me in if
you can. Thanks for the great site, I read it before my
morning sports page. Arno Fritz, Milwaukee, WI
Dear Arno, You raise a valid point. We will try to find
out, but assume it's because CART has so few sponsors willing
to buy advertising time for the replays. Mark C.
4/9/03
What will they think of next
A reader writes, Dear AutoRacing1, I assume you have seen this
IRL/CART
jokester. No, but that Iraq spin-meister
had to be the funniest comedian on TV we have seen in years.
Talk about a blatant liar. We actually think he believed
what he was saying.
4/9/03
TMS lawsuit, judge denies
NASCAR Francis Ferko, the Plano resident who is
suing NASCAR, received favorable news Tuesday in orders issued
by Judge Richard Schell in the U.S. District Court in Sherman.
Judge Schell denied NASCAR's request to realign plaintiffs in
the lawsuit. He also granted a motion by Speedway Motorsports
Inc. to dismiss NASCAR's request to have some disputes of the
case handled in a separate judgment. Ferko, a shareholder of
SMI, is suing NASCAR over failing to deliver on alleged
promise to award Texas Motor Speedway a second Winston Cup
date. TMS is one of seven tracks owned by SMI. Ferko also is
suing NASCAR over possible federal antitrust violations in the
relationship between NASCAR and International Speedway Corp.
NASCAR's attorneys filed a motion in December asking the
plaintiff in the case be realigned from Ferko to SMI and
Bruton Smith, the chairman of SMI. When SMI's attorneys filed
documents stating SMI agreed with Ferko's claims, NASCAR's
attorneys asked that SMI and Smith be listed as the actual
plaintiff. Judge Schell denied that motion. He also granted
SMI's cross-claim to dismiss NASCAR's request for a
declaratory judgment. Sam Cherry, lead attorney for Ferko,
said five attorneys representing three law firms handling the
lawsuit attended the Samsung/RadioShack 500 at TMS on March
30. Cherry also said two of their "experts" – an economist and
an antitrust specialist – attended.
Dallas Morning News
4/9/03 Industry News
Toyota signs joint venture in
China Toyota Motor, the world's No 3 carmaker,
has formed a 50-50 mainland joint venture valued at more than
three billion yuan (about HK$2.81 billion) in an attempt to
catch up with its global rivals in China. The new venture with
First Automotive Works (FAW) will make and market four new
models in the world's most populous and fastest-growing car
market. Toyota, which has entered China's market far behind
other leading global carmakers, is believed to be planning a
broader range of products in an effort to make up for lost
time. Volkswagen, General Motors and Honda Motor have had
established positions in the mainland market for years. Other
recent entrants include German luxury carmaker BMW and Hyundai
Motor, which have formed separate joint ventures with Chinese
partners. Two Hong Kong-listed firms not engaged in car
manufacturing have also made initial, separate forays into
China by acquiring stakes in smaller domestic car plants.
"China is one of the most important markets for Toyota,"
Toyota president Fujio Cho was quoted by Bloomberg as saying
in Tokyo. Mr Cho said Toyota hoped to gain a market share of
10 per cent in China. "We expect the luxury [car] market to
continue growing in China, as seen by the European rivals," he
said.
4/9/03
Busy weekend ahead for Team
Rahal
For the second time this season, and only the second time in
Team Rahal's twelve year history, the team will compete in
three separate open wheel series on the same weekend. In
addition to Danica Patrick's Toyota Atlantic Championship
effort, the team will also compete in the Champ Car World
Series with Michel Jourdain Jr. at Long Beach. The third Team
Rahal program in action this weekend will be Kenny Brack's
Pioneer/Miller Lite entry in the IRL's IndyCar Series race in
Motegi, Japan. The first time the three programs ran on the
same weekend (March 21-23) Team Rahal captured three top-five
results, including podiums finishes for Jourdain (2nd) and
Patrick (3rd).
4/9/03
Miller Brewing joins Rahal's
Atlantics program
Long time Team Rahal partner, Miller Brewing Company, has
expanded their involvement with the Team to include Danica
Patrick's Toyota Atlantic Championship program. They will make
their debut on the #24 Argent Mortgage Company Toyota/Swift
this weekend. Miller Brewing Company is the co-primary sponsor
of Team Rahal's program with Kenny Brack in the IRL's IndyCar
Series. Miller was the first sponsor of Rahal/Hogan Racing,
the predecessor to Team Rahal.
4/9/03
Martinsville tidbits
Rusty Wallace (No. 2 Miller Lite Dodge) is the leader in
Martinsville victories among active drivers, with six. That
victory total is tied (with Dale Earnhardt and Cale
Yarborough) for third all-time behind Richard Petty (15) and
Darrell Waltrip (11). Wallace was the last driver to win both
Martinsville races in the same year, doing so in 1994. … Jeff
Gordon (No. 24 DuPont Chevrolet) and Ricky Rudd (No. 21
Motorcraft Ford) have three victories apiece at Martinsville.
… Ricky Craven (No. 32 Tide Pontiac) has two career NASCAR
Winston Cup victories; the first came at Martinsville’s 2001
autumn event. In the five Martinsville races since October
2000, Craven is the only driver who has led at least one lap
in each. … Dale Jarrett (No. 88 UPS Ford) has had top-10
finishes in his last eight Martinsville events, including a
victory in April 2001. … Dale Earnhardt Jr. was the only
driver last year to have top-five runs in both Martinsville
races. … Jeff Burton (No. 99 CITGO Ford) has posted nine
top-10 finishes, including one victory, in his last 11 races
at Martinsville.
4/9/03
Changes for #88 team
Robert Yates Racing has announced changes to the management
structure of the No. 88 UPS Ford team (Dale Jarrett driving).
Brad Parrott has been released from crew chief duties and
Competition Director Todd Parrott has taken an indefinite
leave of absence. Jarrett has posted only two top-10 finishes
so far this season. The team will be under the temporary
leadership of Garth Finley and Richard Buck this weekend at
Martinsville, according to RYR.
4/9/03
Cheever to miss Indy 500
Eddie Cheever Jr. will not drive in the Indianapolis 500 this
May in order to focus on management of Red Bull Cheever Racing
and other business interests. The decision ends a 13-year
streak at the famous race, which Cheever won in 1998. "I'm
calling this a self-imposed sabbatical," Cheever said. "I'm
not sure what I'm going to do in the future. All I know right
now is that I have too much going on. I haven't been able to
spend any time preparing to race at Indy." Red Bull Cheever
Racing has entered the No. 52 Chevrolet/Dallara to be driven
by Buddy Rice. Also entered in the Indy 500 field is the No.
51 usually driven by Cheever. However, Cheever said he isn't
sure who - if anyone - will drive the car at Indianapolis.
This season Red Bull Cheever Racing driver Buddy Rice finished
16th in the IRL IndyCar Series opener at Homestead-Miami
Speedway. He finished ninth last month at Phoenix
International Raceway. The team will compete this weekend at
the Japan Indy 300 at Twin Ring Motegi. Cheever said he will
miss racing at Indianapolis, but will continue to direct the
team's efforts during the month of May. After planning to run
a limited number of races this season, including the Indy 500,
Cheever isn't sure about when he will return to the driver's
seat. "I'm not certain about the future," he said. "Right now
I'm just concentrating on running the team and on the
acquisition of TWR Engines. I'm honestly not sure about what
I'll do as a driver in the future."
4/9/03
Good news for CART in Surfers
With a new naming rights sponsor in Lexmark, a new event logo
and a host of new Champ Car teams and drivers, a fresh new
brand image and television commercial was launched today in
Australia marking the future of the Lexmark Indy 300 – Round
17 of the 2003 Bridgestone Presents The Champ Car World Series
Powered by Ford. “Indy Fever – Catch the Heatwaves” is the
tagline that will become synonymous with the Lexmark Indy 300,
heralding a new chapter in the success of the annual Gold
Coast showpiece in Surfers Paradise, Queensland held October
23-26. “We have created a new brand image for the 2003 event–
one that encapsulates excitement, entertainment, the beauty of
Queensland and the Gold Coast, a carnival atmosphere and the
feature doubleheader of the Champ Cars and V8 Supercars,” said
Lexmark Indy 300 General Manager James Ashworth. The new
imagery for the Lexmark Indy 300 will be featured in a
national print media campaign and all promotional material
leading up to the races. Current points leader of the Champ
Car World Series and 1995 Australia winner Paul Tracy (#3
Player’s/Indeck Ford-Cosworth/Lola/Bridgestone) of
Player's/Forsythe Racing was announced as International
Ambassador for this year’s Lexmark Indy 300. The explosive
Canadian has started the Champ Car World Series in rare form,
winning the first two rounds in St Petersburg, Florida and
Monterrey, Mexico. He was a winner on the Gold Coast in 1995
and will be one of the favorites when the series returns for
the Lexmark Indy 300 this season. “It’s great to be named
International Ambassador for the Lexmark Indy 300. It’s a
terrific race and a race I’ve always enjoyed coming down to,”
said Tracy. “There have been 12 different winners and to be
the first to win the Lexmark Indy 300 for a second time would
be fantastic.” Ashworth said he was delighted that Paul Tracy
accepted the invitation to be International Ambassador for
2003. “Paul has been a foundation for Champ Car racing since
starting his career in 1991 and has always been a strong
advocate for the Gold Coast round of the series,” said
Ashworth. A tremendous demand for tickets to the Lexmark Indy
300 has organizers confident of surpassing 300,000 spectators
for 2003. Queensland’s premier event in the tourism capital of
the Gold Coast has developed into an Australian social and
sporting icon and grown into one of the world’s leading
motorsport spectacles. Early indicators point toward a record
crowd in excess of 300,000 over the four days. “The event has
grown every year since 1995 and attendance would have reached
300,000 last year if the weather was kinder,” said Ashworth.
“When the Lexmark Indy 300 surpasses 300,000, it will have
doubled the attendance from the inaugural year in 1991, again
highlighting the event’s growth.” “The phone has already been
ringing off the hook from people wanting ticketing details for
this year.”
4/9/03
Microsoft No Limits college tour features
Champ Cars The high-tech racing machines of the
Champ Car World Series have long been admired for their use of
cutting-edge technology, infusing science and speed to propel
drivers around race circuits at well over 200mph. But the
witches’ brew that gets these cars from start to finish in the
blink of eye needs to be stirred by accomplished engineers, as
advances in aerodynamics, power, weight and space-age
materials have made the people behind the computers some of
the most important people in the paddock. The Microsoft
Corporation has been long driven by its passion to deliver
cutting-edge technology, enabling success not only for racing,
but also for businesses and homes across the globe. Therefore
it was only natural that Microsoft feature Champ Car racing in
its rolling college exhibit, showcasing how .NET technologies
are empowering the next generation of race engineers to push
the limits of speed. The students will get this glimpse at the
new technologies with the formation of the Microsoft No Limits
Tour, which will cover more than 25 West Coast universities
during April and May. “We are pleased to be able to play
a role in the Microsoft ‘No Limits’ Tour,” said Champ Car
Vice-President of Marketing Steve Fusek. “Champ Car fans have
long been among the early adopters of the latest technologies
and Microsoft has always been leading the way in providing the
latest innovations to the world, so the chance to have Champ
Car and Microsoft together is something that we are excited
about.” The traveling display will highlight the latest
Microsoft technology, and illustrate how those innovations are
used in the world of Champ Car racing. The display will
feature the cars and drivers of American Spirit Team
Johansson, one of the rookie teams on the circuit with drivers
Jimmy Vasser and Ryan Hunter-Reay. The exhibit features a race
replay of the season-opening event from St. Petersburg, with
Microsoft applications showing the entire wealth of telemetry
available to team engineers. The new Microsoft applications
are synched up with the race replay to show the data stream in
real time, enabling students to study how the data is used to
help the performance of the car. Newly-developed Microsoft
code will be also used in a leaderboard display that is also
synched with the race replay. A Driving Tester will give
students an overhead view from the rear wing of Vasser’s car,
and let them turn a couple of laps along with the 1996 series
champion, with the Microsoft application showing how the
student’s driving compared to the American Sprit driver. There
will be hands-on displays for the students that will include
Tablet and Pocket PCs, Smartphones, Pi Research sensors, Sigma
steering wheels and driver suits from Hunter-Reay and Toyota
Atlantic driver Danica Patrick. Students can enter a
programming competition based on a data stream from the car’s
telemetry with the winning entries earning a trip to the
August 31 Grand Prix of Denver. There will also be daily
giveaways for the new Microsoft Xbox gaming console. The tour
begins at the University of Arizona on April 7 before moving
to this week’s Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach. The tour
covers the West Coast during April and May, ending May 29 in
the Los Angeles area.
4/9/03
Foyt withdraws from
Martinsville In an effort to catch up on building up
resources and test for upcoming events, the #14 Foyt/Harrah's
Racing team has withdrawn its entry for this weekend's NASCAR
Winston Cup Series event at Martinsville Speedway. "It was a
very tough decision to not go to Martinsville this weekend,
but we think it's the best choice for us right now," said
Larry Foyt, driver of the #14 Foyt/Harrah's Racing Dodge. "We
got such a slow start at the beginning of the year and this
will give us a chance to catch up, build up our resources and
actually test, something we haven't been able to do since the
season started." The team plans on doing a two-day test next
week at Richmond International Raceway.
4/9/03
Crew Chief fined $10,000
NASCAR officials announced today that Pat Tryson, crew chief
for the No. 21 Ford that competes in the NASCAR Winston Cup
Series, has been fined $10,000 for rule violations on April 5
during practice for the Aaron's 499 at Talladega Superspeedway
(held April 6). The No. 21, driven by Ricky Rudd, was in
violation of Section 12-4-A in the NASCAR Winston Cup rule
book (actions detrimental to stock car racing) and Section
12-4-W (improperly attached weight). As the No. 21 was
preparing to go onto the race track, the improperly attached
weight fell off the car. No word yet on NASCAR’s investigation
on why the tether on Ryan Newman’s tire failed.
4/9/03
Tracy "I was robbed of Indy 500
win Questions
from yesterday's CART media teleconference - . Speaking of the Indy 500, you're removed now from what happened last year. Your thoughts on what happened last year, have you put it behind you or is it still a sore spot? PAUL TRACY: Well, I don't think it's -- it's something that I don't really think about from day-to-day. But, you know, I still feel and know that based on the evidence that is there at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in their film department, I know that I won the race. It's really politics that have dictated the outcome of the race. There's really nothing I can do about it. That's just the way it is and I move on and concentrate on my new team and what I have to do.
Q. Would you go back to race in the Indy 500? PAUL TRACY: No I don't think so. My focus is to do a good job for Players and Jerry Forsythe, and their focus is on CART. So that's what they pay me to do and that's what I want to do.
4/9/03
Spencer/Busch feud continues
Jimmy Spencer was recently asked whether Kurt Busch has an
attitude problem: "I don't talk to Kurt. I don't get along
with Kurt. I think he has a lot of problems mentally that Jack
Roush is working on, so to me, I think Kurt Busch is a heck of
a competitor and a great racer. He does have a lot of
problems, and I think NASCAR has talked to him, and I think
Jack is talking to him. Once he gets to the level of getting
that all straightened out personally, I think he's going to be
a lot better competitor than he is now. To me, the drivers I
talk to, he's cocky, he doesn't respect them. He's got a lot
of things he needs to address himself personally. He's no
Bobby Labonte, Bill Elliott, Jeff Burton or Mark Martin. He's
no Matt Kenseth. You can win races and contend for the
championship and not have that attitude he has. That attitude
he has will be a major player in him not becoming a Winston
Cup champion until he learns to get along with his fellow
competitors and not have that chip on his shoulder. I learned
a long time ago that you don't realize when you've got people
mad at you, you can't be successful because there's always
somebody in that woodpile that's going to grab you and knock
you down to earth. He had a confrontation with Tony Stewart
again Sunday. I watched it on TV. I think he'll learn
eventually how to handle himself. "
4/9/03
Fisi mat be awarded Brazilian
GP win Stop the presses! Giancarlo Fisichella
could be declared the winner of the Brazilian Grand Prix. The
FIA, the governing body of motorsport, has summoned the
stewards of last weekend's chaotic race to its headquarters in
Paris on Friday after receiving evidence which suggests that
Fisichella had started his 56th lap before the race was
stopped. This is contrary to the information supplied by the
race time-keepers. If the evidence proves correct then the
race classification would stand from the end of the 54th lap
when the Jordan driver was leading. The result at the moment
is classified at 53 completed laps with Kimi Raikkonen
regarded the winner. An FIA press release this morning stated
that in accordance with Article 179(b) of the International
Sporting Code, the stewards of the Brazilian GP will
re-convene on Friday 11 April at 11.00am to review the results
of the event. All competitors who might be affected by the
outcome of the meeting have also been invited to attend. This
could include those who crashed, thus bringing out the red
flags.
4/9/03
Kimi should not have received full
points In what could make
a difference at the end of the year, Ferrari World champion Michael
Schumacher said in a television interview on Tuesday that Kimi
Raikkonen should not have received the full 10 points as winner of the
chaotic Brazilian Formula One Grand Prix last Sunday. Schumacher
said that the world governing body FIA did not act upon its rules
which say that full points can only be given in a stopped race if more
than 75 per cent of the distance are completed. The race was stopped
during the 55th of 71 scheduled laps because of a series of crashes,
but the final results were - according to FIA rules - based on the
listing after 53 laps. "One gets full points if three quarters of the
distance is completed - which would be 54 laps - 55 laps were raced
but two are deducted. Based on this Raikkonen was declared the
winner," Schumacher told Germany's RTL television. A result after 54
laps would have 76 per cent of the race, but 53 only 74 per cent.
Alex
Yoong testing updateUPDATE Drivers testing included
Michel Jourdain Jr., Tiago Monteiro, Mario Haberfeld, Joel Camathias,
Alex Yoong, Fernandez and Carpentier. Yoong is awaiting confirmation
(expected soon) that he will race in this weekend's race at Long
Beach, California which is round 3 of the 2003 Bridgestone Presents
the Champ Car World Series (see rumors page). 4/8/03 - AR1 just got off the telephone with Alex Yoong. He just
completed one full day of testing at the
Arizona Motorsports
Park 16-turn road course (pictured right) just west of Phoenix
with Dale Coyne Racing. He completed 97 laps on the 2.25 mile
circuit with a best lap of 1:14.2, about one second off the fast lap
turned by both Adrian Fernandez and Patrick Carpentier, both of whom
tested for two full days. "The new track has a lot of grip and
is very smooth. Compared to Monterrey, Mexico, which was so
slippery, this track really allowed these cars to shine, it was great
fun," stated Yoong. Mark C.
4/8/03
Zonta fastest at Paul Ricard Tuesday
Place Driver Team Time laps
1 R. Zonta Toyota 1.08.277 -
2 R. Schumacher Williams 1.08.454 81
3 M. Gené Williams 1.09.209 53
4/8/03
Fernandez
quick in testing
Fernandez Racing wrapped up a successful two-day test this afternoon
at Arizona Motorsports Park with Adrian Fernandez and Team Player’s
Patrick Carpentier recording the fastest unofficial time around the
2.23-mile, 16-turn road course located in Litchfield Park, Arizona.
The test marked the first time that Champ Cars have run at the
facility, and both Fernandez and Team Manager Gustavo del Campo had
high praises for the new race track, which was designed by Alan Wilson
and opened its doors on March 7 of this year. Fernandez tallied 172
trouble-free laps during the outing, recording a best lap time of 72.3
seconds this afternoon and shaving eight-tenths off his best time of
73.1 seconds which was the quickest yesterday. A total of seven Champ
Car drivers participated in the test, including Michel Jourdain Jr.,
Tiago Monteiro, Mario Haberfeld, Joel Camathias, Alex Yoong and
Carpentier. The team will head to Long Beach, California, tomorrow
[April 9] to prepare for this weekend’s race – the Toyota Grand Prix
of Long Beach, Round Three of the Bridgestone Presents the Champ Car
World Series Powered by Ford. Fernandez Racing will hit the testing
trail again immediately following the Long Beach event with a two-day
test scheduled at Portland International Raceway in Portland, Oregon,
beginning April 15. "It was a very good day. We did a lot of laps,
made a lot of good changes and I’m feeling pretty happy. I’m looking
forward to this weekend. I think we are going to be strong. This was
by far the best test we have had in a long time. The whole team
performed tremendously well. We did all the changes we wanted to do,
ran all the miles we wanted and we were fast and competitive. This
track is beautiful. They did a great job here.” Mark C.
4/8/03
McLaren to test new car
McLaren will shake down the new MP4-18 at Paul Ricard this week in a
closed test. As yet, no decision has been made about when it
will make its competitive debut. Alex Wurz is expected to be on
driving duties. The 2003 car is understood to have something very
radical on it. It is not impossible that the car will run at the San
Marino Grand Prix next time out but managing director Martin Whitmarsh
has always maintained that it will be introduced only when it
represents an "improved package" in terms of both performance and
reliability.
4/8/03
See Aryton Senna's last full year
on SPEED As part of SPEED Channel's new F1 programming
contract, the network will air a series of one-hour films highlighting
each race of the 1993 Formula One season. The specials will debut May
11 at 9 p.m. ET and will be shown chronologically on selected non-F1
Sundays for the remainder of the year. The first race in the series
will highlight the great battle between F1 legends Alain Prost and the
late Ayrton Senna for the win at Kyalami. Also included in the 1993
collection, the Australian Grand Prix features Senna's 41st and final
victory in his last race with McLaren.
South Africa (May 11, 9 p.m. ET)
Brazilian Grand Prix (May 25, 9 p.m. ET)
Grand Prix of Europe (June 22, 9 p.m.)
San Marino Grand Prix (July 13, 9 p.m. ET)
Spanish Grand Prix (Aug. 10, 9 p.m. ET)
Monaco Grand Prix (Aug. 17, 9 p.m. ET)
Canadian Grand Prix (Aug. 31, 9 p.m. ET)
French Grand Prix (Sept. 7, 9 p.m. ET)
British Grand Prix (Oct. 5, 9 p.m. ET)
German Grand Prix (Oct. 26, 9 p.m. ET)
Hungarian Grand Prix (Nov. 9, 9 p.m. ET)
Belgium Grand Prix (Nov. 16, 9 p.m.)
Italian Grand Prix (Nov. 23, 8 p.m. ET)
Portugal (Nov. 30, 8 p.m. ET)
Japanese Grand Prix (Dec. 7, 8 p.m. ET)
Australian Grand Prix (Dec. 14, 8 p.m. ET)
4/8/03
Players
team testing update
A two-day testing session at the
Arizona Motorsports
Park road course just west of Phoenix left Team Player’s driver
Patrick Carpentier impressed with the track and the productive outcome
of running laps on the new 2.25-mile road-course layout. “It’s one of
the smoothest tracks that I’ve ever run on,” said Carpentier, who
shared the facilities with a half-dozen other Champ Car World Series
drivers and clocked fast laps in the 1 minute, 13.27-second range, the
quickest along with Adrian Fernandez. “The smoothness of the track
might not simulate the facilities at Long Beach for our next race, but
the testing sessions we had over the last two days will help us on
other tracks that we’ll be racing on during the season.” Carpentier
put in about 65 laps each day, returning to the pits frequently so
that the Team Player’s crew could work on such aspects as aerodynamics
and brake-related components. Team Player’s took possession of a brand
new Lola for the session and conducted a shakedown of the car during
testing. The new Lola will likely be used as the backup car for the
race in Long Beach this Sunday. “Monday was a really good day of
testing,” remarked Carpentier, who was on the track for the first time
since March 23 in Mexico, site of the second race of the season in the
Champ Car World Series. Carpentier was ill with a viral infection for
most of that weekend, but he has since fully recovered. “It had been a
while since we’d had a totally problem-free day of testing, so that
was a lot of fun. Also, it was good to have the engineering crews of
both cars (Carpentier’s and his teammate Paul Tracy) at the same
session. The more brainpower you have, the more things you can find
with the car, and that might help to give us an edge on race weekend.”
Carpentier, who has a pair of eighth-place finishes in the first two
races of the season, for eighth place in the drivers’ standings, said
he is getting more accustomed to the Lola chassis – Team Player’s used
the Reynard chassis prior to this season – with every lap that he
runs. “That’s another reason why this type of testing session is so
beneficial – the more laps you’re able to put in with this Lola
chassis, the more routine it becomes, so that there is a natural feel
to the car,” added Carpentier. “It adds to my confidence for the race
in Long Beach, where I believe Team Player’s can really do well.”
Carpentier ‘s teammate Paul Tracy, who will be testing on the Portland
road course on April 15-16 while he tests on the Homestead Oval April
16-17, is heading to Long Beach this weekend on the strength of
victories in the first two races of the season. Team Player’s is
seeking to make it three straight wins for the first time in its
history.
4/8/03
CART weekly teleconference
This weeks guests were CART point leader Paul Tracy and AJ
Allmendinger
Transcript
4/8/03 MotoGP
Japanese rider fights for his
lifeUPDATE There has been a
slight improvement in the state of Daijiro Kato over the last
few hours, according to his close friend and fellow MotoGP
rider Makoto Tamada. Kato is in a critical condition after
suffering serious injuries to his head, neck and chest, but
Tamada this morning told motograndprix.com that his heart rate
is stronger after 48 hours in the intensive care unit of the
Mie Medical Center in Yokkaaichi. The hospital have not made
any official statement and are unlikely to do so unless there
is a major change in Kato´s condition. `I still can´t believe
it,´ said Tamada. `I don´t know how to take in what has
happened to Daijiro. I can only pray that he recovers and I am
at the temple right now. I went straight from the circuit to
the hospital after the race. Yesterday his blood pressure,
which had been low, recovered. Even though he has survived the
most important stage after the accident, the doctor says he is
still in grave danger. It is difficult to predict the future
of the situation´. 4/7/03 - Japanese motorcyclist Daijiro Kato was fighting for his life
after crashing Sunday during the season-opening Grand Prix of
Japan. The 26-year-old rider sustained serious head, neck and
chest injuries and was in critical condition, race officials
said. He was in a coma when flown to the hospital by
helicopter. The first news from the medical team on the track
was that Kato's heart had stopped and he was unconscious, race
medical director Claudio Macchiagodena said. "Only fast action
in the ambulance to resuscitate his heart gave him the chance
to fight for his life," Macchiagodena said. Kato, a former
250cc world champion, hit the wall with his Honda. The
3.6-mile Suzuka track is considered one of the most dangerous
in Grand Prix motorcycling.
AP Story
4/8/03
CART announces deal with
Montreal firm Officials from Champ Car announced
today that they have entered a partnership with World Audio
Visual Entertainment Systems (W.A.V.E.S.), making the
Montreal-headquartered hi-tech company the “Official
Interactive Video and Audio Viewing System Provider” with its
breakthrough television broadcasting device Kangaroo.
Following an impressive preview showing during last October’s
Grand Prix Americas in Miami, Florida, WAVES is launching its
Kangaroo.tv service this weekend at the Toyota Grand Prix of
Long Beach. Kangaroo is a totally-new wireless interactive
entertainment medium that will create a unique experience to
on-site spectators at events on the 2003 Bridgestone Presents
The Champ Car World Series Powered by Ford schedule. The
user-friendly spectator device offers access to a broad range
of video and audio material, unavailable before, as well as
live, real-time content. Whether from a seat in the stands or
from any other point on the site, the race fan will choose
from a number of different views of the event on the wireless,
lightweight and battery-powered device. “This relationship is
a perfect marriage of racing and technology and we are pleased
to offer Champ Car fans the unique interactive service that
Kangaroo provides,” said Champ Car Vice President of Marketing
Steve Fusek. “This is truly a breakthrough in engaging
spectators in our form of racing and we look forward to
working with WAVES in the development of Kangaroo.” The
Kangaroo production unit will broadcast event-specific content
to the onsite spectator, who will choose their favorite views
of the race, have access to on-board or pit cameras, as well
as real-time driver standings, replays and interviews. In
addition to unique live audiovisuals, Kangaroo will provide
access to rich interactive content including the event program
in electronic format, wide-ranging information on drivers,
teams, rules and regulations, event results, and landmarks, as
well as points of interest of the host city, a site map, a
list of exhibitors, access routes and event scheduling.
“Kangaroo represents a totally new paradigm to the on-site
audience attending sporting events,” said WAVES Vice President
of Corporate Development Alain Charette. “Kangaroo will bring
Champ Car fans the added value of being a lot closer to the
action yet empowering them to fully control their viewing
experience.” Beginning in Long Beach this weekend, Kangaroo
will provide Champ Car fans with the added value of being
closer to the action than ever before. As the 2003 Champ Car
World Series season progresses, several thousand units will be
available through a broad range of rental packages. The
Kangaroo.tv service will be available to Champ Car fans at all
but the two European races, and at all venues the following
years. For more information call (514) 990-0807 or visit
Kangaroo.tv.
4/8/03
CART and F1 may need each other
CART board member Derrick Walker was quoted by Autoweek -
There’s still nothing official regarding a link-up between
CART and F1 czar Bernie Ecclestone, but the subterranean
rumblings continue unabated. "Nothing has been brought to the
board for discussion,” said Walker. Best guess is that
Ecclestone and Gerald Forsythe will acquire enough CART stock
to gain control of the company and take it private again."
“It’s clear we have a lot in common from a global
sports-business perspective, and it may be a necessity for
them [F1] as much as us,” said Walker. “F1 has some serious
issues of cost and manufacturer participation it needs to
address. There was a time at CART’s peak when it was seen as a
potential rival for F1. In today’s world the two may need each
other.”
4/8/03
Pete Lyons award at LB
Officials from Historic Grand Prix, Inc., whose 27 authentic
and original Formula One cars will race at this year’s Toyota
Grand Prix of Long Beach, announced that the Pete Lyons Cup
will be awarded to the car that best evokes the memories and
captures the spirit of the 1976-1983 F1 era at Long Beach. The
trophy is named for the veteran and highly respected
journalist who covered the original F1 races around the globe
for Autosport, AutoWeek and Formula/Racecar magazines. Lyons
is still a regular contributor to AutoWeek, and his monthly
column, "Fast Lines," appears in Vintage Racecar Journal.
"These are wonderful cars from a great time,” said Lyons, who
will also serve as one of the PA announcers for the Historic
Grand Prix event, along with Casey Annis of Vintage Racecar
Journal. “I used to love watching them snap and snarl around
the racetrack, and I'm excited that Historic Grand Prix is
giving us a chance to see them in action again. One of these
teams is going to take me right back." The Pete Lyons Cup is a
replica of the Revere Silver Bowl presented to the winner of
the U.S. Grand Prix from 1961-1980. Lyons will award it to the
owner of the car which he feels best recreates the feelings he
used to have watching many of these very cars race at Long
Beach. The Historic Grand Prix, one of five racing events
taking place at the 2003 Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, will
take place at 9:40 a.m. on Sunday, April 13. The 27 vintage
Formula One cars will qualify on Saturday, April 12, at 3:45
p.m.
4/8/03
Rubens ran out of fuel in
Brazil Rubens Barrichello's Ferrari team initially
blamed a 'fuel feed' problem, but his boss Jean Todt now
elaborates that the failure also had something to do with
failed telemetry and not getting enough fuel in during the
pitstop. In other words, Barrichello's potentially
race-winning car ran out of fuel.
4/8/03
Road America counter sues CART
Even as Mario Andretti tries to work out a deal to reinstate
this years Champ Car race at Road America, the track filed
this
countersuit against CART yesterday. It appears
no one really wants this race to happen. Here is the
original CART lawsuit.
4/8/03
CART and Road America talking
again The 21-year relationship between Road America
and CART, which ended abruptly last month, may be reconciled.
Cheryl Barnes, the racetrack’s communications director, said
Monday night that driving legend Mario Andretti, a CART Board
member, and George Bruggenthies, Road America’s president and
general manager, were in discussions to bring the open-wheel
racing series back to Elkhart Lake. “George has been
negotiating with Mario, who was working on behalf of the
sanctioning body, on a deal for 2003 and beyond,” Barnes said.
Barnes said negotiations between Bruggenthies and Andretti, a
three-time CART race-winner at Road America, continued through
Monday evening. When asked about the chances of an agreement,
Barnes said: “We remain CART fans and remain hopeful that
we’re able to come to a successful conclusion to our
negotiations.”
More...
4/8/03
New Hampshire upgrades
Since the engines stopped roaring at New Hampshire
International Speedway last fall, the staff at the Magic Mile
has kept its nose to the grind stone. "There’s no offseason
for our staff," said Ron Meade, NHIS’s director of new
projects. "We’ve been really busy as you can imagine preparing
for the racing season. We have in effect two Super Bowls to go
along with a full schedule of amateur racing and our basic
staff is 22 people." As the New England racing season
approaches don’t expect things to let down in Loudon anytime
soon. Things are starting to come into full swing once again
as the Magic Mile begins its repaving process in the corners
of the 1.058-mile oval. "Our original schedule was to do it
some time in April," Meade said about repaving the corners,
"and our basic intent was to repave the corners. I understand
we’re going to get more snow. This time of year in New England
is unpredictable, so we’re going to have to see how it goes."
Here’s a quick history lesson about the past makeovers the
NHIS racing surface has endured in recent history. NHIS
widened the lower turn areas between turns 1 and 2 and between
turns 3 and 4 in March 2002 to create a second groove that
would make for safer, more exciting racing. Then in June
cracks were found on the Magic Mile surface and NHIS owner Bob
Bahre was forced to fix the problems with just three weeks for
the surface to cure before the first Winston Cup race. Some
said there was not enough time before the heavy Winston Cup
cars came to town. During the Winston Cup race in July marbles
built up in turns 3 and 4. Several drivers blamed the marbles
for causing most of the 14 caution flags to fly. The Magic
Mile isn’t getting a full blown facelift this year. It will be
just getting some minor cosmetic surgery. "I don’t see paving
as a safety issue," Meade said. "The Bahres always put safety
to the forefront, but again this isn’t really a safety issue.
It’s one of those things that has to be done." Completing the
repaving process early in the spring will probably give the
asphalt plenty of time to cure, but people will probably find
something to complain about. So don’t automatically expect a
ringing endorsement from the naysayers just yet.
Fosters Online
4/8/03 Industry News
More cuts for struggling Ford
and GM Detroit- Ford Motor Co. is intensifying
efforts to slash its $30 billion budget for costs not directly
related to vehicles, and General Motors Corp. is digging
deeper to reduce expenses as the world's two largest
automakers adjust to sluggish sales and rising competition. GM
has asked departments to eliminate nonessential travel and, in
some cases, to trim budgets more than what was expected at the
start of the year, spokeswoman Toni Simonetti said. At No. 2
Ford, the automaker is working to reduce its nonproduct
expenses - in marketing, sales and service and information
technology, for example - by as much as 20 percent over the
next two years.
AP Story
4/8/03
Trans-Am to honor warriors
The Trans-Am Series for the BFGoodrich® Tires Cup race, scheduled for
April 13 during the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach weekend, will pay
homage to America’s military forces. The Series will request every car
entered in the race to carry decals representing America’s five
military branches—Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines and Navy.
Also, a moment of silence will be observed during pre-race ceremonies
to honor those who have died in defense of America. “We are privileged
to honor our fighting men and women deployed at home and abroad,” said
Trans-Am Series Executive Director John Clagett. “With the events
taking place throughout the world, we thought it was only fitting to
show our appreciation for our military. It is through the great
sacrifice of our troops that we enjoy the freedom we have in this
country today.”
4/8/03
Schumacher will race on A
glass of wine for Michael Schumacher at the end of a race that had
gone badly and then a chat with the race doctor, Sid Watkins, on the
condition of Fernando Alonso. After this it was off to the airport as
fast as possible for the long journey home. The third race in this
championship will not remain long in Michael's memory. He had not had
to retire since Hockenheim 2001, a long time ago. And as the other
Ferrari driver, Rubens Barrichello, could not finish the race either
(on his home circuit), the atmosphere in the pits was not too festive.
"It really is an extreme let down." Michael commented before his
departure. "That goes for both of us. We could both have won the race;
we are convinced of that. I feel really sorry for Rubens; the same
thing happened to him last year too. I don't know, but it seems that
his home races always go badly." To many observers, this year is not
going well for Ferrari; Michael, though, puts this in perspective: "We
shouldn't dwell on it too much. After only three races there is still
a long way to go. There are still thirteen races left and anything is
possible. Clearly, things haven't gone well for us until now, but in
my opinion, the gap between McLaren and us is not that big. We would
be ill advised to start panicking now." "The fact that Kimi Raikkonen
won the Brazilian Grand Prix is obviously worse for us than it would
have been had Giancarlo Fisichella won but things are not so bad. I
see things in quite an objective way: for me this season was always
going to be more difficult than last and I again want to underline
that this is something that we have always pointed out. I don't want
to make excuses; I want only to state that for me it was clear that we
would have had to battle all the way. And battle we will; I don't have
a problem with that." It is a good thing given recent events that both
Michael and Rubens will be out testing the new single-seater to the
max at Mugello this week. It is true that the 'old' car is still
competitive but the new F2003-GA has proved to be even quicker. "When
the new car is ready we will use it," said Michael, "even if it would
not have changed the result at Interlagos. I am looking forward to
working this week because it really is fun driving and developing the
F2003-GA." First though, Michael will be stopping by the Fiat stand
and the Lipsia motor show. Ferrari
4/8/03
Todt contemplates lost opportunity
A dramatic Brazilian Grand Prix saw both Ferraris retire at Interlagos
on Sunday in a race of attrition in conditions that were at time
atrocious. As far as Ferrari's team principal Jean Todt was concerned,
it was tough day both on and off the track, which saw part of
Ferrari's tactics nullified. Todt pointed out that "today, clearly, we
were the quickest on the track, but unfortunately the final result was
zero points." But he was also philosophical. "As I said in Malaysia
it's a tough game. We just have to accept that and move forwards. I
think on one side it's easier to be a good player when you have the
right package. I think it's probably more frustrating when you're
three seconds and you wonder how you are going to get it back. But
saying that, we love our job, we are motivated but we love winning.
Today we lost a good opportunity." Perhaps the most disappointing
aspect was that Rubens Barrichello was leading when his engine
suddenly cut out. "He had a fuel system problem," explained Todt. "We
lost the telemetry right from the beginning and then we had some
misfiring with the engine. Then it came back again but we didn't have
the thing completely under control. Our data was OK, but we weren't
aware about what was exactly the fuel problem in the system and we
still don't know yet. We're going to analyze it when we are back at
the factory." Todt was very disappointed that other teams were allowed
to change front and rear wing settings for wet conditions prior to the
race, as Michael Schumacher had taken a gamble with his wing settings
which affected his qualifying performance. It was just one aspect of
the new rules that upset Todt. "Yesterday Michael knew that he was
taking a chance," said Todt, "taking into account the weather
prediction and clearly, on one side, I feel that some competitors did
change the engine for good reasons, because they had evidence and it's
clear on that. Some may be happy, but that was something completely
against the new rules." However, after all the accidents in the race,
Todt admitted that the new rules, which allowed only one wet tyre, had
to be revised. "I simply feel that we should go back to last year's
rules where the teams were allowed to have two wet tyre
specifications. To be condemned to use only one wet tyre is not good
but it was voted -- not unanimously as some people said -- but it was
voted through the Formula One Commission which I feel was a big
mistake. We were completely against that. Unfortunately the tendency
was in favour of one specification of tyre and I think we saw the
problems with that today." Todt admitted that it will be important to
bounce back at Imola. "Is it important, but you know it was important
here, more particularly when we know that our main competitor so far
is scoring a lot of points." Todt wouldn't confirm that Ferrari will
be using two of the new F2003-GAs at Imola, but said "hopefully we
will have two. Normally we will have two unless the testing next week
(at Mugello and Fiorano) goes completely against what we feel. It's
not yet sure." Ferrari
4/8/03
IRL on Everybody Loves RaymondUPDATE The sign has been hanging
in the kids room for a few years. The funny thing is Everybody loves
Raymond is produced by Worldwide Pants, David Letterman's production
company. Letterman is of course a CART and IRL team owner with
Bobby Rahal. 4/7/03 - A reader writes, Dear AR1, On tonight's episode of Everyone Loves
Raymond in one of the scenes the background had a clear shot of a IRL
poster that read Fans only. Did you notice it? Who's pocket in
Hollywood is Tony in? And on CBS!!! What's up with that??? Sam
Mancuso, Florida Dear Sam, It has been there awhile.
This came from the IRL's association with CAA, the huge entertainment
agency that the IRL had contracted to help them extend their presents
in "Hollywood"....Unless something else happened that I never heard
about...I think this poster and what ever that guys name was that
drove the 500 pace car last year (some soap opera actor) were the only
things that ever grew out of this "forward thinking-high expectation"
experiment. Mark C.
Franchitti breaks back, to miss Motegi
Andretti Green Racing’s Dario Franchitti will be unable to compete in
the Indy Racing League event at Twin Ring Motegi on April 11-13 as the
result of injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident last week. Dan
Wheldon will replace Franchitti in the #27 Alpine/Archipelago/Motorola
Dallara-Honda at Twin Ring Motegi. Franchitti’s injury consists of a
slight fracture of the L1 vertebra. Dario, who makes his home in
Nashville but was born and raised near Edinburgh, Scotland, was
visiting his family en route to Japan and was riding his MV Agusta
motorcycle at the time of the accident. “The motorcycle had a
mechanical problem,” said Franchitti. “I tried to slow down but, of
course, that was a bit difficult under the circumstances and I
wound-up crashing through a hedge and landing on my back.” Franchitti
was taken by ambulance to St. John’s Hospital in Edinburgh for
treatment and x-rays, and spent Friday night in the hospital.
Subsequently, an MRI was conducted at Ross Hall Hospital in Glasgow
which revealed what Colin C. Mainds, F.R.C.S. termed “an anterior
stable compression fracture of the L1” vertebra with “no posterior
injury or canal compromise.” “This is the first time in 19 years of
racing that I’ve missed an event due to injury,” says Franchitti, “and
I’m terribly disappointed to miss the Twin Ring Motegi race. I’ve
always enjoyed racing at Twin Ring Motegi. It’s a sensational race
track and a world class facility, and my Japanese fans have always
been very supportive, dating back to the days when I raced touring
cars there.
4/7/03
NASCAR turns cheek because it's
Earnhardt
This That'sRacin.com article
says the post-race controversy over NASCAR's call - more precisely,
its no call - overshadowed everything else, including a 27-car wreck
on Lap 4 and 42 other lead changes in an intensely competitive race.
Earnhardt Jr. was trying to run down Jimmie Johnson and Matt Kenseth
on the backstretch on Lap 185 when, as they approached Turn 2,
Earnhardt Jr. said he saw Johnson and Kenseth drift to the outside.
"There was about two and a half lanes of race track underneath them on
the outside of the yellow line," Earnhardt Jr. said of the line used
only here and at Daytona to mark the inside edge of the allowable area
for racing. Cars that go below that line, in NASCAR's judgment, and
advance their position can be black-flagged and penalized. But
it was Earnhardt, so NASCAR turns the other cheek, some speculate to
grow him into a super hero replacement of his father. What do
you think?
4/7/03
F1
Podium a joke A reader writes, Dear AR1, In probably the
biggest joke in autoracing since the 2002 Indy 500, the 2003 Brazilian
GP podium was anything but normal. How in the world can 1) the guy who
first crossed the finish line on the last lap be in the second
position (without being passed during the uncompleted final lap), and
2) the guy who caused the red flag because he did not heed the warning
of the yellow flags, and never finished or made it across the finish
line is third, despite 7 more drivers finishing the final lap ahead of
him? What a joke and it costs a man his first GP win, after a
brilliant drive, in roughly 140+ GP starts. Its a travesty to look at
a podium and see there are only 2 people up there and those 2 are in
the wrong order, unless the goal of racing has changed and I am
unaware! That has to break some type of FIA protocol with regards to
the post race presentation. Maybe the FIA should threaten a one
million dollar fine on themselves after that sad display of rule
making, ala 2002 Austria GP Ferrari fix. Can anyone give me at least
some small rationale why it reverts back to 2 laps prior instead of
the guy leading the last lap? Derek Hughes, Florida
Dear Derek, We can't offer any logical rationale at all. Mark
C.
4/7/03
Drivers call for two wet tires
Formula 1 drivers have called for the single wet-weather tire rule to
be abolished following the Friday deluge at the Brazilian GP. With
Bridgestone and Michelin bringing only intermediate tires, a number of
drivers chose to stay in their garages and not risk an inevitable
incident. "Have a second rain tire," was Michael Schumacher
response. "I guess after this experience, whoever maybe voted to have
only one tire maybe sees the complication of it and has a different
opinion now."
4/7/03
Talladega TV ratings down
Nielsen says Fox's broadcast of Sunday's Aaron's 499 Winston Cup race
from Talladega Superspeedway drew an overnight 5.7 rating and a 12
share, according to today's
Sports Business Daily.
The figures were well off the final numbers for 2002 Talladega race,
which was run two weeks later and drew a 7.0/16, but all sports
programming appears to be continuing to feel the impact of the war
with Iraq. The Daily reports that the two NCAA basketball tournament
semifinal games were off 30 percent and 25 percent.
Winston Cup Scene Daily Newsletter
4/7/03
CART stock watch
Today's NYSE Trading In MPH
MPH closed at $3.65 Up $0.18 on Volume of 30,800 shares.
$3.02 Bid - $3.96 Ask on close.
Session Low/High $3.55 / $3.71
MPH Value Change Up 5.19%
DOW Jones Up 23.26 or 0.28% on Volume of 1.8 billion shares.
NASDAQ Up 6.0 or 0.43%
S&P 500 Up 1.08 or 0.12%
Courtesy of C3I.AndersonGroupe - Chicago www.andersongroupe.com
4/7/03
Flying tires
Winston Cup officials recovered the tire from Ryan Newman's
car and planned to study why a tether failed to keep it from
bouncing out of Talladega Superspeedway in Sunday's race.
Newman's left front wheel cleared the catch fence off turn 2
where there weren't any grandstands. The tire hit a parked
car. No one was injured, a track spokesperson said. Goodyear
lists a left front tire as weighing 24.3 pounds. Newman's tire
was heavier because part of the steel front spindle remained
attached. NASCAR requires teams to tether the front spindles
to the car to prevent a wheel from coming off. The rule book
states that teams must use steel fiber cables or Vectran fiber
cables to tether the wheel.
Roanoke Times
4/7/03
Oil additives to gain HP
Word in the garage: Some teams are using oxygenated oil
additives that can boost an engine's horsepower by five to 15.
Winston Cup Series director John Darby says the "snake oil"
has been reported for a while, and his officials have taken
random samples at Daytona and Talladega to try to determine
what is out there. NASCAR always has taken a stringent stand
against using additives in gasoline and might take a similar
approach with oil. One owner whose team used oil additives
last year says there is an increased risk of engine failure.
Additives put a strain on the engine's rings because the
oxygen reduces the oil's ability to lubricate.
Sporting News
4/7/03
GPWC to meet w/F1 teams
The current F1 team principals have scheduled a meeting with
the Grand Prix World Championship group this Thursday. “All
the teams are meeting with the manufacturers [BMW, Mercedes,
Renault, Ford and Ferrari] on Thursday,” McLaren Director Ron
Dennis confirmed in Brazil over the weekend, “and I'm led to
believe that the documentation that will be presented to the
teams is a complete and comprehensive proposal. It has had
significant input from all the teams and significant legal
representation, so I don't think that there are any bad
surprises.” "There is no desire for any of the teams to go in
a different direction,” Dennis said, “but there is a definite
desire to have a more equitable situation in F1 for everyone.”
4/7/03
More of a Hispanic flare at LB
Expect more of a Latin flair at this year's annual Toyota
Grand Prix of Long Beach as organizers of the big racing bash
join up with the event's parent Championship Auto Racing Team
(CART) to hook more Hispanic fans. The tactic is already
working, particularly in Long Beach, where Hispanic racing
fans - particularly Mexican-Americans and those of Mexican
heritage - are flocking to the three-day bash in growing
numbers. According to top Grand Prix officials, about 25
percent of their permanent base of annual race visitors are
now Hispanic, and with the rising prominence of more drivers
with Latin roots, the numbers will continue to grow. And
bigger crowds means more pocketbooks to tap into and that has
helped to stimulate Latin-based companies like Gigante
supermarkets and Tecate beer to make huge financial
commitments to sponsor cars and have a high- profile role at
the Grand Prix......One of the biggest coups in the bid to
market to Latino race fans was Tecate's capture of the
contract to be the exclusive beer distributor at the Grand
Prix for the next three years, said Andres Siefken, senior
brand manager with Labatt USA/Tecate USA in Norwalk, Conn.
"This will pay for itself, in many ways,' Siefken said of
Labatt's investment for the contract. For one, Tecate will
increase the number of in- store promotions prior to the race
from 200 locations to 1,000 stores. Previously, the biggest
event Tecate sponsored was a concert with 35,000 people. The
grand prix draws an average of 250,000 over its three-day run.
"Tecate was much more aggressive. They brought a promotional
package' to the table, Michaelian said. In Southern
California, Tecate - the fourth largest import beer in the
U.S. - is fourth behind Budweiser/Bud Light, Coors and Corona
and the race promotion and its teeming number of fans will
give it untold exposure, Siefken said.
Long Beach Press-Telegram
4/7/03 MotoGP
Japanese rider fights for his
life
Japanese motorcyclist Daijiro Kato was fighting for his life
after crashing Sunday during the season-opening Grand Prix of
Japan. The 26-year-old rider sustained serious head, neck and
chest injuries and was in critical condition, race officials
said. He was in a coma when flown to the hospital by
helicopter. The first news from the medical team on the track
was that Kato's heart had stopped and he was unconscious, race
medical director Claudio Macchiagodena said. "Only fast action
in the ambulance to resuscitate his heart gave him the chance
to fight for his life," Macchiagodena said. Kato, a former
250cc world champion, hit the wall with his Honda. The
3.6-mile Suzuka track is considered one of the most dangerous
in Grand Prix motorcycling.
AP Story
4/7/03 Formula 3
Piquet takes podium in debut
17-year old Nelson Piquet Jr., son of former World Driving Champion
Nelson Piquet, started 2nd and finished 3rd in this weekends
British F3 race at Donington park. It was his first race outside
of South America.
New Engineer for Haberfeld
Mario Haberfeld will be on his 4th Engineer in three races this coming
weekend in Long Beach. He started the year with Andy Miller,
then went to Todd Molloy. John Ward helped out at Monterrey, and he
met Andy Borme yesterday. He is really looking forward to working with
him, because he knows what he accomplished with Helio Castroneves in
CART.
4/6/03
FranAm has renewed focus on Canada
The huge successes of the 2002 Fran-Am 2000 North American Pro
Championship and the 2003 Fran-Am 2000 World Championship Winter
Series have fortunately produced a deserving benefactor in Canada. “We
recognize the incredible passion for motor racing that exists in
Canada as well as the huge, emerging pool of talented drivers that
exists there,” stated Thierry Burckhart, President and CEO of Fran-Am
Sport. “For those reasons we are going to be focusing much of our
attention on our Canadian operations in the future.” Fran-Am Sport has
already announced a total of five premiere Canadian rounds for their
Fran-Am 2000 North American Pro Championship series in 2003, including
a separate five-race championship that will crown a Canadian Fran-Am
2000 Champion. Adding to that commitment, they are presenting three
Fran-Am 1600 Pro Championship series in the East, Central and Western
regions of Canada featuring visits to the Air Canada F1 Grand Prix in
Montreal, the ALMS race at Mosport, the Molson Indy in Montreal, plus
two Grand-Am events at Mt. Tremblant and Mosport. “We are truly
excited about Fran-Am Sport’s long-term commitment to Canada,”
commented Andrew Field, president of Fran-Am Sport’s Canadian
operations. “We have some fabulous young drivers entering our sport in
this country and Fran-Am is poised to give all of them the greatest
opportunities available. We have all the tools to find and develop the
next World Champion from Canada.” In anticipation of a successful and
busy season in Canada for 2003, Fran-Am Sport – Canada Operations has
expanded their staff accordingly. Kelly Duran has been named Director
of Marketing and Public Relations for Canada. She makes the move after
most recently heading up the public relations for last year’s Fran-Am
2000 Pro Series and World Championship Winter series. Highly
experienced Regional Race Directors and Administrators for each
Canadian region have also come on board.
4/6/03
Boris Said appeal denied
An appeal filed by Boris Said, driver of the No. 33 ACS Express Racing
Ford Mustang, was denied by the Trans-Am Series for the BFGoodrich®
Tires Cup Court of Appeals recently. Said was appealing a fine and
penalty assessed by Trans-Am Series Chief Steward Terry Dale for rules
violations just prior to the 2003 season. The appeals hearing was
presided over by Chairman John W. Bornholdt. Also serving on the Court
were Brian Kohl and K.C. Van Niman. "The defense did not present
compelling evidence that Boris Said hadn't violated the rules noted in
the penalty issued by the Series," said Bornholdt. "Therefore, the
Court of Appeals denied the motion for appeal. Pursuant to this
decision, all penalties as imposed by the Trans-Am Series Chief
Steward shall remain in effect." Said was penalized for violating
Trans-Am Series rule 1.11.1.8., "Public criticism of the Series, its
officials or sponsors," rule 1.11.1.9., "Unsportsmanlike conduct," and
1.11.1.11., "Inappropriate, objectionable, or profane language or
gestures." Said was fined $5,000, of which $3,000 was suspended, to be
applied should a like event occur at any point within the 2003
Trans-Am Series season. Said was also placed on probation for the 2003
season, during which time the occurrence of any further similar
incidents would result in further penalties.
4/6/03
F1 rule a sham A reader
writes, What a sham!!! I thought I had seen it all after last years
Austrian GP, and Indy 500. How can the driver leading at the end of
the race NOT be the winner? At least I didn't have to wake up at 6:30
AM to watch that debacle. The FIA has no clue! They blow a gasket when
a team stages a finish, but have no problem awarding victory to a
driver that did not win. The fact that it was Giancarlo Fisichella in
a Jordan, who drove a flat out brilliant race, passed Kimi in anger,
and led back across the start/finish, makes it that much more of a
travesty. I wonder if the FIA would have the nerve to have done that
(even though it is in their rulebook) if it had been Michael or Rubens
in a Ferrari. Imagine the riot in Brazil, if it had been Rubens. I
must give all the credit in the world to Giancarlo Fisichella, not
only for the race he drove, but for the way he handled himself in the
post race press conference. He had just been shafted in front of a
worldwide audience and still handled himself like a pro. Now I have
someone else to root for along with Montoya. Too bad his Jordan will
most likely will never get a sniff of another podium. Joshua Weiss
Chicago IL
4/6/03
Medical team slow to respond in Brazil
A reader writes, If you watched the end of the F1 race, I'm sure you
paid attention to the condition of Fernando Alonso. The camera shots
were very tight so we couldn't really see the whole scene, but the
medical attention leaved something to be desired - especially compared
to the CART or IRL safety teams. It seemed to take forever for the
medical personnel to arrive. Imagine a Zanardi-type crash... I don't
think he would have made it. Rob Baas Dear Rob -
CART's Simple Green Safety Team is recognized as being the very best
in racing, bar none. The IRL also has a full-time safety team
like CART. Mark C.
4/6/03 MotoGP
Rossi
leads 1-2-3 Italian sweep at Suzuka Valentino Rossi emerged
victorious from an historic Italian showdown at Suzuka today, as
compatriot Max Biaggi clinched second place and Loris Capirossi
completed the podium in his first race aboard the brand new Ducati
Desmosedici. The reigning MotoGP World Champion took a firm first step
towards his third successive title with a typically dominant
performance aboard his Honda RC211V, leaving Biaggi trailing in his
wake as he stormed to his third straight win at this technically
demanding track. Capirossi led for the opening four laps, but
eventually conceded ground to the rival pair and eventually lost touch
with Biaggi as Rossi broke clear, unable to challenge for second place
despite making a stirring comeback in the latter stages of the race.
"The conditions all over the weekend were difficult but today we
showed the amount of work we put in over the winter really paid off
because the setting of the bike was very good," said Rossi.
"Throughout
the tests we were making race distances and gaining a lot of
information about the bike and tires. The start of the race was very
hard and the fight was tough. I had to push a lot to take the win."
Aside from the intriguing podium struggle at the front, there was
action all the way down the points positions as Sete Gibernau broke
clear from the pack to consolidate fourth position and Troy Bayliss
weathered a reckless attack from Tohru Ukawa to bring the second
Ducati home in an impressive fifth on his MotoGP debut. Colin Edwards
eventually won out in an exciting scrap with fellow American rookie
Nicky Hayden, squeezing his Aprilia home in sixth place ahead of the
Honda rider after exchanging places throughout the second half of the
race. Meanwhile Alex Barros rode a brave race to finish as the top
Yamaha representative in eighth after overcoming factory colleagues
Shinya Nakano and Carlos Checa, despite riding with torn knee
ligaments after a nasty a warm-up crash. Norick Abe followed his new
team-mate Checa home in eleventh ahead of Noriyuki Haga, who recovered
to haul his Aprilia over the line after crashing. Behind them John
Hopkins took a well-deserved thirteenth place from his experienced
Suzuki team-mate Kenny Roberts, whilst Olivier Jacque clinched the
final available point. Photos Courtesy
Getty Images
4/6/03
News tidbits from Long Beach
When the 29th running of the Long Beach Grand Prix gets under way on
Friday, some now-vintage Formula One cars will become part of "The
World's Fastest Beach Party' in the first Historic Grand Prix. "This
is just another addition to the weekend,' said Jim Michaelian, Grand
Prix Association of Long Beach president and CEO. His event brings in
an estimated $40 million to the city and thousands of fans to
downtown. "It allows a lot of people here 20-plus years ago to relive
the past. It also gives those who have heard about the heritage of F1
in Long Beach the ability to experience it.' The old F1 cars, which
will be on display throughout the weekend at the expo inside the Long
Beach Convention Center, complement a week full of events aimed at
appealing to different audiences. In addition to cars rolling down
Shoreline Drive, a charity ball, golf tournament and fashion show are
scheduled this week as part of the event.........But the marquee
event, the Champ Car World Series, isn't the draw it once was. For the
second consecutive year, ticket sales have lagged. "So far the daily
sales are tracking close to last year,' Michaelian said. "Despite the
outbreak of the war, we have had some encouraging signs, and we hope
we can experience that kind of walk-up we got last year.' Big-name
sponsors leaving CART have stung the Grand Prix Association. That
makes walk-up sales all the more important since corporations are no
longer buying big blocks of tickets. The race drew around 90,000 on
Sunday and some 200,000 for the weekend last year. The Grand Prix
Association's parent company, Dover Downs, doesn't release official
crowd numbers......Another big name missing is Budweiser. Grand Prix
Association officials were unable to extend a three-year contract that
expired last year. That made the so-called official import beer,
Mexico's Tecate, the official beer of the LBGP. Tecate's partner,
Labatt of Canada, will also serve other brands such as Rolling Rock
and Labatt Blue. "It was a marketplace they (Tecate) wanted to
participate in,' Michaelian said. "They are in joint promotions with
us and other sponsors, but it is difficult to lose a longtime sponsor
like Budweiser. Having Tecate step up makes it less
painful.'.............There have also been changes in the seating due
to the ongoing construction of The Pike shopping and entertainment
complex. Grandstand No.2 at Turn 5 and Grandstand No.34 on the front
straightaway have been eliminated. Extra seating has been added around
the course to compensate........Management at the Hyatt Regency Long
Beach, located inside the track, expect to be busy. More people have
been booking rooms at the hotel than last year, said Cheryl Phelps,
vice president and general manager. "We still have some rooms
available but we are a little bit ahead of last year at the same
time,' she said. The hotel was close to selling out last year, and
Phelps said that she expects they will be close this year also.
Excerpts from Long Beach Press Telegram article
4/6/03 Industry News
Australian Health Minister calls for
delay in tobacco ad ban Australia's Health Minister is
leading the charge to have the introduction of a ban on tobacco
sponsorship in motor racing delayed. Senator Kay Patterson has asked
European Health Ministers not to introduce the ban in 2005 as they've
been planning, but in 2006. Anti-smoking groups in Australia have
reacted with alarm, but Senator Patterson says that delaying the ban
is the sensible approach.
ABC
Australia
4/6/03 IROC
NASCAR drivers beat IRL drivers again
IROC continued to be an all-NASCAR affair with Kurt Busch leading a
1-2-3 sweep by NASCAR drivers in yesterday's 2nd round of IROC at
Talladega. IRL driver Sam Hornish was a distant 4th.
1) Kurt Busch, NASCAR, 38 laps
2) Mike Bliss, NASCAR, 38, -0.098sec
3) Greg Biffle, NASCAR, 38
4) Sam Hornish, IndyCar, 38
5) Mark Martin, NASCAR, 38
6) Kevin Harvick, NASCAR, 38
7) Ryan Newman, NASCAR, 38
8) Jimmie Johnson, NASCAR, 38
9) Steve Kinser, World of Outlaws, 38
10) Danny Lasoski, World of Outlaws, 38
11) Felipe Giaffone, IndyCar, 38
12) Helio Castroneves, IndyCar, 37, engine
4/6/03
Chance of rain in BrazilUPDATE Torrential rains hit the
track this morning, some 3 hours before race time. The drivers
are concerned their intermediate tires can not handle that much water.
4/6/03 - Latest weather forecasts call for a chance of rain for Sunday's
Brazilian Grand Prix at Interlagos. Rain showers are forecast to fall
throughout the day - even thunderstorms are possible.
4/6/03 Industry News
New Italian Racing magazine launches
A new magazine covering auto racing has begun operations in Italy.
Titled "CONTROSTERZO" the publications is printed twice a month out of
Bologna, Italy. The editorial staff is led by veteran Formula 1
journalist Franco Panariti, co-editor Guido Rancati (a specialist on
the World Rally championship), and Stefano Semeraro. Guest
columnists for the Italian-language publications will include drivers
like Giancarlo Fisichella, Jarno Trulli, Eddie Irvine, and an Italian
favorite popular with CART followers, Alex Zanardi. With
detailed event, extensive feature stories and a visual array of
photographs and graphics, the first issue of the magazine sold out.
Issue two features interviews with Frank Williams, Paul Newman and
next will be Jerry Forsythe. The last two written by Lino Manocchia,
the well known correspondent who has covered American motorsport for
various Italian publications over the last 40 years. Good luck
Controsterzo.
4/6/03
Trans-Am invades Long Beach
If the finish of last year’s Trans-Am Series for the BFGoodrich® Tires
Cup race at the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach was any indication,
this year’s edition of the event is certain to be a barn burner. The
race, Round 2 of this year’s championship, is scheduled for Sunday,
April 13, following the Champ Car World Series race. More...
Drag Racer killed Drag racer
Phil Burghard was killed in a crash Saturday at Gateway International
Raceway after losing control of his car in an NHRA competition. The
33-year-old driver crashed his Corvette during his second qualifying
run for the Spring Sportsman Challenge XI. His car reached a top speed
of 155.76 miles per hour. Burghard crashed in the sand traps at the
end of the track's shutdown area, according to race officials.
Emergency crews airlifted him to St. Louis University Hospital Trauma
Center, where he was pronounced dead. `It is a sad day for all of us
in the Gateway racing community,'' said track vice president and
general manager Matt Strelo. ``Our thoughts and prayers are with the
Burghard family, and with the racers.'' AP
4/6/03
Ron tells Bernie to shut up
McLaren boss Ron Dennis has spoken out against recent negative
comments on the new-look F1 from Grand Prix supremo Bernie Ecclestone.
Ecclestone has been outspoken in his dislike of the new F1 qualifying
system, labeling it ‘awful.' But Dennis says that the F1 tsar should
give his full backing to the sport, no matter what he thinks of the
product. Dennis said in Brazil: “We are all entitled to our opinion,
but you can make an analogy with the circus. What would you think if
the ringmaster came out and said that you shouldn't watch lion number
three because he's got a bad tummy and is not going to perform too
well today? Or told you that the clown had flu? It's something I'm
more than happy to criticize Bernie for. “Whatever the show is, the
ringmaster should be wholeheartedly behind it whether it's good, bad
or indifferent. And that's something I'm more than happy to criticize
Bernie for. He's the ringmaster and he should behave like one.”
Autosport.com
4/6/03
Team bosses delay meeting Formula
One team bosses have delayed a scheduled meeting planned to review the
new rules introduced in the 2003 F1 championship season to spice up
the action. Originally set for next Friday, the plan to postpone the
talks until the 20th of the month instead is because they want more
time to analyze the regulations before making decisions in haste.
"The reason that it has moved is because we really want to do a more
thorough job than we have time available,” said McLaren boss Ron
Dennis. "We all felt when we had a team principals meeting yesterday
that we needed more time to analyze the better part of the
regulations. There are still strong views held by most people about
every single regulation... we need more time to try and come to a
consensus because the next set of changes, if and when they are made,
have to be clearly for the better. So we don't want to be pressured
into making decisions that are not well thought through "
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