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BMW knew Montoya's engine would blow
BMW Williams have revealed that they knew all about Juan Pablo
Montoya’s engine problem which robbed him of his first victory in over
a year. BMW Motorsport Director Dr. Mario Theissen has admitted that
it was no surprise that the Colombian’s engine failed. He said: "We
knew at the start that Juan Pablo had a problem and this problem could
cause him not to finish this race. "After 20 laps we knew he couldn't
finish because we saw the water pressure going down continuously and
it was clear he couldn't make it. “It's very disappointing to lose the
car if you are leading and it was the first technical failure since
Suzuka last year on the car." Despite it being an engine failure, Dr.
Theissen pointed out that it was triggered by another breakdown on the
car but he refused to play the blame game and said that it’s a joint
effort between BMW and Williams. "We had an engine failure but that
was the consequence of another problem”, Theissen pointed out. ”But
there's no point looking at if its BMW or Williams. We'll take a joint
approach, analyze the problem and make a solution."
5/19/03
Hope for the Belgian GP
Belgian Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt will today set up a new Belgian
government in the wake of national elections yesterday. The election
resulted in strong gains for Socialists and Liberals who are members
of his coalition but a heavy defeat for the Greens, who had been a
part of his six-party government. The election will open the way for a
more cohesive government which does not have to pander to minority
interests. The Greens were largely responsible for the Belgian law to
ban tobacco sponsorship this year which resulted in the cancellation
of the Belgian GP. That law may now be overturned which would open the
way for a return of the event in 2004, although there is increasing
pressure on the races as there appear to be 19 serious candidates for
17 races.
5/19/03
Town Meeting set for Cleveland
The turbocharged scream machines of the CART Champ Car World
Series will be coming to the home of Rock and Roll July 3-5
for the Cleveland Grand Prix, but before the stars and cars of
the series hit town, fans will get a chance to delve inside
the minds of some of the decision makers of the series as the
Champ Car Town Meeting series visits Cleveland on June 2nd.
The Town Meeting series is essentially a panel discussion
where fans can participate in an uncensored
question-and-answer session with key members of the CART
staff, race officials as well as some of the drivers that will
participate in the July race. The series began last year in
Columbus and has met with great success as fans have come out
in droves to get the inside information on the Champ Car World
Series. The Town Meeting, which comes in advance of what will
be the historic first-ever night race at Burke Lakefront
Airport, will feature CART President and CEO Christopher R.
Pook, IMG Motorsports President Bud Stanner and SPEED Channel
President Jim Liberatore as well as the winner of last year’s
Cleveland Grand Prix Patrick Carpentier. Also joining the
panel will be Toyota Atlantic standout Joey Hand, who drives
for Chesterland-based DSTP Motorsports. Champ Car
Vice-President of Communications Adam Saal will be the
evening’s host. The Cleveland meeting will take place June 2nd
at the Grand Ballroom of the Sheraton, located in the
Cleveland City Center at 777 St. Clair Avenue. Fans can
register for free tickets to the event by going to the
official website of the Bridgestone Presents The Champ Car
World Series Powered by Ford,
www.champcarworldseries.com.
5/19/03
Latest on Bill Simpson vs.
NASCAR lawsuit
When Halifax Medical Center trauma specialist Dr. Steve
Bohannon said Dale Earnhardt would have had a better chance to
survive if his seat belt didn't separate in the 2001 Daytona
500, he was just trying to answer a question during a news
conference. Now that answer is the crux of an $8.5 million
defamation lawsuit Bill Simpson has filed against NASCAR. In
documents filed earlier this month in U.S. District Court in
Indianapolis, Simpson attorney Robert Horn argues that NASCAR
had reason to be afraid of Simpson. He says NASCAR's failure
to acknowledge that Earnhardt's belt system was improperly
installed, along with the comments by Bohannon and others,
harmed Simpson. Bohannon, who serves as the director of
emergency medical services at Daytona International Speedway,
spoke during a news conference five days after the death of
the seven-time Winston Cup champion. A jury trial in the case
is tentatively scheduled for September. The judge can rule on
NASCAR's motion for summary judgment -- a ruling in its favor
without trial -- anytime before then.
Daytona Beach News Journal
5/19/03 Industry News
Kumho Tires starting to make an
impact in the USA Kumho tires were number one
in a recent survey of readers conducted by Grassroots
Motorsports. In the survey, which is conducted every two
years, readers were asked what brand of tires they race on, as
well as how many sets of tires they buy each year. In the
survey, 24 percent of Grassroots’ readers indicated that they
use Kumho tires. In the 2000 survey, Kumho ranked fourth, with
12 percent of readers indicating they use Kumho tires. Other
brands mentioned by readers in this year’s survey include:
Yokohama (15 percent), BFGoodrich (11 percent), Hoosier (10
percent), Falken (8 percent), Pirelli (6 percent), Michelin (6
percent) and Bridgestone (4 percent). Eleven percent of
Grassroots’ readers indicated that they buy three or more sets
of tires each year, while 23 percent buy two sets and 67
percent buy one set each year. "We’re not surprised to see
Kumho fare so well in our survey," said Grassroots Motorsports
publisher Tim Suddard. "We cover a lot of events, and in the
last few years we’ve noticed more and more competitors running
on Kumho tires. We’ve run Kumhos on some of our project
vehicles and discovered that they offer great performance at a
great price, and I think that’s what makes them such a hit
among our readers." Grassroots Motorsports, which bills itself
as "America’s Sportscar Magazine," is in its 19th year of
publishing and has a circulation of 75,000. The magazine
focuses on amateur roadracing, rallying and autocrossing, as
well as event coverage, how-to articles and project vehicles.
5/19/03
Drama missing on Bump Day
According to this Indy Star
article, The Pillsbury Bake-Off had more drama. The
National Spelling Bee had more of an edge. Bump day at the
Speedway? This was Do It For Tony/Fill In The Field Day. There
was no bumping. There was no grinding. There was no
risk-taking. There are 33 cars, yes, a development that will
spare the Greatest Spectacle further embarrassment. But on one
of this event's most historically compelling days, there was
no buzz, no suspense, no nothing. This was just another
desultory day at the track during a generally dreadful month
of May.
5/19/03
Crash-prone Foyt stirs Indy
hubbub
According to this Chicago Tribune
article, Retired Indy 500 icons A.J. Foyt and Bobby
Unser had a head-on collision of opinion Sunday over whether
Foyt is pushing his 18-year-old grandson, A.J. Foyt IV,
prematurely into this year's race. The youngster "is going to
hurt himself and someone else if he's not careful," said
Unser, a three-time winner of the 500. A.J. IV has spun four
times, crashing on three of those occasions, since arriving at
the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in April. "The kid is not a
bad kid," Unser said. "He's healthy, he's strong, he's got a
good brain. He just shouldn't be here yet, that's all. It's
not that he's too young. That has nothing to do with it. He
just needs more experience. Someday he may be a really good
driver. But this is not the place to start." "I'm tired of
people picking on him," the crusty elder Foyt, a four-time
winner here, said of his grandson. "It's all a bunch of bull.
The boy passed his rookie test with flying colors. He's run
over 228 m.p.h., no trouble. And he hasn't done anything that
your Indy winners haven't done--like Friday." Foyt referred to
the crash of Unser's nephew, two-time race winner Al Unser
Jr., the same day as A.J. IV's latest crash. And Foyt
maintained three of the four accidents weren't his grandson's
fault, writing off one to a cut tire and two to such egregious
errors by crewmen that "I [almost] wanted to run off everybody
I've got here." Unser scoffed at all that. "Awwww, it's just
lack of experience," he said. "He is, best I can tell, one to
three years ahead of himself. It's a simple matter of somebody
pushing him too much. He knows that. You can tell by looking
at him that he knows he's not experienced enough to be here."
Unser said other drivers in the 33-car field for Sunday's race
are concerned about young Foyt. "I'll bet [the consensus]
would be 100 percent, if they thought they could survive the
political fallout with Tony George," the speedway's president
and Indy Racing League founder. Anthony will turn 19 on race
day, becoming the youngest driver ever to start the Indy 500.
Last year he won four of seven races and the inaugural season
championship of the IRL's minor-league steppingstone, the
Infiniti Pro Series. In 2001 he won the Southwest regional
championship of the SCCA's Formula Continental division,
including 6-of-9 races. "When you've won a championship, what
do you do? Take the next step," Foyt said. "Anthony's got a
good head on his shoulders, and he uses it. That's the only
reason I made the jump. It wasn't just because I wanted him to
be the youngest guy ever to start the Indy 500." But that's
not enough experience for Indy, Unser maintained. "He needs to
run a lot of races," said Unser......"No other owner could get
by with this except Foyt," Unser charged. "It's all a matter
of Foyt's power with Tony George. I tried to talk with Tony
about this the other night. He didn't want to hear it."
George, told of Unser's charges, said: "That doesn't deserve a
response. Bobby likes to blow into town and blow off . . .
draw some attention to himself."
A sorry Sunday
According to this ESPN.com article,
At 5:12 p.m. ET on Sunday afternoon, the 33rd car qualified for the
87th Indianapolis 500. At 6:20 p.m. ET, the Indianapolis Motor
Speedway was empty. Not a car on the track. There was no scrambling,
no last-minute deals, no emotional roller-coasters, no ride swapping,
no white-knuckle runs and none of the drama that always grips the
final hour of time trials. Another Indy tradition went down in flames
as Bump Day turned into a shell game and, for the first time in 53
years, nobody was sent home. Nine spots were open, nine cars were
summoned and nine spots were filled. It didn't take any certain speed
to make the May 25 classic -- it simply took four laps. "It's pretty
disheartening to go through what I did to make this race and now all
you have to do is show up and you're in the field," said Steve
Chassey, a former Indy-car regular from the '80s who drove
under-funded sleds in three Indy 500s and served as his own chief
mechanic in his final start. "The mental stress some of us went
through on Bump Day was incredible and I'm not sure these drivers
understand what a struggle it was to make this race. Or how special it
is." The only struggle this month has been to find enough car owners.
There's a surplus of drivers and plenty of cars in Gasoline Alley,
just nobody to pay for them. It took a pair of the Indy Racing
League's smaller operations, A.J. Foyt and Panther Racing, to field
extra cars and a last-minute deal by Sam Schmidt to ensure the
traditional 11 rows of three would be intact for the 56th straight
year. "I'm amazed this thing came together. I was sitting at home on
Thursday and now I'm in the Indy 500 again," said Robby McGehee, a
three-time Indy starter who missed the 2002 race but survived a
massive accident in practice last year. "Obviously, it was a
last-minute deal.".....The only bigger farce than Bump Day was the
inaugural Infiniti Pro Series race, in which George's stepson Ed
Carpenter -- who is a good driver -- made a mockery of the competition
and rules by running away to a 14-second victory. "He was going five
mph faster than anybody else down the straightaway," groused one
Infiniti car owner. "What a joke." Following Carpenter's win, the
Speedway issued an insulting news release that said he joined the
likes of Ray Harroun (first Indy winner, 1911), Jeff Gordon (first
Brickyard 400 winner, 1994) and Michael Schumacher (first U.S. Grand
Prix winner here, 2000). Most of the media room burst into laughter.
Nobody felt much like laughing by the end of the day but there was one
moment of levity provided by veteran motorsports writer Bob Zeller.
After Vitor Meira finished off qualifying shortly after 4 p.m. CT,
Zeller said: "A nice performance by Dr. Fill."
5/18/03
Indy 500 field is full
Rookie Vitor Meira became the ninth driver to qualify today on Bump
Day, as the full field of 33 cars for the 87th Indianapolis 500 has
been reached. Meira qualified at 227.158 mph in the No. 2T Menards/Johns
Manville Dallara/Chevrolet/Firestone, putting him in the 26th starting
spot. It was the second-fastest qualifying speed of the day, behind
only Alex Barron's 227.274 in the No. 20 Meijer Mo Nunn Racing Panoz G
Force/Toyota/Firestone. Other drivers to qualify today are Jimmy
Vasser, Billy Boat, Shigeaki Hattori, Jimmy Kite, Richie Hearn, Robby
McGehee and Airton Dare. Dare is "on the bubble" as the 33rd and
slowest qualifier at 223.609 in the No. 5T EPSON/A.J. Foyt Racing
Panoz G Force/Toyota/Firestone. Bump Day qualifying is scheduled to
continue until 7 p.m. (EDT), when the field will be set for the
"Greatest Spectacle in Racing." We don't expect anymore
qualifiers.
5/18/03
Yet another broken back in the IRLUPDATE Craig Dollansky was
in good condition May 18 at Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis after
surgery to repair a low back fracture suffered in the Freedom 100 IRL
Infiniti Pro Series race May 17 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Dollansky is expected to remain at Methodist for about a week.
He underwent 6.5 hours of surgery, so it must have not been a
minor fracture. The 2000 World of Outlaws Gumout Series
champion suffered a compression fracture to a vertebra in his
lower back in the crash. “The surgery went well,” Craig’s
wife, Julie, said Sunday. “He’s alert after the 6 ½-hour
surgery, but he’s pretty uncomfortable. He will be here at
Methodist Hospital for a week and the healing process will
take a few months.” CART's Dr. Terry Trammel, who specializes
in treating racing related injuries, supervised Dollansky’s
surgery.
5/17/03 - On Lap 11, shortly after the restart of today's Freedom 100 Infiniti
Pro Series race, World of Outlaws star Craig Dollansky did a half-spin
to the left, slid into the grass between the warm-up lane and the
track in Turn 2. His No. 33 VMAC/Karavan Trailers/FattFro Mtrspts.
Dallara/Infiniti/Firestone then slid across the track and made contact
with the SAFER Barrier in Turn 2 with the front of the car. Dollansky
suffered a fracture of his lower spine and was admitted to Methodist
Hospital for treatment. In the days other wreck, Thiago Medeiros was
released from Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis in good condition,
while Matt Beardsley was in good condition with a small chin
laceration after being checked and released from the Clarian Emergency
Medical Center in the infield of IMS. We have updated our injury
list since the CART/IRL split. As of last year, a driver was
439% more likely to get injured in the IRL than in CART. We have
not computed the latest percentages yet, but as you can see from the
updated table in the article,
the IRL has had 8 drivers injured in 2003, whereas CART has none,
thereby adding to their unfavorable percentages. While no one is
holding a gun to their head to drive, you almost have to feel sorry
for all the drivers in the IRL, the odds are so great of being
injured. Our prayers go out to Craig Dollansky that his
fractured spine does not lead to paralysis.
5/18/03
Pruett 5 for 5 with win at Mosport
today Scott Pruett continued his run of perfection at
Mosport International Raceway as he won Sunday’s Trans-Am Series for
the BFGoodrich® Tires Cup race at the 2.459-mile, 10-turn permanent
road course. Pruett has won in all three of his Trans-Am Series
starts (1986, ’87, ’94) and also won an SCCA World Challenge Endurance
race, driving for Saleen in 1987. Pruett, in the No. 7 Jaguar R
Performance XKR, finished .977 seconds ahead of Michael Lewis (No. 12
Trans-Am Tools by ProQuest Jaguar XKR). Johnny Miller (No. 64 Eaton
Cutler-Hammer Jaguar XKR), Randy Ruhlman (No. 49 Preformed Line
Products/Coyote Closures Chevrolet Corvette) and rookie Jorge Diaz,
Jr. (No. 8 Puerto Rico Grand Prix Jaguar XKR) completed the top five.
Pruett won the BFGoodrich® Tires Take Control Award for leading the
most laps and earned a $4,000 bonus from Flowmaster for winning the
“American Thunder Challenge,” given to the driver who wins the pole,
leads the most laps, sets the fastest race lap and wins the race. The
award, normally worth $2,000, rolled over as no one was able to claim
it at Long Beach.
“We focused on what our weaknesses were. We came up here on Thursday
did some testing here. We worked on the high mileage tires, which is
what we thought our weakness was in Long Beach. “The closing stages
were a bit tight with all the oil that someone laid down on the track.
You could see the oil and I tried my best to stay off of the slippery
spots because any small mistake, slowing down too much or spinning
would have been to the other guy’s advantage. “The car was good. I
never really thought we could get the set-up and accommodate it
quickly with all the rain we had on Friday I didn’t think we would get
a good qualifying car. Fortunately the Rocketsports Racing guys gave
me a great car. What can I say about this Jaguar she’s a sweet cat.
“The tires really helped out today, when I raced in Trans-Am back in
the early 90’s the tire supplier never really cared about the product
they gave us. The BFGoodrich g-force tires we use rock. BFGoodrich
really cares about the product that they put out on the track.”
1. (7), Scott Pruett, Jaguar XKR 41,
Running.
2. (12), Michael Lewis, Jaguar XKR, 41, Running.
3. (64), Johnny Miller, Jaguar XKR, 41, Running.
4. (49), Randy Ruhlman, Chevrolet Corvette, 41, Running.
5. (8), Jorge Diaz(R), Jaguar XKR, 41, Running.
6. (86), John Baucom, Jaguar XKR, 41, Running.
7. (06), Joey Scarallo (R), Chevrolet Corvette, 41, Running.
8. (59), Simon Gregg, Chevrolet Corvette, 40, Running.
9. (95), Charlie Webster, Chevrolet Camaro, 17, Running.
10. (76), Jerry Simmons, Ford Mustang, 39, Running.
11. (2), Stuart Hayner, Chevrolet Corvette, 37, Mechanical.
12. (9), Glenn Andrew, Chevrolet Camaro, 35, Running.
13. (5), Tomy Drissi, Jaguar XKR, 33, Running.
14. (3), Paul Gentilozzi, Jaguar XKR, 20, Suspension.
15. (10), Bobby Sak (R), Chevrolet Corvette, 19, Mechanical.
16. (83), Max Lagod, Chevrolet Camaro, 15, Mechanical.
Time of Race: 59:43.000
Winner’s Average Speed: 101.299 mph
Caution Flags: 1 for four laps
Lead Changes: 0
Lap Leaders: Scott Pruet, 1-41
Fastest Race Lap: No. 7: 1:19.188 at 111.790mph
Margin of Victory: 0.977
Average Speed: 100.34 miles per hour
Caution one from 27 through 30
5/18/03
Did AJ screw Dare? A
reader writes, Dear AR1, If you are watching qualifications for the
500, I am sure you are aware there will be 33 cars. The question now
is will there be a bump or two. With the rumors of another Ganassi car
(Jeff Ward) and another Fernandez car (Papis) that would have sent
Fisher and Foyt IV home. Now Foyt just took that run from Airton Dare
(223.608) making Dare the slowest car in the field. Dare was upset
that they took the run, because he had been running 225's and 226's
all morning. Neither him nor the announcers could figure out why AJ
took that run. The answer is easy. If Ganassi, and Fernandez add cars
(or anyone else for that matter) Now Foyt IV wont get bumped unless
there are 3 extra teams. AJ just screwed Dare and used him as a buffer
for AJ IV. Talk about another Indy hose job... Sincerely,
Chad Larimer Dear Chad, There were rumors that AJ Foyt IV
had a special engine last year in the Infiniti Pro Series, which
allowed him to win all those races. Tony George's stepson, Ed
Carpenter, won in the same car today in the Freedom 100.
However, it's all hearsay and impossible to prove. AJ Foyt
cheating? Never. However, Foyt IV is in the IRL this year and he
has a Toyota engine, arguably the best engine. Yet he is the
slowest Toyota driver....when he stays on the track long enough to put
a time in before he crashes, which these days appears inevitable.
How he can go from being head and shoulders above everyone else last
year to a total wanker this year is beyond us. It's not like AJ does
not know how to set up cars in the IRL. He's been running in the
IRL since 1996 and at Indy since the late 50's. We see road
racers come over from CART with no Indy experience and never crash.
Mark C.
5/18/03
Carpenter wins Freedom 100
Results Sunday of the Freedom 100 IRL Infiniti Pro Series event at
Indianapolis Motor Speedway, with order of finish, starting position
in parentheses, driver, chassis-engine, laps completed and reason out
(if any). Race was halted May 17 on lap 13 due to rain and resumed
Sunday:
1. (1) Ed Carpenter, Dallara-Infiniti, 40
2. (7) Cory Witherill, Dallara-Infiniti, 40
3. (2) Mark Taylor, Dallara-Infiniti, 40
4. (3) Jeff Simmons, Dallara-Infiniti, 40
5. (12) Jonathan Urlin, Dallara-Infiniti, 40
6. (6) Aaron Fike, Dallara-Infiniti, 40
7. (10) Paul Dana, Dallara-Infiniti, 40
8. (9) Ronnie Johncox, Dallara-Infiniti, 40
9. (11) Marco Cioci, Dallara-Infiniti, 40
10. (13) Rolando Quintanilla, Dallara-Infiniti, 40
11. (19) Brandon Erwin, Dallara-Infiniti, 40
12. (17) Scott Harrington, Dallara-Infiniti, 40
13. (16) Tom Wood, Dallara-Infiniti, 36
14. (14) Billy Roe, Dallara-Infiniti, 32
15. (5) Arie Luyendyk Jr., Dallara-Infiniti, 29, in pit
16. (18) Gary Peterson, Dallara-Infiniti, 15, accident
17. (15) Craig Dollansky, Dallara-Infiniti, 10, accident
18. (4) Matt Beardsley, Dallara-Infiniti, 0, accident
19. (8) Thiago Medeiros, Dallara-Infiniti, 0, accident Race Statistics
Winner's average speed: 109.019 mph.
Time of race: 55:02.1661.
Margin of victory: 13.9522 seconds.
Cautions: 4 for 17 laps.
Lead changes: 3.
Lap leaders: Carpenter 1-19, Taylor 20, Carpenter 21-40.
Point standings: Taylor 139, Medeiros 91, Erwin 86, Urlin 86,
Carpenter 84, Witherill 80, Simmons 78, Dana 71, Luyendyk 67,
Beardsley 62, Johncox 62.
5/18/03
Foyt smacks the wall again2nd UPDATE In this
ESPN.com
article, Robin Miller says the same thing we have been
saying, Foyt IV is not ready for the big time and is in over
his head. 5/17/03 - It was Foyt's 4th crash of
the month at Indy, and it's starting to cost grand pop AJ a lot of
money. He's crashed at almost every venue this year as well. Rumor in the paddock is that other IRL drivers are
beginning to be worried about being anywhere near his grandson during
the race for fear of being taken out. 5/16/03 - He crashes so often we lost count. He is not ready for big time
racing and needs another few years in the Infiniti Pro Series.
Rookie A.J. Foyt IV was unhurt and cleared to drive after hitting the
SAFER Barrier along the outside of Turn 1 this afternoon in his
qualified No. 14T Conseco/A.J. Foyt Racing Dallara/Toyota/Firestone.
“I made a stupid mistake and went into Turn 1 too low,” Foyt said. “I
just made a stupid mistake. It was my qualified car; we need to see
how bad the damage is.”
5/18/03
It's fill day at Indy
Today is supposed to be traditional bump day at Indy, but it
has all the makings of being a fill day, since it is not
expected that more than 9 cars will attempt to qualify, which
means the 33-car field will just be filled. If a 10th
car does materialize and qualify, the IRL's most popular
driver. Sarah Fisher, who is the slowest qualifier, could be
bumped out of the race, which probably won't sit well with the
IRL. However, anything can happen and there is no
guarantee all 9 cars will complete the four full laps
necessary to qualify. An engine could blow, something
could break, anything can happen. Next up after Fisher
to be bumped is AJ Foyt IV. Can you imagine both Fisher
and Foyt getting bumped? We can't. This Indy Star
article says Indy could use a shot of drama.
That's an understatement.
5/18/03
McLaren designing two new gearboxes
McLaren has two different gearboxes for the new MP4-18. "It takes a
very long time to design and build a gearbox," Dennis said. "It's not
so much the casings, it's the internal componentry: the lead time on
some of them is months and months. And we took a decision more than
six months ago that we would do the car with two gearbox
configurations. One has a different concept, and the other is a more
traditional gearbox, based on the 17D. We did that to ensure that the
new-concept gearbox didn't interrupt the race debut. But we are in
full production of both gearboxes and they went to test on to the
transient dynos within a few days of each other. The car was always
designed to use two different types of gearbox: they're both raceable,
they're both built in volume to enable us to race either. It's just a
slightly more expensive way, but it's the proven way to go about it."
Dennis said that the new car will not be seen at Monaco. "There's no
logic in bringing a new car to Monaco, however quick it is," he said.
"It is very much a driver's circuit. And while the car does play a
role, what you need is total reliability, a known quantity in
weaknesses and strengths. So I don't think it would be the smart thing
to do, even if we were quick. But the car's on target, we
re-programmed the timing of the car after the first two results of the
season, we were encouraged by the performance of the 17B, and
therefore changed the target dates, just a little bit." "We don't
intend to get into any big, formal launch. It will be very low-key.
We'll just concentrate on developing the car. But we will quickly be
able to race it, from a components point of view. We will only race it
as and when we feel comfortable with its reliability and performance."
5/18/03
Will it rain in Austria? Will
it rain for the Austrian Grand Prix, or won't it? At this moment, it
seems not. In Spielberg the skies are cloudy, but the ambient
temperature is 18 degrees Celsius with an expected high of 22.
Visibility is unlimited and humidity 64 percent, and the wind is a
gentle north-westerly. It is much the same as yesterday, in fact, and
yesterday was dry throughout. However, there was a little bit of rain
in places last night and the chances of showers are still listed as 50
percent, so it's a case of wait and see. If it does rain it certainly
won't be an Interlagos-style deluge, but it could make the race even
more entertaining than seems likely, given the grid formation.
Wreck in The Winston eliminates big
names
A big wreck during the final lap of the second of three segments in
Saturday's 19th annual The Winston all-star race at Lowe's Motor
Speedway, eliminated Terry Labonte, Tony Stewart, Mark Martin, Dale
Jarrett, Dale Earnhardt, Jr., and Bill Elliott. The melee started when
Stewart tapped Labonte in the rear as the freight train of cars
steered through Turn 3 on the final lap of the race's second stanza.
Labonte spun through the turn, triggering a multi-car pileup that
collected some of the race's most capable machines, namely Stewart,
who won the race's first segment. Only Elliott was injured,
sustaining three broken bones in his left foot.
5/17/03
Dallara car wins awardUPDATE
A reader writes, Dear AR1, Just a minor clarification... in
1999, Dallara could not have won the BorgWarner Louis
Schwitzer Award for their IndyCar chassis, since in 1999 the
term "IndyCar" was not used by any motorsport series. At that
time, Dallara was building "IRL" chassis. Both CART and the
IRL were contractually excluded from using the phrase in
regard to their series that year. If the press release using
this phrase came from IRL offices, then CART can file a
lawsuit against them for infringement of contract.
David Laufer5/16/03 -
The 37th BorgWarner Louis Schwitzer Award was presented to Indy Racing
League chassis manufacturer Dallara for its IR3 chassis used in the
IRL IndyCarTM Series, officials announced May 16 at the Indianapolis
Motor Speedway. Andrea Toso, head of research and development for
Dallara, accepted the award on behalf of company president Gian Paolo
Dallara. It’s the second time Dallara has received the prestigious
award, as it also was presented it in 1999 for its IndyCar Series
chassis. Award recipients receive $5,000, a plaque and a framed poster
from BorgWarner, and their names will be added to the permanent trophy
in the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Hall of Fame Museum. “It’s an
honor,” Toso said. “The IRL is the most important project for Dallara.
Dallara is highly grateful to the Indy Racing League to design chassis
for the series.” The IR3 chassis was a significant risk for Dallara,
based in Italy. The Indy Racing League introduced a new, three-year
cycle of chassis and engines in 2003. When Dallara designers and
engineers started their design for this new generation of IndyCar
Series car in February 2002, they decided to use a revolutionary
pull-rod front suspension instead of the conventional push-rod system.
Repeated wind-tunnel and computer testing showed that the pull-rod
suspension provided better aerodynamics, lower drag and a lower center
of gravity for the chassis because the pull-rod suspension allowed the
car to have a dramatically lower front end, Toso said. Thirty percent
of the car’s overall aerodynamic improvement came from the lowered
front end due to the pull-rod system, Toso said. “Everybody knows that
the pull-rod concept is not new to motor racing,” Toso said. “But in
motor racing, you have to consider all possible solutions and pick the
best. At the end, we believe the pull-rod concept is a better solution
than the push-rod concept.” The Louis Schwitzer Award, named after the
dynamic automotive pioneer, has been presently annually in conjunction
with the Indianapolis 500 since 1967. It recognizes individuals with
the courage and conviction to explore and develop new concepts in auto
racing technology. The award is presented by the Indiana Section of
Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). Past award recipients include
Colin Chapman, Bruce McLaren, Dan Gurney, A.J. Foyt, and Mario Illien.
Last year’s award was presented to the team of University of
Nebraska-Lincoln engineers that developed the SAFER (Steel and Foam
Energy Reduction) Barrier.
5/17/03
Rain cuts final practice day at
Indy short
Drivers still looking for a spot in the 87th Indianapolis 500
encountered a small hitch in their preparation for Bump Day
qualifying when rain washed out practice May 17 after just 15
minutes on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Bump Day
qualifying, the final chance to earn a spot in the “Greatest
Spectacle in Racing,” starts at 1:30 p.m. (EDT) Sunday. A
45-minute practice for non-qualified drivers is scheduled for
12:45-1 p.m. Nine spots in the 33-car field are still
available. That kind of Bump Day drama is nothing new to the
event, as the field has been filled on the final qualifying
day 32 of the last 51 years. “It was a little frustrating not
getting out today,” said 1996 CART champion Jimmy Vasser, who
will attempt to qualify Sunday. “We wanted to get a little bit
of qualifying setups ready for Sunday. But I think we can do
that on Sunday morning. I think we have a good race car right
now. And the qualifying setup should be pretty fast, too.”
While Vasser wasn’t able to finish his Bump Day preparation,
at least he and Team Rahal teammate Kenny Brack had some fun
during the rain. Both drivers spent time with Billy Gibbons,
lead singer of rock band ZZ Top, who was the honorary starter
of the Freedom 100 IRL Infiniti Pro Series race Saturday at
the Speedway. “We didn’t get to do anything today, but meeting
Billy Gibbons was a great thrill,” 1999 Indianapolis 500
winner Brack said. “I have been a fan of his music for a long
time, and my band plays a ZZ Top song, too. “He was even
talking music and guitars with me, and I was talking racing
with him. It was great.” Veterans Richie Hearn and Robby
McGehee were added Saturday to the list of drivers who will
make Bump Day qualifying attempts. Hearn will drive the No. 99
Contour Hardening Special Panoz G Force/Toyota/Firestone. The
car was entered by Penske Racing, the winningest team in
Indianapolis 500 history, as the No. 66T before team owner Sam
Schmidt leased it and fielded it as a Sam Schmidt Motorsports
entry. “There’s no concern on the car and the engine,” Hearn
said. “Everything should be great. I just have to get up to
speed myself, which I’m not going to worry about. I just have
to keep my nose clean and I know the car will be there in the
end.”
5/17/03 F3000
Sperafico goes all the way in
Austria
Rodrigo Sperafico won the FIA International Formula 3000 race
at the A1 Ring on Saturday, finishing 3.6 seconds ahead of
championship leader Bjorn Wirdheim driving for Arden
International. With his 2nd place, Wirdheim moves 10 points
clear of Giorgio Pantano in the series. Pantano finished third
in Austria having worked his way past his fellow countryman
Vitantonio Liuzzi, who continues to impress as the best
newcomer of the year in the Red Bull Junior Team. The
remaining points in the race went to Enrico Toccacelo (Super
Nova Racing), Nicholas Kiesa (Den Bla Avis) and the two
Americans Townsend Bell (Arden) and Phil Giebler (Den Bla
Avis).
5/17/03
Burton wins Winston Open
It takes a visit to victory lane to make the field for The
Winston. A visit Jeff Burton made by winning the 30-lap
Winston Open qualifying race that included strong efforts by
Dave Blaney and Jimmy Spencer. With the victory, Burton
secured his eighth consecutive start in the All Star event.
Dave Blaney finished second, followed by Mike Skinner, Brett
Bodine and Greg Biffle. While the crew worked hard to prepare
his No. 99 Velvetta Ford for a chance at one million dollars
Burton celebrated in victory lane. The pole sitter, Steve
Park, was eliminated from competition when he jumped the start
to start the event. Park scrambled back for a 13th place
finish in the first 20-lap portion of the race, but not
without further incident. Park scrapped the outside wall 15
laps in and struggled in the final segment. Stan Creekmore
5/17/03
Veterans to attempt to qualify on bump
day
Veterans Richie Hearn and Robby McGehee will attempt to qualify for
the 87th Indianapolis 500 on Bump Day, May 18, in entry changes filed
May 17. Hearn, 32, will drive an entry fielded by Sam Schmidt
Motorsports after the team leased a car from Penske Racing, Inc.
McGehee, 29, will drive a Panther Racing entry. Bump Day qualifying,
the last chance to earn a spot in the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing,”
is scheduled to start at 1:30 p.m. (EDT) Sunday. Hearn, 32, will drive
the No. 99 Contour Hardening Special Panoz G Force/Toyota/Firestone.
The car was entered by Penske Racing, the winningest team in
Indianapolis 500 history, as the No. 66T before team owner Sam Schmidt
leased it and fielded it as a Sam Schmidt Motorsports entry. “I
appreciate the support that Penske Racing and Toyota have provided me
in our quest to compete in the 2003 Indianapolis 500,” Schmidt said.
“Without the dedication of many people, this program would not have
come together. I look forward to competing in my third Indianapolis
500 as an owner and hope to repeat our success of last season.” Hearn,
from Las Vegas, has made three Indianapolis 500 starts, with a best
finish of third as a rookie in 1996. He made nine starts for Sam
Schmidt Motorsports in the 2002 IRL IndyCar Series season with a best
finish of fourth at Nashville. He finished sixth in the Indianapolis
500 in a Schmidt entry. Hearn has one career IndyCar Series victory,
in 1996 at Las Vegas. “I am extremely excited about my prospects for
the 87th Indianapolis 500-Mile Race,” Hearn said. “My relationship
with Sam and my experience at the Speedway has me confident for my
fourth attempt at winning racing’s biggest prize.”
1. Michael SCHUMACHER
2. Kimi RAIKKONEN
3. Juan Pablo MONTOYA
5/17/03
Pruett takes pole at Mosport
The final qualifying positions for Sunday's 41-lap, 100.819-mile
Trans-Am Series for the BFGoodrich® Tires Cup Round 3, at Mosport
International Raceway, with starting position, car number, driver, car
and time and speed.
1. (7) Scott Pruett, Jaguar XKR, 1:18.1, 113.377.
2. (5) Tomy Drissi, Jaguar XKR, 1:18.5, 112.752.
3. (64) Johnny Miller, Jaguar XKR, 1:18.6, 112.569.
4. (12) Michael Lewis, Jaguar XKR, 1:19.0, 112.097.
5. (3) Paul Gentilozzi, Jaguar XKR, 1:19.2, 111.790.
6. (10) Bobby Sak (R), Chevrolet Corvette, 1:19.2, 111.750.
7. (2) Stu Hayner, Chevrolet Corvette, 1:19.2, 111.745.
8. (8) Jorge Diaz, Jr (R), Jaguar XKR, 1:20.1, 110.554.
9. (49) Randy Ruhlman, Chevrolet Corvette, 1:20.1, 110.547.
10. (83) Max Lagod, Chevrolet Camaro, 1:20.2, 110.312.
11. (86) John Baucom, Jaguar XKR, Baucom Motorsports, 1:21.1, 109.134.
12. (59) Simon Gregg, Chevrolet Corvette, 1:22.4, 107.488.
13. (06) Joey Scarallo (R), Chevrolet Corvette, 1:22.7, 107.102.
14. (95) Charlie Webster, Chevrolet Camaro, 1:22.9, 106.839.
15. (76) Jerry Simmons, Ford Mustang, 1:23.7, 105.780.
16. (9) Glenn Andrew, Chevrolet Camaro, 1:30.2, 98.119.
5/17/03
Wrecks then rain halt Freedom 100UPDATE
The inaugural Freedom 100 will continue May 18 after the race was
stopped after 13 of 40 scheduled laps due to rain May 17 at the
Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The IRL Infiniti Pro Series race will
resume at 11:15 a.m. (EDT) Sunday. Track-drying attempts were foiled
Saturday by a late-afternoon shower, forcing the postponement.
5/17/03 -
The Freedom 100 was stopped due to rain today. However, before
that they were never even able to complete an entire green flag lap.
When the green flag dropped to start the race, Tony George's stepson,
Ed Carpenter, pulled away going into the first turn as if he had an
extra 25 HP (he's driving for AJ Foyt, his godfather, making it a real
family affair). Matt Beardsley and Thiago Medeiros crashed on
Lap 1 to trigger the first caution period of the race. Beardsley spun
entering Turn 3 and collected Medeiros, both smacking the SAFER
Barrier at the outside of Turn 3, destroying their cars.
Medeiros was transported via ground to Methodist Hospital, complaining
of pain in his left knee. He was awake and alert. Beardsley was
released from the Clarian Emergency Medical Center in good condition
with a small chin laceration and was cleared to drive. After
many laps under the caution to clean up the debris from the destroyed
cars, the race went green again only to see yet another wreck in turn
2, bringing out another yellow. This time it was Craig Dollansky
crashing head-on into the SAFER Barrier in Turn 2 on Lap 11. O'Reilly
World of Outlaws star Dollansky was transported to Methodist Hospital
in Indianapolis for evaluation of back pain. He was awake and alert.
Then the heavens opened up and the race red-flagged, as if god stepped
in to prevent any further embarrassment. Mark C.
5/17/03
Pruett tops final practice at Mosport
Scott Pruett continued his dominance at Mosport International Raceway
Saturday morning, and set the fastest time during the third and final
practice for Sunday’s Trans-Am Series for the BFGoodrich® Tires Cup
race. Pruett—who is undefeated at Mosport, having won in all three of
his previous Series starts here—turned a 1:18.611-minute lap (112.610
miles per hour), to top the speed charts, after rain washed out both
practices Friday. Pruett was less than a second off the record 1:17.44
(113.866 mph) speed set by Butch Leitzinger in last year’s qualifying
session. Pruett’s Rocketsports Racing teammates Tomy Drissi (No. 5
League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, The Movie Jaguar XKR), Johnny
Miller (No. 64 Eaton Cutler-Hammer Jaguar XKR), Paul Gentilozzi (No. 3
Jaguar R Performance XKR) followed, ahead of Michael Lewis (No. 12
Trans-Am Tools by ProQuest Jaguar XKR). The Victoria Day Trans-Am
race, Round 3 of the 2003 Trans-Am Series for the BFGoodrich® Tires
Cup championship, is scheduled for Sunday, May 18. The race will air
on a tape-delayed basis on SPEED May 25, at 2 p.m.
5/17/03
Will CART get it wrong again?UPDATE A reader responds, Dear
AR1, Having read the news tidbit regarding the CART ladder system I
would have to agree with you guys that it needs a lot of tweaking.
That being said there are some young Americans working their way up
that have a ton of potential, one in particular is AJ Allmendinger.
The kid has got it. He is the complete package! Having raced
against him in the Skip Barber RTF2000 series I can attest that he is
blindingly quick! AJ will be in CART Champ Cars next year
and I believe he's going to rock the house up a bit. There are other
drivers coming, unfortunately these things just don't happen
overnight! I predict AJ will be a CART champion sooner than
later, and eventually may carry the American torch to F1. I'm
also predicting he may become the first American World Champion since
Mario Andretti. He's that good! Tim Rose5/17/03
- CART has the best American ladder system in America to train young
drivers. Its young drivers have gone on to other forms of
American racing and excelled. However, compared to the European
ladder system, CART's system fails woefully. European trained
drivers have been coming to America in both CART and the IRL and
cleaning house for years. Americans are getting their butts
kicked up one side and down the next. America has not produced a
serious young American who can challenge for race wins in F1 since
Mario Andretti won the World Championship 25 years ago. It's not
because Europeans or South Americans have superior genes, or better
DNA, they're just human beings like the young Americans. The
difference are the ladder system cars. As an example, possible the
worst training ground in America is the Infiniti Pro Series.
Like its big-brother IRL series, it too is 100% throttle racing, but
in slow motion. Pathetic. We'll never produce talented
drivers like that. As CART tries to determine what its
ladder system will look like in future years, it's clear that the cars
young Americans are driving, as they work their way up, are not the
correct power to weight to downforce to tire contact patch ratio.
The cars are too planted to the ground and don't produce the kind of
tail-out oversteer on exit driving we see in Europe. If you want to
see real driving, watch a F3000 race on SPEED Channel. Nothing
in America comes close, and I don't blame the drivers. It's not
their fault.. Townsend Bell cleaned up in the Indy Lights
series, yet struggles to keep up with his teammate in F3000. A
Montoya or a Bourdais can come out of F3000 to America and completely
outpace American talent in their very first year. If the current
Toyota Atlantic cars and engines are not switched to 100% F3000
specifications in 2005, and Barber Dodge Pro Series cars not switched
to 100% F3 cars, young Americans will not have the proper tools/cars
with which to learn to drive really fast and someday be good enough to
win the F1 driving championship. So while CART may have the best
American ladder system today, unless they bite the bullet and make the
quantum leap forward to F3 and F3000 cars, there is little hope of
ever again producing an American F1 World Driving Champion. The
IRL and its all-oval 100% throttle racing isn't going to train
potential World Champions. NASCAR isn't going to train potential
World Champions. CART and its ladder series are America's only
hope to train young Americans to move up and excel in F1. If
CART fails, America's ladder system will have failed, and the
Europeans will continue to kick butt and take no prisoners. We're not
the only ones saying it. David Atlas says in this CART.com article,
he’s watched and worried as foreign racers have swept homegrown talent
aside in recent years. “I’ve watched open-wheel racing undergone a
significant transformation and I’m concerned that we don’t seem to be
producing enough young American athletes,” Atlas remarked. “I don’t
mean for that to be a parochial remark but I’ve watched a significant
transformation and it‘s occurred to me when one uses standards like
Juan Montoya that we need to generate perhaps a new approach. “We need
to identify new talent and foster and nurture those prospects whether
it be Grand Prix motorcycle racing or open-wheel racing at its highest
forms here in America. We must continue to generate and cultivate an
enthusiastic group of young people because the base for them, coming
from a very rich nation such as ours, is quite broad." Mark C.
5/17/03
Money from God A reader
writes, Miracles do happen. We now see that despite the obvious fact
that 33 driver/car combinations were impossible less than a week ago,
Sam Schmidt has now leased a car from Roger S. Penske, who doesn't
share anything with anyone. Schmidt said numerous times he had
no money to run, and opted for the Infiniti Pro Series (Pro? Talk
about an oxymoron) now has money from "the invisible check book of
God". Amazing. This further denigrates the sanctity of a race that
historically saw frantic battles on "Bump Day" for low budget teams
/drivers to scramble onto the 11th row. Now they can go to God for
"welfare" and enter the race. The real question is, who cares anymore?
He's destroyed a once great sport. Mordichai Rosen, LA, California.
Dear Mordichai, as suspicious as it looks, we have no proof that Tony
George (who we assume you mean is God) is paying for the extra cars
that will attempt to fill the Indy 500 field. In fact Brian Barnhart
publicly denied it, so it must not be true. But we do admit it
looks suspicious when John Menard fields a 2nd car all of a sudden,
after having said days before he would not do that because his Chevy
engines were so slow he'd have to paint "Loser" on the side of the
car, i.e. why waste his time. Something certainly changed his
mind in a hurry. Mark C.
5/17/03
Unser brushes wall in backup car
Al Unser Jr. brushed the wall Friday, but luckily for him it was his
backup car and not the car he qualified.
5/17/03
Wilson lands another sponsor
'JSP International have announced their support of Minardi Formula One
driver Justin Wilson for this weekend’s Austrian Grand Prix, round six
of the FIA Formula One World Championship. JSP International is the
world’s leading producer of Expanded Polypropylene (EPP) bead foam.
Paul Compton, Executive Vice-President commented prior to today’s
qualifying action in Austria: “Formula One is the pinnacle of
motorsport and our association with Justin Wilson for this weekend’s
race offers JSP International a fantastic platform for raising
awareness of our involvement in the automotive industry. We’ve also
taken this opportunity in Austria to entertain a number of our
clients.” Compton continued: “Our relationship with Justin initially
came through Jonathan Palmer when we backed one of his Formula Palmer
Audi race cars. Jonathan introduced us to Justin and we lent our
support a couple of times when he competed in Formula 3000. Our
involvement this weekend is the next logical step and with Justin’s
outstanding performances in the previous races we look forward to an
exciting Grand Prix here in Austria.” JSP International has been at
the forefront in developing the use of EPP in industrial and consumer
products. Primary among these is automobiles, where lightweight, cost
effective bumper components made from ARPRO-EPP absorb energy in
low-speed collisions to help minimize damage.
IRL looks to cut costs
According to the Indy Star, the reliability of the Indy Racing
League's new equipment package -- cars, engines and gearboxes -- has
league officials working on ways to cut costs. The first measure is
limiting teams to one engine per race at the league's five two-day
events this season (Pikes Peak, Richmond, Nashville, St. Louis and
Kentucky). Next year, the IRL hopes to eliminate private testing with
the trade-off being the allowance of an engine manufacturer test at
the 500. Teams get the equivalent of seven private test days this
season. "There's no reason we can't save the teams money given the way
our equipment has performed so far this season," league boss Brian
Barnhart said. "Our cars will be a year old, our schedule will be
pretty much the same and the cost-per-mile is the same whether you're
testing or racing." The engine manufacturers are supportive of both
measures, said Robert Clarke, general manager of Honda Performance
Development.
ENGINE MANUFACTURERS.
Norbert HAUG
Mario THEISSEN TIRE MANUFACTURERS.
Pierre DUPASQUIER
Hiroshi YASUKAWA
5/16/03
Elliott
and Park pace qualifying
Steve Park and Bill Elliott took home the honors during qualifying for
the Winston Open and The Winston. Park, in his first effort as the
driver of the #30 AOL Chevrolet, captured the pole for the Winston
Open, a qualifying event for The Winston. Park’s time of 29.309
seconds, 184.244 mph was almost a full 1/10th of a second ahead of
Todd Bodine’s time of 29.401 seconds. After Park wowed the crowd with
his effort, Bill Elliott provided a rousing finale to the qualifying
spectacle with a three lap pit stop effort of 123.192 seconds, 131.502
mph. Elliott’s pit stop, 12.93 seconds, was the only stop under 13
seconds and the clear difference between himself and the second faster
qualifying effort of Tony Stewart. Park attributed his good fortune on
the immediate conduit of communication between himself and crew chief
Mike Beam. “We think alike,” Park said. “When I came in during the
morning practice I was thinking the car might need some more right
front spring. Before I could say anything Mike was already saying I
think we need some more right front spring.” Like Park, Elliott heaped
the praise for his effort on the crew. “The crew had a good stop and
we got out good and tied it all together,” said Elliott. “Ray has done
such a good job putting this team together.” The pole effort by
Elliott was his fifth career The Winston top start and the fourth in
the past seven years. For Park, winning the pole for the Winston Open
was just what the boss ordered. “Steve did a good job for us. All we
wanted him to do was stay relaxed and do a good job and that’s what he
did,” said car owner Richard Childress. “I’m behind him, the team is
behind him and so are the sponsors.” Stan Creekmore
5/16/03
Bernie gives Austria ray of hope
With regard to the Austrian GP, "we don't know what is going to
happen," Bernie Ecclestone said today. "We will have to see what
happens with our friend from Red Bull." Ecclestone suggested that the
FIA Formula 1 Championship calendar for 2004 could grow to 18 races.
"That may happen," he said, adding that the F1 teams may have to agree
to it, something which they have not been willing to agree to in the
past.
5/16/03 F3000
Bell to start 4th in Austria
The Arden team drivers were 2nd and 4th in qualifying today for
tomorrow’s third round in the FIA F3000 International Championship.
Bjorn Wirdheim, the Swedish points leader, was beaten to the pole by
the Brazilian Ricardo Sperafico by less than a 10th of a second.
Townsend Bell was 4th in his best qualifying spot of his rookie year,
2/10ths of a second slower than his teammate. Townsend was narrowly
beaten by Vitantonio Liuzzi, the Italian rookie, 2 laps before the end
of qualifying. Wirdheim was frustrated by traffic, but he quickly
dismissed his qualifying problem focusing instead on the fact that the
car was well balanced and he was pleased with it. Bell expressed
satisfaction for his 4th place starting spot, “I like to think we
should be in the top five most of the time, but it’s a tough series.
If you slip up a bit or do not get the car quite right, it will get
you. We had a shot at the front row today. I got a bit of tow from
Bjorn and was hitting most of the corners just right. I knew I had a
good lap and decided to suck it up and go for it on the final turn,
but I spun and blew it. However, I enjoyed the attempt. It’s nice to
be starting closer to the front.” “This track and Monaco are probably
the toughest into the first turn. Anytime you have a stackup with high
speed into the corner and low speed out, it can be trouble. You just
have to be aggressive. You can’t do much about the guys behind you.
You just hope you get a clean race.” Wirdheim assessed the first turn,
“It is very busy due to the long straight leading into it and the
second part a tight 40-mph corner.” Top Ten Qualifiers
Richardo Sperafico Coloni 1:22.036
Bjorn Wirdheim Arden 1:22.099
Vitantonio Liuzzi Red Bull 1:22.152
Townsend Bell Arden 1:22.360
Giorgio Pantano Durango 1:22.994
Tony Schmidt Astromega 1:23.061
Enrico Toccacello Jordan F1 Junior 1:23.118
Phil Giebler Den Bla Avis 1:23.157
Zsolt Baumgartner Coloni 1:23.161
Jaroslav Janis ISR Charouz 1:23.258
Californian Derek Hill qualified in 12th position with a time of
1:23.475
5/16/03
Road America announces
additions to CART weekend The Mario Andretti
Grand Prix presented by Briggs and Stratton weekend, July
31-Aug. 3, will include three other professional racing
series--the SPEED World Challenge GT Series 1, the Formula
Ford 2000 Zetec Series and the Mazdaspeed Miata Cup Presented
by Hankook Tires. The race weekend will be a double-header for
the support series with races Saturday afternoon and Sunday
morning and the Champ Car race tentatively slated for 2 p.m.
Tickets are available online at
www.roadamerica.com
or by calling 1.800.365.7223. SPEED World Challenge GT Series
is a production-based grand touring race car series for
vehicles from the normal production run between 1997and 2003
delivered to retail customers. Small- volume manufacturers and
modification companies are allowed to participate on a
case-by-case basis. The races, which are 50 minutes maximum,
award points toward the Drivers' and Manufacturers'
Championships as well as for weight adjustments. The FF2000
Zetec Championship series is a professional organization that
showcases top young formula car drivers on ovals, street and
permanent road courses. A ladder series, some of the graduates
include Memo Gidley, Alex Tagliani, Buddy Rice and Dan
Wheldon. Mazdaspeed Miata Cup Presented by Hankook Tires is a
professional series based on the popular Spec Miata class. The
series was developed in cooperation with Mazda USA and the
Mazdaspeed performance division. All three series are
sanctioned by SCCA. Mario Andretti will be available for
special fan activities during the course of the Champ Car race
weekend. A complete schedule for the four-day weekend will be
available closer to the event.
5/16/03
Tony George's stepson wins
Freedom 100 pole
Ed Carpenter won the pole for the inaugural Freedom 100 on May
16 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, driving a car owned by
four-time Indianapolis 500 winner A.J. Foyt. Carpenter’s
two-lap average speed was 188.490 mph in the No. 14
Futaba/Delphi/A.J. Foyt Racing Dallara/Infiniti/Firestone. It
was the first career Infiniti Pro Series pole for USAC
short-track standout Carpenter, 22, from Indianapolis. Foyt
won the pole for the Indianapolis 500 in 1965, 1969, 1974 and
1975. “I’m just really happy,” Carpenter said. “A.J. Foyt had
a great car, and (chief mechanic) Jack Starne has worked his
butt off to get this car ready for this track. It was our goal
to start here on the pole and ultimately, to win this race.
We’re off to a perfect start right now. Hopefully, we can just
keep it going. “It’s nice coming to your home track. It just
makes you feel a lot better. I’m really looking forward to
tomorrow. This place means so much to me. I’ve been coming
here since I was 8. I’ve been waiting and dreaming for the day
that I get to turn laps here.” The Freedom 100 starts at 3
p.m. (EDT) Saturday and will be televised live on ESPN2.
Series point leader Mark Taylor will start on the outside of
the front row, qualifying second at 188.062 in the No. 4
Fulmar Panther Dallara/Infiniti/Firestone. Taylor, a rookie
from London, has qualified for the front row in all three
Infiniti Pro Series races in 2003.
1. (14) Ed Carpenter,
Dallara-Infiniti, 188.490
2. (4) Mark Taylor, Dallara-Infiniti, 188.062
3. (20) Jeff Simmons, Dallara-Infiniti, 187.459
4. (12) Matt Beardsley, Dallara-Infiniti, 186.450
5. (5) Arie Luyendyk Jr., Dallara-Infiniti, 186.252
6. (91) Aaron Fike, Dallara-Infiniti, 185.822
7. (92) Cory Witherill, Dallara-Infiniti, 185.694
8. (36) Thiago Medeiros, Dallara-Infiniti, 185.635
9. (8) Ronnie Johncox, Dallara-Infiniti, 185.273
10. (24) Paul Dana, Dallara-Infiniti, 184.274
11. (6) Marco Cioci, Dallara-Infiniti, 183.512
12. (3) Jonathan Urlin, Dallara-Infiniti, 183.080
13. (11) Rolando Quintanilla, Dallara-Infiniti, 182.711
14. (37) Billy Roe, Dallara-Infiniti, 182.497
15. (33) Craig Dollansky, Dallara-Infiniti, 182.216
16. (9) Tom Wood, Dallara-Infiniti, 181.712
17. (25) Scott Harrington, Dallara-Infiniti, 181.583
18. (27) Gary Peterson, Dallara-Infiniti, 179.550
19. (99) Brandon Erwin, Dallara-Infiniti, no speed
5/16/03 Industry News
IMG founder dies
Mark McCormack - founder of sport's biggest marketing company
IMG - has died this morning in a New York hospital aged 72.
McCormack had been hospitalized since suffering a heart attack
in January. He had been in a coma ever since, but despite
hopes he would make a recovery, died today. A memorial service
is being planned for May 21 in New York, where IMG staff have
been told they are welcome to attend. There will be a private
burial in Chicago. Said a statement issued to IMG staff:
"Many of us have spent our entire careers working with,
learning from and being inspired by Mark McCormack. "His death
is a great loss to all of us; but, in true McCormack fashion,
he prepared the company well for this unthinkable eventuality.
IMG will continue to succeed and set the standard for business
in the future as a tribute to our founder and all the people
who have helped him over the years. "We join you in expressing
our condolences to the family and all those who have been so
important in Mark McCormack’s life."
5/16/03
Penske, other team owners want
Tony to pay
Penske Racing and other team owners are not committing to
running extra cars to fill the Indy 500 field. Tim
Cindric of Penske Racing says, ``The issue is can Penske help
fill the field? As Roger has said, we have equipment that's
capable of running the race,'' Penske Racing president Tim
Cindric said Thursday. That doesn't mean Team Penske will be
adding drivers this week. ``If we wanted to run an extra car,
why wait till the second weekend?'' Cindric said. ``We come
here to win, not just participate.'' Cindric still left open
the possibility his team could help fill the field. No Indy
500 has started with less than 33 cars since 1947. How they
would help is uncertain, although Cindric said he believed any
deal would have to be completed by Saturday. ``We'd do what we
can to help, and we've had various discussions about that,''
Cindric said. ``It's not over yet.'' In essence, what we
see happening here is that the teams will hold out until Tony
agrees to pay for the extra cars. Tony, not wanting a
short field, will likely give in and ante up.
5/16/03
Michael Schumacher takes
provisional pole in Austria, Webber a stunning 3rd
1. M. SCHUMACHER Ferrari 1'07"908
2. BARRICHELLO Ferrari 1'08"187
3. WEBBER Jaguar Cosworth 1'08"512
4. VILLENEUVE B·A·R Honda 1'08"680
5. BUTTON B·A·R Honda 1'08"831
6. MONTOYA Williams BMW 1'08"839
7. COULTHARD McLaren Mercedes 1'08"947
8. RAIKKONEN McLaren Mercedes 1'08"978
9. PIZZONIA Jaguar Cosworth 1'09"024
10. FISICHELLA Jordan Ford 1'09"281
11. TRULLI Renault 1'09"450
12. HEIDFELD Sauber Petronas 1'09"479
13. ALONSO Renault 1'09"680
14. PANIS Toyota 1'09"764
15. FRENTZEN Sauber Petronas 1'10"055
16. DA MATTA Toyota 1'10"370
17. VERSTAPPEN Minardi Cosworth 1'10"894
18. WILSON Minardi Cosworth 1'11"056
19. FIRMAN Jordan Ford 1'11"171
20. R. SCHUMACHER Williams BMW 2'00"000
After his fast run, Webber had
this to say - “We came here expecting a good and respectable
performance given the amount of work we have undertaken and I
am pleased with our start to the weekend. The Jaguar R4 felt
really good all-round today. The balance, Michelin tires and
Cosworth CR5 engine worked in complete harmony to produce a
higher qualifying position than any of us expected. I was
aiming for a top eight slot but P3 is simply brilliant reward
for all the hard work going on in this team. I really enjoyed
the lap too but like anything in life, you always want more!
The car is particularly good into the corners and this gives
you extra confidence on the entry. To be the highest placed
Michelin runner is very encouraging indeed as we head closer
to race day and we’ll do our homework in preparation for an
optimum strategy. As we showed in Barcelona two weeks ago, a
reliable Jaguar crossing the finishing line has the pace to
score points and that’s what we need more of this weekend. The
early signals are good!”
5/16/03
CART Stars pays out $25,000
after two events
The Snap-on Champ Car Stars of Tomorrow presented by RACER
summarized the karting series’ payouts for their first two
events in Buttonwillow, California and BeaveRun, Pennsylvania.
The payout to drivers and teams totals $26,500 for the first
West division and East division races of the 2003 season. “I
am pleased that Stars now has the organization and
associations to start delivering value to the racers who
support our series,” said Stars founder Bryan Herta. “Between
the prize money, our unprecedented travel fund, and the
generous awards from our sponsor Snap-on, we can put some cash
and value in the drivers’ pockets.” The prize money
distributed to the top three finishers in the ICC and ICA
premier classes totaled $10,000 for the two events. $7,500 was
earned by teams through the team travel fund, in which
registered teams are paid based on miles driven to an event.
Title sponsor Snap-on Tools provides $4,500 in tool
certificates to the top three finishers in all classes for
every event. “When my partners and I joined Bryan late last
year, we announced that we would put together a complete,
professional racing series,” said Stars principal Bobby Rahal
“Awards and support to our teams are part of that, along with
professional marketing, sponsorship, television, and race
administration. We intend on delivering on every one of our
commitments and we are happy to write these checks to our
competitors.” Prize checks and certificates are being mailed
to winners and registered Travel Fund teams will be receiving
a statement showing their payout for the races. Travel Fund
distribution occurs at two points during the season, after the
second race in each division and at the end of the year after
the Stars Karting Championships at California Speedway with
the Champ Cars.
5/16/03 Industry News
Motorist sets speed record in
Britain
A motorist, clocked at the fastest speed ever recorded by a
car driver on a public road in Britain, was yesterday jailed
for five months after being caught at almost 160 mph on a dual
carriageway. Jason McAllister smashed all previous
law-breaking records when he was captured traveling at 156.7
mph - more than twice the speed limit - in his high-powered
3.2 liter BMW M3 on the main road between Aberdeen and Dundee.
He was also clocked on the same journey doing 120.6mph through
a stretch of roadworks at the Forfar bypass where there was a
temporary speed limit of 40mph. Police road safety experts
have calculated it would have taken him a quarter of a mile to
stop in an emergency. McAllister, a car dealer who was already
banned from driving, showed no emotion at Forfar Sheriff Court
yesterday when he was jailed for five months, disqualified
from driving for another four years and ordered to resit an
extended test. McAllister, 27, of Manor Road, Aberdeen, had
previously admitted driving dangerously, driving while
disqualified and without insurance on the Aberdeen to Dundee
dual carriageway on 6 March. Sentencing McAllister, Sheriff
Kenneth Veal said: " This level of speed is absolutely
outrageous and put at risk every other user on the road at the
time." Chris Macintosh, the procurator-fiscal, had earlier
told the court that the vehicle was seen traveling at 120mph
for a distance of one-and-half miles through roadworks at the
Forfar bypass. The highest speed of 156.7 mph, over nearly
half a mile, was clocked shortly before McAllister was
eventually stopped by police as he neared Dundee. Mr Macintosh
said: "I understand it is the highest speed recorded by speed
detection equipment by the Scottish police."
5/16/03
Two NASCAR races have tickets
available
Fewer than 20,000 tickets remain for next weekend's Coca-Cola
600 at Lowe's Motor Speedway. Tickets also remain for The
Winston on Saturday night.
Roanoke Times
5/16/03
Coulthard fastest in Friday AM
practice
Position/Driver Team Fastest Lap
1 David Coulthard McLaren 1m08.836s
2 Jarno Trulli Renault 1m08.944s
3 Antonio Pizzonia Jaguar 1m08.961s
4 Michael Schumacher Ferrari 1m08.968s
5 Mark Webber Jaguar 1m09.023s
6 Fernando Alonso Renault 1m09.071s
7 Jenson Button BAR 1m09.374s
8 Nick Heidfeld Sauber 1m09.374s
9 Jacques Villeneuve BAR 1m09.429s
10 Juan Pablo Montoya Williams 1m09.530s
11 Heinz-Harald Frentzen Sauber 1m09.800s
12 Rubens Barrichello Ferrari 1m09.826s
13 Ralf Schumacher Williams 1m09.961s
14 Kimi Raikkonen McLaren 1m10.019s
15 Giancarlo Fisichella Jordan 1m10.089s
16 Ralph Firman Jordan 1m10.296s
17 Cristiano da Matta Toyota 1m10.494s
18 Olivier Panis Toyota 1m10.504s
19 Jos Verstappen Minardi 1m10.905s
20 Justin Wilson Minardi 1m11.060s
5/16/03
Remember that Mo?
A reader writes, Dear AR1, After hearing of Mo Nunn's plan to field up
to (3) cars in this year's Indy 500 I could only think back to his
comments regarding "The 500" that he made during ABC's rain delay
coverage at the Milwaukee Mile back in 2000. One week after Juan
Montoya's dominant performance (leading 167 of 200 laps) Gary Gerald
took a survey of CART team owners and asked them that with the impact
of that win did they have any plans to join Chip Ganassi at the 2001
Indy 500. Interestingly enough Mo Nunn stated that "I have no plans
to go to the 500 and I don't agree... personally, that... any team
from CART should help the 500 show look any better until we're all
back on an even keel." Wow! Remember that Mo? Name
Withheld Dear No Name, most of the CART teams that moved to
the IRL did so for financial reasons, not because they wanted to.
Tony George and others were successful in convincing Honda and Toyota
to bolt to the IRL. Many CART teams relied on money from Honda and
Toyota (be it driver incentives, engine incentives, or cold cash) to
stay in business. When that money moved to the IRL, those teams
had no choice but to follow or go out of business. Unfortunately for
the sponsors of those teams, and for Honda and Toyota, attendance at
the IRL races are lower than CART's and it's TV ratings have not
improved from what they were at CART. They do, however, get
benefit from participation in the Indy 500, even though that race has
diminished significantly since its heydays when CART raced at the
Brickyard. It's a sad state of affairs for open wheel racing. If
Tony George had instead fielded cars in CART for Americans like Tony
Stewart, Jeff Gordon, and others 1) Tony would have saved a
significant amount of money, 2) The split would not have
happened and CART/IndyCar (CART used the IndyCar name back then) would
be even more popular than it was back then when Indy pulled a 10.9 TV
rating in 1995, CART's last year at the Brickyard. History will
show that the creation of the IRL was a tactical blunder by Tony
George and the best thing that could have ever happened to NASCAR.
Now it remains to be seen whether it will lead to the sports (Indy Car
racing) ultimate demise, or whether it can make a comeback. Since 1996
(some 7 years), the IRL's first year, its TV ratings and race
attendance (entire series and the Indy 500) have dropped, meaning so
far, it does not look like it will. Mark C.
Cristiano DA MATTA
Nick HEIDFELD
Michael SCHUMACHER
Ralf SCHUMACHER
Mark WEBBER
5/16/03
Pook rules out use of long circuit at
Brands In an Autosport interview, Chris Pook ruled out
the use of the full-length GP circuit at Brands Hatch next year,
because the cost of upgrading the British track to accommodate CART's
series would be prohibitive. "I don't think we'll get there, as much
as we want it done." "The long circuit is a $850,000 fix."
It's really too bad that Octagon can't afford to make this fix,
minuscule compared to fixes F1 demands from its track promoters.
5/16/03
CART to restore name
This year CART dropped the use of the word "CART" in the Champ Car
Series title, preferring instead to say "Champ Car" whenever possible.
The CART name will be restored to the Champ Car World Series… "I think
we underestimated the value of the brand and we will reintroduce CART
to our name," CEO Chris Pook has told Autosport magazine.
5/16/03
Fisichella fastest in private Austria
testing
POS DRIVER NATIONALITY ENTRANT TIRE TIME
1. Giancarlo Fisichella Italy Jordan-Ford 1:09.781
2. Antonio Pizzonia Brazil Jaguar-Cosworth 1:09.907
3. Mark Webber Australia Jaguar-Cosworth 1:10.036
4. Jarno Trulli Italy Renault 1:10.338
5. Fernando Alonso Spain Renault 1:10.380
6. Allan McNish Britain Renault 1:10.395
7. Ralph Firman Britain Jordan-Ford 1:10.763
8. Justin Wilson Britain Minardi-Cosworth 1:11.280
9. Jos Verstappen Netherlands Minardi-Cosworth 1:11.717
German 500 TV ratings in Germany
The TV rating for last weekends German 500 on ARD 1 in Germany
(Germany nationwide terrestrial, Live coverage) was 800.000 households
which is a market share of 8.9%. The TV rating on RBB Brandenburg
(Live Coverage which was received in Berlin, Brandenburg and Germany,
and nationwide via cable and satellite, was an additional 150,000
households. The market share in the Federal state of Brandenburg was
15.4 %. We have not yet received any figures from Eurosport, stay
tuned....
5/15/03
Witherill leads Freedom 100 practice
Indianapolis 500 veteran, who took a step down in his career, Cory
Witherill, put his experience to good use May 15, leading the opening
practice for the inaugural Freedom 100 IRL Infiniti Pro Series event
at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The Freedom 100 is set for 3 p.m.
(EDT) May 17 and will be broadcast live on ESPN2. Witherill, who raced
in the 2001 Indianapolis 500, turned a top lap of 47.8741 seconds,
187.993 mph in the No. 92 WSA Healthcare Dallara/Infiniti/Firestone.
“I wish I would have had this opportunity the first time I came here,”
Witherill said. “In 2001, I didn’t know what to expect. Now I know
what I need to do. I try not to get distracted. I have to mentally
stay focused on the number-one thing we have to do here: win this
race. “We did most of our times by ourselves. There was a little bit
of traffic. I was trying to stay by myself and see what we can do by
myself. That is what qualifying is going to be.” Pole qualifying takes
place at 12:45 p.m. (EDT) Friday (EDT) Friday
5/15/03
Indy TV ratings continue downward
spiral From a high
of 10.9 when CART raced at Indy last in 1995, the Indy 500 has seen
its TV ratings drop to a 4.8 last year (some progress the race has
made under the IRL. Most company CEO's would be fired for
results like that). The downward trend appears poised to continue this
year. Last year's pole day qualifications for Indy drew a final
1.1 rating on ABC; 1,129,000 HH. This year it was down to a 0.8
rating and 819,000 HH's. That is another alarming 27.4% drop in
one year. It looks like the defection of Honda, Toyota, Andretti
Green, Nunn, Ganassi, Marlboro, Target, etc, can't halt the downward
spiral of the popularity of this once great race since the IRL was
created. Meanwhile, CART's ratings on CBS are the same as last
year, indicating that series is not seeing any erosion of viewers
despite the defections of teams and sponsors to the IRL.
5/15/03
Final USA TV ratings from last weekend
CART Germany (Delayed CBS) 1.0
Rating/3 share 1.092 million HH's 1.351 million people
CART Brands Hatch (Delayed CBS) 0.8
Rating/3 Share 905,000 HH's 1.058 million people
IRL Indy Trials (Live ABC) 0.8
Rating/2 Share 819,000 HH's 1.215 million people
Conclusions - 1) CART draws 18 times more
viewers on CBS that SPEED at only twice the cost to buy the time, and
both CBS races were taped delayed mind you. 2) CART must,
therefore, put 100% of its races on CBS in 2004, even if tape delayed
- it's a bargain deal. This is not even an option for CART, it
must buy its way out of the SPEED contract. This will bring
sponsors back to the series.
5/15/03
Williams in crisis talks This
telegraph.co.uk
article says that Juan Pablo Montoya revealed today that his
struggling Williams team held a crisis meeting at their Oxfordshire
factory in Grove ahead of this weekend's Austrian Grand Prix in an
attempt to turn around their disappointing season. Montoya and his
team-mate, Ralf Schumacher, were called to the team's headquarters on
Wednesday after criticism from BMW, their German engine suppliers, for
taking just 32 points out of a possible 90 in the opening five races.
The meeting, which lasted for 2.5 hours, confirmed that the team who
finished runners-up to Ferrari last year need more time to get to
grips with the new FW25 car, and have effectively written off any
title aspirations. "We are starting to understand the car a bit more
but things are going to take a bit of time," Montoya said.
5/15/03
Tora, Tora, Tora Rookie
Tora Takagi was the fastest driver in practice for the 87th
Indianapolis 500 for the second consecutive day, and the third day
overall this month, May 15 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Takagi
led at 39.2744 seconds, 229.157 mph in the No. 12 Pioneer Mo Nunn
Racing Panoz G Force/Toyota/Firestone. He was fastest Wednesday at
229.704 and on May 5 at 229.019. "Our race setup is very good,” Takagi
said. “I got a chance to work with the car in traffic, and there were
no big problems. I think we will come out and do one more long run
tomorrow, and then that will be the end of our preparation at the
track this week. "The Pioneer team did a fantastic job all month long.
I wish we could just keep driving until Race Day because I love this
place so much. I will just save all of that enthusiasm and energy for
the final practice and for Race Day.” 2000 Indianapolis 500 MBNA Pole
winner Greg Ray was second at 39.4084, 228.378 in the No. 13 TrimSpa
Special Panoz G Force/Honda/Firestone. “We’re still figuring out what
makes a good car and what makes a bad car, and we’ve learned a lot of
things,” 1999 IRL IndyCar Series champion Ray said. “We know we had
some problems in qualifying, and we’ve learned about two or three of
those as the week has gone on. Today we’re working purely on race
setups, getting lots of miles and running of full tanks. I think we
had a fantastic day working on race setups.” Takagi’s teammate, Felipe
Giaffone, was third at 39.4295, 228.255 in the No. 21 Hollywood Mo
Nunn Racing Panoz G Force/Toyota/Firestone. Rookie Scott Dixon was
fourth at 39.4444, 228.169 in the No. 9T Target Chip Ganassi Racing
Panoz G Force/Toyota/Firestone, while rookie Dan Wheldon rounded out
the top five at 39.4515, 228.128 in the No. 26T Klein Tools/Jim Beam
Dallara/Honda/Firestone. Alex Barron was the fastest non-qualified
driver, 13th at 39.7826, 226.230 in the No. 20 Meijer Mo Nunn Racing
Panoz G Force/Toyota/Firestone. It was Barron’s first day in the car,
as he replaced the injured Arie Luyendyk, who will not drive in the
race May 25.
5/15/03
Alcohol and drug abuse to be
monitored
Law enforcement officials plan to crack down on alcohol and
drug violations during the upcoming races at Lowe's Motor
Speedway, sources said. The Alcohol Law Enforcement Agency,
the Cabarrus County Sheriff's Department and the Concord
Police Department will target vendors selling alcohol to
minors and bartenders who over-serve patrons. Alcohol Law
Enforcement Agency Agent Joe Barringer said ALE plans to use
at least four teen-agers to be sent in to local businesses to
try and buy alcohol from vendors.
Independent Tribune
5/15/03
Alex
Barron gets shot at Indy Lynx Racing graduate
Alex Barron, who won both the CART Toyota Atlantic
Championship series title and 'Rookie of the Year' in the same
season - 1997 - has been chosen to replace injured Indy legend
Arie Luyendyk in a Mo Nunn Racing entry at the 87th
Indianapolis 500. Barron, from Menifee, Calif., will attempt
to qualify the No. 20 Meijer Mo Nunn Racing Panoz G
Force/Toyota/Firestone on Bump Day, May 18. Barron will
attempt to make his second IndyCar Series start of the season,
as he substituted for the injured Gil de Ferran in a Marlboro
Team Penske Panoz G Force/Toyota/Firestone in the Indy Japan
300 on April 13 at Motegi, Japan, finishing 17th after an
accident. Two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Luyendyk does
not have medical clearance to drive in the race May 25 after
crashing May 9 in practice at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
"I'm very happy because this is a terrific opportunity for me
with a first-rate team and a great engine-chassis package that
I'm really familiar with," Barron said. "It's not the greatest
of circumstances because I'm driving in place of a true legend
here at the Speedway, but I hope we can carry on with the
team's goal of fielding a potential race-winning effort."
Barron, 32, shared Bank One Rookie of the Year honors with
Tomas Scheckter last year at Indianapolis after finishing
fourth. He finished fifth in the IndyCar Series standings last
season, with a victory at Nashville. "It wasn't a very
difficult decision to go with Alex (Barron), when you really
think about it," team owner Morris Nunn said. "The first thing
we did when we found out Arie (Luyendyk) wasn't going to be
able to drive was talk to our sponsors and see what they
wanted to do. They said, simply, that they wanted a driver who
could step in and give us the best possible chance to win the
'500.' "That goal never changed, from Day 1. We feel Alex
comes to us with the highest credentials available. He tested
here. He raced this package in Japan. I have every reason to
expect that we can keep working toward our goals in the
relatively short time we have left."
5/15/03
CART finally got a break in
Europe
This AP
article says, The Champ car series finally got a break on
its latest European swing. After two dismal trips to Europe,
the 2003 foray was nearly perfect. Rookie Sebastien Bourdais
took both races and emerged as one of the world's most
talented young drivers, winning before a 40,000 sellout on the
road at Brands Hatch and before almost 70,000 fans on the
2-mile EuroSpeedway oval near Dresden. What a difference from
the rain, poor attendance and tragedy of 2001 and 2002. "We
deserved a good couple of days," said Adam Saal, CART vice
president. "We had this coming." CART's first marketing
venture into Europe 1 1/2 years ago was a near-disaster. Two
races in Germany and England in 2001 were run just days after
the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Amid the disquiet came a
horrendous crash in which former two-time CART champion Alex
Zanardi lost both of his legs while leading the German race.
Last year, the Euro swing was reduced to only one race, and
wet weather held the crowd to only 20,000 at England's
Rockingham oval. This year, Champ car officials elected to run
on a road course in England, knowing high-speed oval racing is
too difficult to pull off in rainy England. Good choice. The
classic Brands Hatch road course near London was a sellout on
a sunny day to see Bourdais sweep to his first CART win in
only his fourth race. It got even better. Almost 70,000 jammed
the EuroSpeedway near Dresden - probably the best facility
CART visits all year - to see Bourdais master the oval in his
first race on one. Wheel-to-wheel with Mario Dominguez through
the last two turns, he slipped home by 0.084 second ahead of
the Mexican. Zanardi also made an emotional return, driving 13
"ceremonial laps" to complete his race of 20 months ago. CART
will be back in Europe again next season. Brands Hatch has a
five-year contract and CART president and CEO Chris Pook is
looking to add a third race - probably in Portugal or Spain.
The question mark is the EuroSpeedway. The facility is first
class, but its finances are a mess. The ultramodern,
120,000-seat circuit was opened three years ago after whopping
construction costs of $220 million. The regional government
invested $140 million in the project - primarily to provide
jobs to one of Germany's poorest regions - with the rest
coming in a loan from a Berlin-based bank. But when the bank
got into financial problems recently, it sold off non-banking
business and called in loans - which included loans to the
track. Unable to pay, the track was ruled insolvent last year.
The track is back operating this season with a $2.3 million
loan from the regional government. Officials hope to have a
buyer by the end of summer. Track chief executive Hans-Joerg Fischer
wants the Champ car race to anchor the facility, but that decision
will be up to the buyers. Fischer said several U.S. investors had
expressed interest, but he declined to identify them. Pook said the
series hopes to return to the EuroSpeedway. If not, it must find
another site in Germany, Europe's hotbed of auto racing. "This track
is in a class of its own. This is unbelievable," Pook said. "We could
we be back here next year." Pook said the site of a new race, and the
future of CART in Germany, would be decided by the market. "When we
finish talking to all the automobile manufacturers, we'll listen to
them as to what is the best market for them. At the end of the day
it's about selling cars," he said. "They will give us their input and then we will make a
decision." Fischer said promoting the race was difficult
because of the poor German economy. Still almost 70,000 showed
up paying an average of $115 for a three-day ticket. "If CART
comes to Germany, they have to race on the oval," Fischer
said. "I don't think they need another road race, since road
racing is nothing special over here. "They need an oval race.
Oval racing is nothing special in the United States, but here
it's very unique." The EuroSpeedway also has a road layout
that is certified by FIA - the governing body of auto racing -
which has fueled speculation about attracting Formula One.
"Probably one day in the future, we will talk to Formula One
again, but that is not the objective these days," Fischer
said. "We feel a big part of the CART family and we'd love to
have the race stay here."
5/15/03
Escape hatch proposed
The extensive injuries suffered by Winston Cup driver Jerry
Nadeau in a crash at Richmond International Raceway this month
have some of the series' physically bigger drivers talking to
NASCAR about escape hatches. Similar to the setup found in the
roofs of NHRA Funny Car bodies, the hatch idea for NASCAR was
proposed last summer by native Texan Bobby Labonte.
#38-Elliott Sadler, who is 6-foot-2 and 195 pounds, said the
idea definitely has merit. "I would really like to see that
come, being a big guy," said Sadler, driver of the No. 38 Ford
Taurus at Robert Yates Racing. "I cannot sit here and tell you
that if my car hits driver-side and catches on fire, that I
can get out of the right side. It's an easy thing to do in the
shop when there is no panic, but if there's a fire or
something going on, I think it would be hard to do that. I
would really like to see the hatches be put in place." Exiting
a Cup car in duress has become increasingly difficult since
NASCAR mandated use of the HANS Device.
Fort Worth Star Telegram
5/15/03
Deal on new title sponsor not
close
A NASCAR spokesman said Wednesday it would be premature to
name any company as a leading candidate to replace R.J.
Reynolds Tobacco as title sponsor of the Winston Cup series.
"In terms of finalizing any kind of a deal, I see another 60
days minimum," said Jim Hunter, vice president of corporate
communications for NASCAR. "There are serious conversations
going on, but as far as putting a timetable on it, I don't
think we can." Earlier this year RJR officials confirmed they
had told NASCAR that if another title sponsor could be found
the tobacco company would step aside despite the fact it last
year signed a five-year contract extension. Discussion about a
new sponsor will likely be part of the upcoming weekend at
Lowe's Motor Speedway, where RJR is also the sponsor of The
Winston all-star race scheduled for Saturday night.
McDonald's, Coca-Cola, Gillette and Visa are among the
companies that have been named as possible candidates to
replace RJR in the title sponsor's role. Speculation that VISA
has emerged as a front-runner has picked up in recent days,
but Hunter said Wednesday that was not true. A Visa
spokesperson declined to comment. Dean Bonham, president of
The Bonham Group, a Denver-based sports-marketing agency, said
he thinks NASCAR offers a potential sponsor one of the most
attractive demographics in professional sports. "The NASCAR
demographic is more diversified than many people realize," Bohnam said. "It's broad in terms of age, income and
education, and its fans are much better educated and have a
higher income than most people realize."
ThatsRacin.com
5/15/03
Indy's commercial appeal
eroding This
Indy Star
article says, Once, the Indianapolis 500 ruled the
airwaves when it came to motorsports marketing. Soon it may be
a middle-of-the-pack runner. Between strains of "Back Home
Again in Indiana" and the winner's swig of milk, the
self-proclaimed "Greatest Spectacle in Racing" steadily
commands $180,000 to $200,000 per 30-second ad slot -- and has
since 1998. But no longer does the Daytona 500 loom in Indy's
mirror. Having lured more than $260,000 per slot in February,
NASCAR's biggest stage now flies the checkered flag of
motorsports marketing -- and has for four of the past five
years, according to a Michigan-based sports marketing research
firm. Other NASCAR races are charging hard as well. So much so
that, despite Indy's consistency, it is slipping toward a
second tier of Winston Cup events at venues such as Texas
Motor Speedway, Talladega Superspeedway, Martinsville, Va.,
Speedway -- even the Brickyard 400, which also runs at the
Indianapolis Motor Speedway. "Nondiscounted ad rates for the
Indy 500 are not much higher than a typical Winston Cup event
in April," said Eric Wright, vice president of research and
development for Joyce Julius and Associates. "They've gone
from $95,000 to $120,000 per slot, while Indy's stayed around
$185,000."....................."No other event can say it's
both the biggest and the best," Chitwood said. "When you say
the word Indy, people worldwide know what that means. And it's
a unique event, one that goes back to 1911 and offers so much
tradition and Americana that it's impossible to compete with."
At least one sports marketing expert disagrees. Despite the
500's rich heritage, the race has gone from playing "a very
important role in modern American sports culture" to being
just one of several options available in an oversaturated
motorsports market led by NASCAR's rise during the late 1990s.
"Over the course of time -- especially the past decade -- the
Indy 500 has seen its status erode," said Paul Swangard,
managing director of the University of Oregon's Warsaw Sports
Marketing Center. "It's simply not as important as it once
was. In fact, it's taken a step back. And to see that
happening is cause for concern." The lack of more personable,
high-profile stars such as two-time winner Helio Castroneves
limits potential for the sport as well as its signature race,
Swangard said. While its biggest obstacle continues to be the
rivalry between IRL and Championship Auto Racing Teams, or
CART, sponsors still reap plenty of value at Indy, he said.
5/15/03
Jordan to give F3000 drivers a
shot Jordan has
chosen Hungary's Zsolt Baumgartner as one of two new test
drivers for its Formula One team, Hungary's Sports Minister
Gyorgy Janosi said Thursday. Team boss Eddie Jordan told a
news conference that 22-year-old Baumgartner, who currently
competes in F3000, would drive at the pre-race Friday sessions
at the German and Hungarian events. Jordan posted on its
website that another F3000 driver, Czech Jarek Janis, would
also test for the team later in the year.
5/15/03
Latest Ferrari Isn't
a F1 Ferrari a red car with a little white horse?
5/15/03
Alternate fuel speculation
With NASCAR’s current fuel supplier announcing intentions to make its
way out of the sport at the end of this year, there’s little wonder
that the engine builders in the sport are showing some early anxiety
signs. Fuel, which in NASCAR-style racing dictates engine
builds, is one of the often-overlooked commodities in racing. Tosco,
the current supplier, offers remarkable consistency from
track-to-track. Therefore, it’s very easy for engine builders to take
the engine to the limit every week. In this costly process, all of the
fuel used in NASCAR’s top series is made in one Texas-based refinery,
then shipped directly to each track for dispensing to the teams. But with a new entry on the horizon, that could change.
“They’ve been excellent even when we’ve had questions,” said Doug
Yates, in his role of engine builder for Robert Yates Racing. “All the
fuel comes out of one place and then they ship it east or west. It’s
been a good product, but when there have been issues all their
engineers will jump right on it and help us with things.
“We’re a little nervous about the next guy coming in so it would be
nice to have some lead time on and just get some experience with
running that fuel through the engines,” added Yates. However,
NASCAR Winston Cup Director John Darby gives an emphatic “No” to a
change in blending from the new official supplier, which is scheduled
to be named sometime later this year. “Our goal in
bringing a new fuel supplier on board would be that the competitors
realize there’s a different sign at the fuel pumps and everything else
is the same as it’s always been,” Darby said regarding his goals for
the supplier change. “A lot of that process is going on now with
the fuel suppliers that we’re talking to, which there are a number of
right now,” said Darby. “One of the things they’re most amazed about is
the accuracy and consistency of our current fuel from
track-to-track-to-track all the way across the country. “It’s
unbelievable,” added Darby, nearly echoing Yates’ observations of the
fuel’s consistency. “A lot of that comes just from the process of
using it. So, in finding that new fuel supplier there’s a lot of work
going on with our current supplier and a potential new supplier
obviously until one’s really named that work won’t accelerate but
those two are working together to ensure that.” Darby told TFR
that NASCAR hasn’t given out a recipe or formula for the fuel to any
possible supplier, adding, “We’re not chemists. Anybody can go get a
fuel sample from any one of our race tracks and they can figure that
out. We don’t need to do that for them.” Darby added a “No,” reply to
a possible switch to a no-lead blend during the changing of the fuel
guard. Yates explained, if needed, where he’d start with a
no-lead package. “You just make some adjustments to the engine parts,
the valve seats, valve seat material, the valves coated versus not
coated and then how you treat them even down to how you jet them and
how you set your carburetors up.” “The fuel is ultra critical to
everything we do as far as our tuning and as far as the way we go to
construct the engine,” said Yates. “A couple of years ago, we were
flirting with unleaded fuel and doing some things there. The engine
parts didn’t look so good. It just takes adjusting the engine
combination and the way we treat it during the weekend. So the sooner
we know what we’re going to have to deal with the better off we’re
going to be for next year. Ford Racing
5/15/03 F3000
American
Giebler lands another F3000 go American driver Phil Giebler
will once again be behind the wheel of The FIA/F-3000 car fielded by
2000 series champs Den Bla Avis at this weekend's event at Austria's
A1 Ring. The Intl F-3000 Championship is the official support series
of Formula One and the DBA team is owned by David Sears. Sears' teams
have won six series championships over the past ten years and past
drivers include Juan Montoya, Bruno Junqueira, Sebastien Bourdais,
Kenny Brack and Mark Webber. "We were very happy with Phil's
performance two weeks ago in Barcelona and we really wanted to get him
back...I am very happy we were able to find funding to make it a
reality", stated team manager Paul Jackson who went on to say "Phil
came to Spain with no knowledge of the car, the tires, their limits
and our team...he was very impressive and we look forward to trying to
continue our momentum this weekend". The FIA/International F-3000 race
from Austria can be seen live this Saturday morning on Speed (check
local listings for times)
www.philgiebler.com
Takagi leads practice times on
Wednesday Rookie Tora Takagi led practice May 14 for
the 87th Indianapolis 500, one of two drivers surpassing 229 mph at
the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Takagi, who qualified seventh for the
race, turned a top lap of 39.1809 seconds, 229.704 mph in the No. 12
Pioneer Mo Nunn Racing Panoz G Force/Toyota/Firestone. "The most
important thing I wanted to get started doing today was working on my
race setup and to begin fine-tuning the car and the way it acts in
traffic,” Takagi said. “My fast lap was on my own, and I feel good
about how the car runs when I am on my own. But the most important
thing, obviously, is to have a good-handling car in traffic.” Gil de
Ferran was second at 39.2708, 229.178 in the No. 6T Marlboro Team
Penske Panoz G Force/Toyota/Firestone, while Takagi’s teammate Felipe
Giaffone was third at 39.3640, 228.635 in the No. 21 Hollywood Mo Nunn
Racing Panoz G Force/Toyota/Firestone. MBNA Pole winner and two-time
defending race winner Helio Castroneves was fourth at 39.4301, 228.252
in the No. 3T Marlboro Team Penske Dallara/Toyota/Firestone. Tomas
Scheckter rounded out the top five at 39.5039, 227.826 in the No. 10T
Target Chip Ganassi Racing Panoz G Force/Toyota/Firestone. Jimmy
Vasser was fastest of the non-qualified drivers, 11th at 39.8307,
225.956 in the No. 19 Argent Rahal/Letterman Racing
Dallara/Honda/Firestone. This was Vasser’s first day on track this
month. Bump Day, the final day of qualifying, is Sunday, May 18.
Practice continues Thursday. “I went out this morning, and in a matter
of three or four laps at speed, the car was solid,” Vasser said. “I
was flat and ran about a 226 on our own. I know that there’s a lot
more in there by trimming it and putting the qualifier motor in there.
The real focus for me today was trying to get to work on a race setup
and help the team move the race setup along.”
5/14/03
Another wall victim, Luyendyk
withdraws from Indy 500, not cleared to drive2nd
UPDATE “Since the crash, obviously my back and neck had
some pain,” Luyendyk said. “I also noticed I wasn’t as coherent as I
should be. I got back in touch with Dr. (Henry) Bock and concluded
it’s not in my best interest to race because I don’t think I can
function the way I should in a race car. I didn’t have any desire to
be in the car feeling the way I feel.” 5/14/03 -
Two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Arie Luyendyk has been
re-examined by the IRL IndyCar Series medical staff this
morning and has not been cleared to drive in this year’s 87th
Indy 500. Luyendyk will give way to a replacement driver yet
to be named for his #20 Meijer/Mo Nunn Racing Toyota-powered
Panoz G Force entry. Luyendyk made heavy contact with the Turn
1 wall during practice Friday afternoon and suffered injuries
to his upper back. He opted not to participate in Sunday’s
rain-delayed Pole Day qualifications session, planning instead
to make his attempt to qualify the Meijer/Mo Nunn Racing car
for his 18th career Indy 500 this Sunday, Bump Day. “I just
haven’t felt right since the accident and thought it would be
best to have the doctor give me another look before deciding
whether or not to continue driving,” Luyendyk said. “I told
Dr. (Henry) Bock that I didn’t think I was ready to get back
into the car, and after a rather detailed examination, he
agreed. Rather than ask the team to give me a few more days to
recuperate, I think the best thing to do at this point is to
step aside and keep the Meijer program moving forward with a
replacement driver.” Team owner Morris Nunn said a replacement
driver will be named shortly. 5/14/03 - Is this
because of the lingering effects of his hit with the Indy
wall? This Indy Star
article says, Arie Luyendyk told his Indianapolis 500
team this morning that he will step out of his ride, effective immediately, The Star has learned. A
meeting with officials from Meijer, the primary sponsor of the
No. 20 Mo Nunn Racing car, will be held this afternoon, a team
official said. Luyendyk declined to give a reason for his
decision, but lingering soreness from Friday's accident at the
Indianapolis Motor Speedway likely is a factor. The two-time
500 winner said it felt like he stretched muscles in his back
when his car hit the first-turn wall. Luyendyk's top lap this
month was 228.205 mph. That speed is 22nd among the drivers
competing for this year's Borg-Warner trophy and third on
Morris Nunn's team behind Speedway rookie Tora Takagi and
Felipe Giaffone, who are fourth and 14th, respectively. Both
were among the 24 qualifiers Sunday. Among the possible
replacements are Richie Hearn, who has a pair of top-six
finishes in three 500 starts, veteran Raul Boesel and Alex
Barron, who was quickest in pre-May testing for Team Penske.
Hearn was sponsored last year by Grill 2 Go, which is an
associate sponsor on Luyendyk's car. Barring a change of mind,
Luyendyk likely is at the point of announcing his retirement
from driving, too. He has raced only in the 500 the past three
years after taking a one-year sabbatical.
5/14/03
Nakano hits Indy wallUPDATE
Nakano was unhurt and his car is repairable. 5/14/03 - Shinji
Nakano just hit the wall going onto turn 1. No word on how
much damage to the car or to him.
5/14/03
Renowned artist to do poster
Romero Britto, the internationally renowned Neo-pop artist,
has agreed to be the official artist for this year’s Grand
Prix Americas, announced Chuck M. Martinez, president and
general manager, Grand Prix Americas. As the official artist,
Britto will design the event poster for 2003. The original
painting, as well as limited edition prints, will be auctioned
to help raise funds for the Grand Prix Americas Foundation. In
addition, Britto will draw artwork on 10 authentic race
helmets which will also be auctioned off at the Charity Gala
for the Grand Prix Americas Foundation. Britto is a close
friend of Emerson Fittipaldi who is serving as an honorary
co-chair of the Grand Prix Americas Foundation. "We couldn’t
be happier with Romero Britto, not only is he internationally
recognized, but he is a South Florida icon,” said Martinez.
“Britto’s style exemplifies what the Grand Prix Americas is
all about: culture, style and beauty. We are excited to have
his artwork available for auctioning during our charity Gala."
"I love cars,” said Britto. “I love the courage of those
sportsmen who can provide so much emotion through speed. I’m
excited to be part of this great event."
5/14/03
Honda & BMW say no to customer
engines According to this Autoweek
article, Although the FIA claimed last week that there
was unanimous agreement on the subject, BMW and Honda are
refusing to offer customer F1 engines at a cost of $10 million
in 2004......But BMW Motorsport director Mario Theissen said,
“It’s impossible that all engine manufacturers will reach a
consensus over such a proposal, all having different goals,
budgets and internal structures. We’re simply not in a
position to supply them. We would have to restructure,
increase our staff levels and improve our resources, if we
were even to think about supplying them. Ten million dollars
wouldn’t even cover the cost of the parts we would need, and
we’re not going to give the engines away.” Honda, which split
from Jordan Grand Prix at the end of last year to streamline
its operation with BAR, feels the same way. Honda F1 president
Shoichi Tanaka said that the company has, “no plans to go down
that route and would not accept being obliged to supply a
second team at an affordable price.
5/14/03
Ecclestone won't buy CART
According to this Autoweek
article, If anyone was thinking F1 czar Bernie
Ecclestone might be CART’s magic bullet, they’ll be
disappointed to learn that he isn’t going to fire, or at least
not in the fashion widely speculated (and propagated by some
in the CART community). By CART’s race at the Lausitzring in
Germany, it was fairly clear that Ecclestone would not assume
ownership of the series or be directly involved in its
management. Ecclestone, or F1, might enter some cooperative
agreements with CART or its drivers that might benefit both
series, but any Ecclestone takeover is no longer in the cards.
Informed insiders say if it was going to happen, it would have
happened by now. Plans to privatize CART? They continue apace,
with or without Ecclestone. Team owner Gerald Forsythe,
already CART’s largest shareholder with more than 25 percent
of the stock, is working on a plan that includes a small
consortium of owners—a maximum of four or five. Businessman
Kevin Kalkhoven, the former CEO of Uniphase Corp., and now
co-owner of CART’s new PK Racing team, has apparently signed
on with Forsythe. Ecclestone might still join the group as a
minority owner. Forsythe’s deal could take another several
months to materialize, which might be part of the plan. The
more cash CART burns in the meantime, the cheaper it gets for
anyone hoping to gain controlling interest. Moreover, CART
insiders expect lawsuits in coming months from activist
shareholders such as Jon Vannini, who has periodically
attempted to influence CART management the last three years.
Those could ultimately affect any effort to take the company
private again.
5/14/03
CART attendance hits 634,000
The London Champ Car Trophy at Brands Hatch and the German 500
at EuroSpeedway Lausitz each met with great success in what
has become an annual sojourn into Europe, drawing large crowds
at each stop. A race-day crowd of 40,000 at Brands Hatch and
68,000 at EuroSpeedway has boosted the total attendance count
to 633,771 fans after five races – a number that is on pace to
put the series at over 2.4 million in attendance for the
seventh consecutive season.
5/14/03
Microsoft & Ganassi team up at
Indy What does a world-class car racing team do
to gain a competitive edge at the biggest race of the year? It
turns to the latest technology advances from Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq:
MSFT). During this year's Indianapolis 500 qualifying trials
and on race day, Target Chip Ganassi Racing (TCGR) will
streamline communications between its two pit crews using
Microsoft(R) Windows(R) Messenger running on Tablet PCs
powered by Windows XP Tablet PC Edition, and a custom-built
application using the new Microsoft Real-Time Communications
Server 2003 (RTC Server 2003). "The key to staying ahead of
our competition is all about getting the best performance from
our cars," said team owner Chip Ganassi. "And quickly sharing
driver feedback and information on car adjustments between our
two pit crews is essential to making that happen." With the
Microsoft solution, TCGR can share that vital information
wirelessly in a fast, more-secure way. "We are thrilled to
have Microsoft on board to help us try to repeat our year 2000
Indy win," Ganassi said. "This initiative is a reflection of
all three of our team's core values: performance, partnership
and innovation. Microsoft has been an incredible partner. Its
ability to work directly with our drivers and engineers to
better understand our business and then to customize
innovative cutting-edge solutions for us using .NET helps us
gain a competitive advantage on the racetrack." Real-Time
Communication: Key to a Winning Strategy In the past, sharing
data between two pits was a slow, manual process where
messages were either verbally relayed -- which creates
challenges when dealing with the noise at a racetrack -- or
written on paper and physically carried to the other pit. The
premium put on speed in the racing world applies to not only
the cars on the track, but also the pit operations. Clearly,
something had to change. This year, TCGR pit crews are able to
quickly write instant messages by hand on a wireless Tablet
PC, using Microsoft RTC Server 2003 on the back end to more
securely send the messages to the other pit, and automatically
store the data for future analysis. The technologies that make
this possible are the Windows XP Tablet PC Edition operating
system running on Fujitsu Stylistic ST4000 Tablet PCs;
Microsoft RTC Server 2003; and Windows Messenger 4.7, which
includes electronic ink messaging capabilities when running on
a Tablet PC. Where the Tablet PC really shines is in its
overall versatility. The race engineer can easily carry it in
the pit and instantly communicate with other team members. It
has the full computing power of a traditional notebook PC, so
it enables the race engineer to quickly pull up a rich set of
information and make intelligent adjustments on the fly. The
engineer can manipulate the application very naturally using
an electronic pen and can quickly send handwritten notes to
the other pit crew members about driver feedback and
car-tuning information in Windows Messenger over the wireless
network. Microsoft RTC Server 2003 helps ensure this highly
competitive data is secure and easy to archive. TCGR's pit
crews offer a good example of how instant messaging is no
longer just a social application, but one that businesses of
all sizes can safely take advantage of to make real-time
business decisions. PRN Newswire
5/14/03
HP OK with F1 TV numbers
Andrew Collis, the global sponsorship director of HP told
SportBusiness International magazine that the company was not
worried about the future of the sport. "We don't see any
negative elements in terms of image," Collis said. "The dip in
TV figures only took them back to the 2000 levels, which were
sufficiently attractive to us to become involved in the first
place."
5/14/03
Ticket sales up in Austria
Austrian GP organizers have elected to build an extra
grandstand on the run up to the Remus Kurve to seat more
people. This will be the last Austrian GP for the immediate
future, the race's contract having been cancelled because of
the country's stance on tobacco advertising.
5/14/03
Brazil buckled under threat
from Bernie
Brazil allowed tobacco companies to sponsor April's Formula 1
race near Sao Paulo after racing's sanctioning body threatened
to cancel the event, Correio Braziliense said. Humberto Costa,
Brazil's Health Minister, told legislators that the Federation
Internationale de L'Automobile threatened to cancel the
Formula 1 race if the government permanently banned
sponsorship from cigarette companies, the newspaper said. ``We
were threatened,'' he told deputies, according to Correio. The
government gave temporary permission to let companies
advertise at the race, held annually in April. The
federation's press office in Paris had no immediate comment.
The Formula 1 race, which takes place Interlagos, a district
of Sao Paulo city, brings $100 million to the country, Correio
said. Costa has announced measures banning the sale of
cigarettes in gas stations, bakeries and supermarkets.
Bloomberg Latin America
5/14/03
#99 to run $1 million challenge
The No. 99 CITGO Ford Taurus will sport a new paint scheme in
the Coca-Cola 600 at Lowe’s Motor Speedway and the MBNA
America 400 at Dover International Speedway. The Peel Out,
Reel In & Win! Million Dollar Challenge car will launch
CITGO’s summer promotion that will run from May 23 through
July 6, 2003. This is the second year in a row CITGO has
leveraged its two major sports sponsorships, NASCAR and BASS,
in the summer promotion. The contest could result in two grand
prize winner millionaires in the fall of 2003. “One of our
primary marketing objectives is to take advantage of the
synergies that exist in our major sponsorships,” said Phillip
Thompson, Sports Marketing and Sponsorships Manager for CITGO.
“By tying these two sponsorships together in a major, national
contest it enables us to reach a far greater segment of the
consumer public and give consumers an opportunity to win a
host of valuable prizes while following two of their favorite
sports.” Consumers can enter the Peel Out, Reel In & Win!
Million Dollar Challenge at any participating CITGO location
for a chance to win one of the more than 1,000 prizes. No
purchase is necessary and the grand- prize winner will choose
between two packages. The first, a VIP NASCAR race weekend at
the Georgia 500 in Atlanta and the second, a VIP Bassmasters
weekend at the CITGO Bassmaster Central Open in Monroe, La.
The consolation prizes for each are a Roush Stage III Mustang
and fully outfitted Triton bass boat respectively.
5/14/03
GPWC gives Bernie a deadline
Bernie Ecclestone has been told to agree to a new power
structure within Formula One by the end of the year or face
the long proposed rival series becoming a reality. Luca
di Montezemolo, chairman of constructors champions Ferrari,
has issued the stark threat to the Formula One supremo in a
bid to force Ecclestone's hand after months of negotiations.
It now means the three investment banks with a stake in
Formula One, Ecclestone and the car manufacturers must agree
to a deal in just six months - or plans for the rival series
will be activated with a launch date of 2008. Said di
Montezemolo, quoted in the Financial Times: "In no other sport
are the teams deprived of a share of two of the three main
revenue streams - trackside advertising and ticket sales -
while having to share just 47 percent of the gross income from
TV rights." He went on to state the three creditor banks - JP
Morgan, Lehman Brothers and Bayerische Landesbank - 'know
nothing about Formula One'. "The simple truth is," added the
Ferrari chief, "that without the carmakers they cannot make a
championship." Despite the threats, and the new deadline date
of December 31, it is widely expected Ecclestone will strike a
new deal with the GPWC to ensure the survival of a sport which
has become one of sport's most successful business models.
Sportsbusiness.com
5/14/03
Are 33 cars important? This
Indy Star
article, says, There's a chance, just a chance, this
is much ado about nothing. While some folks along Gasoline
Alley expressed doubt there will be a 33-car field for the
Indianapolis 500, event officials insist/promise/guarantee the
grid will look like a grid, and not a mutated rectangle. One
that doesn't include a recently qualified 1998 Honda Accord
(although it would give the Chevys a run for their money).
Still, the damage is done. To the event's reputation. To its
image. To its standing as The Greatest Spectacle In Racing.
And to the sport itself. Until the field is filled -- if it is
filled -- the question will be asked: What does this say about
the sport's most celebrated event, its crown jewel? The mere
possibility, the simple mention that there might not be a
complete field for the first time since 1947, only feeds into
the ever-growing perception that this sport, and specifically
this event, aren't what they used to be. What else are people
supposed to think? They hear about the diminishing TV ratings.
They see the disappearing Speedway crowds. Now there is
persistent talk there might not be 33 cars in the field. For
hard-core fans, the ones who can go 1-on-1 with Donald
Davidson in Race Jeopardy, that might not matter. But for most
of the sporting public, the reason to care about the 500 is
because, well it's the Indianapolis 500. It's an event that
transcends its sport. Or used to. [Prediction - the field will
have 33 cars. Tony George will either dip into his
pocket and pay a team to run their backup car, or Honda or
Toyota (or some of their teams) will in the end step up.
All this talk of not having 33 cars is nonsense, and is
probably a ploy to get more media coverage to help fill the
grandstands]
5/14/03
Canadian GP not sold out
For the first time since Formula One moved the Canadian Grand
Prix to Montreal's Isle de Notre Dame, the event isn't sold
out with just over a month to go before the June 15 race.
Officials are blaming the SARS scare in Toronto for lagging
sales. We don't buy that.
5/14/03
Nadeau
semi-conscious
NASCAR Winston Cup driver Jerry Nadeau's head, rib and lung
injuries suffered in a crash during practice May 2 in
Richmond, Va., may be more serious than previously reported.
Jay Frye, general manager of MB2 Motorsports, which owns
Nadeau's No. 01 Pontiac, said yesterday the driver is only
semi-conscious and still can't speak. "There is some
frustration because you would like to have him respond to
you," Frye said yesterday in a conference call from Charlotte,
N.C. "He is, but just not verbally." Frye said doctors
described Nadeau's head injury as "moderate to severe."
5/14/03
NASCAR fan pleads guilty
A NASCAR fan who flooded Fox with angry e-mails after a Red
Sox game pre-empted an auto race pleaded guilty to a
misdemeanor charge Tuesday.
Michael Melo acknowledged that he fired off more than a
half-million e-mail messages to WFXT-TV 25 in Boston after the
Red Sox game was broadcast instead of a NASCAR race in 2001.
The e-mail messages were automatically forwarded to Fox-25's
Los Angeles parent company, Fox Entertainment. The network,
thinking it was a hacker attack, shut down Internet
communication with the affiliate and was forced to spend about
$36,000 US to clean up the barrage. Melo pleaded guilty to a
federal misdemeanor charge of damage to a protected computer
system. Under a plea agreement, the government recommended a
sentence of six months' confinement in a halfway house. Melo's
sentencing is Aug. 12. After the hearing, Melo and his lawyer,
Andrew Good, declined comment.
AP
Story
John Menard pans Chevy When
John Menard was asked by the Indy Star if he would field another entry
in this year's Indy 500, he responded by saying, "What's the point? We
have no power from our Chevy engines. Are we going to put
'Loser' on the sidepods for a sponsor?" Ouch!! PDM co-owner Paul
Diatlovich vowed not to run the car just to help fill the field. "We
won't do that," he said. "We'll go home." There is no way
Chevy will keep teams...at least any good ones...and with no good
teams and Herb Fishel leaving, we wouldn't be surprised if they just
left the IRL altogether after this year. They will continue to
get their clocks cleaned by Honda and Toyota, which is likely to send
shudders through the NASCAR Winston Cup paddock with Toyota's arrival
on the horizon.
5/14/03
What is Ford doing for CART?3rd UPDATE Two more readers
respond, Dear AR1, All of those things are noted of course.
However, if the fans don't notice, especially the ones that are here,
then you might want to rethink what you are doing. With regard to the
ad buys for CART broadcasts, that doesn't really count when the
advertisements are NASCAR themed. All of the other things that are
mentioned don't seem to be things that reach the general consumer
base. How many of your typical American sports viewers & consumers log
into the Ford website on a daily basis. How about using CART as a
theme for your ads in Sports Illustrated, Playboy, Fortune, Business
Week., Road & Track, Car & Driver..etc. What about displaying Champ
Car show cars in your dealerships. What about running promotions to
have a Champ Car driver be a personal driving instructor when someone
buys a new limited edition Mustang or other premium vehicle, then do a
commercial that capitalizes on that. How about Ford Motorsports
merchandise that features the Champ Car driver the way you do in
NASCAR? How many tickets do you give out to customers to attend events
(this may be happening, but I have not heard about it). These are the
kinds of things that make CART visible to the public that could care
less right now. Marketing is primarily intended to attract consumers,
not simply to validate the choices of the ones who are already
watching. Well, that's my take on it anyway. Why don't you use one of
your ad buys in prime time TV, and produce an exciting spot that
features the CART series. Put Paul Tracy's face right in front of all
those people watching Survivor. Better yet, I dare you to run a TV ad
spot featuring Champ Cars during a Winston Cup broadcast. Yet, for
some reason, it's no big deal to see the opposite happen. I understand
that it is tough to cross promote with Lilly, or Players, or
Scientific Atlanta, or whoever the sponsors are in CART. But perhaps a
more aggressive presence, as the most recognized name in Champ Car,
could help attract other recognizable brand names to the series. When
people see their favorite brand names, they begin to identify with the
team and driver, and will watch and attend in larger numbers. That's
my two cents worth. Scott Morris, Orlando, FL, Another reader
says, I challenge you can to go into any Ford dealership in
America...for that matter any Ford, Jaguar, Volvo, or Mazda dealership
in America, and you will not see a single scrap of paper re their
involvement with CART...ABSOLUTELY ZERO...talk to any dealer or dealer
group and they will tell you the exact same thing...that Ford is doing
absolutely zero to support the series and that it is not even on the
radar screen to increase their
involvement...they throw a couple of ads during the shows and that is
it...they are truly hopeless...no small wonder they are getting their
lunch eaten year in and year out by the likes of Toyota and Honda
both domestically and abroad...they are simply funneling the money
they are making at Cosworth from their CART program into their F1
engine program...it is such an enormous wasted opportunity by
Ford...but what else did we expect...that said, the Cosworth folks are
doing a very good job on the engine side...I don't think you could ask
for a more equal playing field on the power side or better
reliability...so it is business as usual at Ford...Cosworth seems to
have maintained its entrepreneurial flair while the corporate side
walks around in a complete fog, unable and/or unwilling to exploit
this opportunity to their own benefit...what a shame...what a sham!
Name withheld by request.5/13/03 - A Ford PR
rep responds: Referring to the item, "What is Ford doing for
CART," that you have on your webpage, I would offer the
following points: 1) Ford does have a TV ad buy with CART on
both its SPEED Channel and CBS broadcasts, as well as the Fox
Sports Espanol broadcast. 2) Ford has developed an in-car
telemetry system for Lingner Group that would enable the
viewers at home to see things like speed, RPM, G-loads,
steering angle, braking points and interval between cars on
the track. 3) Ford's racing webpage, FordRacing.com,
contains extensive coverage of the Champ Car World Series,
including photos, feature stories, breaking news, race
results, etc. 4) There were articles in both the
February and March issues of Ford World, the internal Ford
publication, featuring the Champ Car World Series and Ford's
involvement with it. 5) Ford and its Dealer Groups
are currently in discussions with CART and select race
promoters regarding marketing programs that it would like to
enact later this summer in conjunction with the Champ Car race
in that market. 6) Ford has also worked
extensively to promote the Champ Car World Series this spring,
asking its Winston Cup star Kurt Busch to do a test in a Team
Rahal Champ Car at Spring Training, arranging for the American
Idols to come out to the Long Beach Grand Prix where they
filmed a video that aired during the show, asking drivers
Darren Manning and Alex Tagliani to sign autographs at the
Cleveland Auto Show, and scheduling driver Roberto Moreno and
the Herdez show car to make an appearance at the Fabulous
Fords Forever show at Knottsberry Landing to sign autographs
and mingle with fans. I should also mention that Ford has
several in-market publicity programs utilizing the drivers
that are designed to increase awareness of the race and Ford's
support of the Champ Car World Series. Andrew Punzal,
Manager, Champ Car Sponsorship Activation & Public Affairs,
Campbell & Co./Ford Racing5/13/03 - Another
reader chimes in, Dear AR1, I was just looking at the April Ford World
newspaper published for employees, retirees, etc (a healthy
subscription list) and it didn't have one single article about their
involvement with CART. Are they ashamed to let their employees and
outlets even know they are involved? Jim Hart, Hampton, VA5/12/03 - A reader writes, Dear AR1, Ford has naming rights on the CART
series, but I don't see them doing anything to help grow it.
They are not running any TV ads that I have seen, and their
print ads are almost non-existent. What gives?
Mordichai Rosen, LA, Calif. Dear Mordichai, we are
as puzzled as you are. Looking at the numbers, Ford
Cosworth is turning a small but healthy profit from the engine
rebuild business they have with CART. They have a
monopoly so-to-speak, and it's certainly keeping their
Torrance, California shop in business. We assume Ford
paid CART something for the naming rights on the series, and
CART certainly needed Ford at a crucial time last year, but
like FedEx, they have chosen to stop right there, which is
exactly what CART does not need. They need a partner who
is ready to engage the consumer market to CART's and Ford's
benefit. We do know that Ford is not in the best of financial
shape right now, but they do have marketing dollars for
motorsports. Unfortunately for CART, those dollars
appear to be flowing all to NASCAR and F1. And to add
salt to the wounds, when CART asked Cosworth to give them a
proposal to implement AR1's passing button idea (10 pushes per
race, per driver, giving 50 extra HP for 3 to 5 seconds), they
came back with a six figure cost to do it. Everyone we have
talked to in the CART paddock agrees that the passing button
will mix things up and create some real excitement for the
fans (i.e. the paying customer) on CART's tight road and
street circuits, and more exciting racing will draw bigger TV
ratings and bigger race day attendance, beneficial to
CART, its sponsors and Ford. One would think that if Ford is
not going to do any TV advertising around the CART series
(featuring CART drivers and teams), it
could at least give Cosworth the money to design, test and
implement the passing button. Mark C.
5/13/03
Panoz named Grand Marshal
Dr. Donald Panoz, Founder of the American Le Mans Series, has been
named Grand Marshal for the 71st running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans
that will be contested next month in France, only the sixth American
ever to be so honored at the classic motorsports event. The June 14-15
race at the Circuit de La Sarthe will celebrate the 80th anniversary
of the creation of the world’s most famous endurance race and the
event upon which the American Le Mans Series is based. The series
operates on an agreement with the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO),
organizers of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. “Creator of the first series to
bear the ‘Le Mans’ name, and at the same time using its racing rules,
Donald Panoz has developed endurance racing and taken it to a level
probably never before attained on the American continent,” said the
ACO in its announcement. “The American Le Mans Series is today a
success from a sports, commercial and media point of view. “Donald
Panoz thus contributes in this way towards boosting the image and
prestige of the 24 Heures and is a major partner of the Automobile
Club de l’Ouest for the promotion of the 24 Heures du Mans,” the ACO
said. The invitation for Dr. Panoz to start the race was jointly
issued by the ACO along with Francois Fillon, Minister of Employment;
Roland du Luart, President of the Sarthe County Council; and
Jean-Claude Boulard, Mayor of Mans. Dr. Panoz accepted the invitation
in a letter to Michel Cosson, President of the ACO. “This selection is
a tremendous honor and I am anxiously awaiting the race next month,”
said Dr. Panoz. “It has been a great pleasure to work with the ACO the
past several years and I look forward to a continued long and
successful relationship between the ACO and the American Le Mans
Series.” Twenty-one teams that regularly compete in American Le Mans
Series events will be among the 50 cars that race in the 24 Hours of
Le Mans. The overall winner of the event the past four years has also
been a team that raced in ALMS events. The next race for the American
Le Mans Series will be the Atlanta Grand Prix at Road Atlanta in
Braselton, Ga., June 27-29.
5/13/03 Industry News
Herb Fishel to retire
Herb Fishel, executive director of GM Racing, will retire Sept. 1,
leaving a legacy in racing spanning 40 years. Fishel will be on
special assignment to GM Service and Parts Operations from June 1,
until his retirement. One of Fishel's final duties with GM Racing will
be to drive the Chevrolet SSR official pace vehicle to start the 87th
running of the Indianapolis 500 on May 25. Doug Duchardt, Group
Manager for GM Racing's oval track group, will assume Fishel's
responsibilities at GM Racing effective June 1. Pat Suhy, Jr., an
engineer at GM Powertrain, will replace Duchardt. Fishel, 61, worked
with the late Zora Arkus-Duntov and Vince Piggins, who initiated GM's
rebirth into racing and performance parts with the Corvette and
small-block Chevy V8 engine in the 1950s. Fishel has influenced GM's
performance programs throughout the second half of the 20th century.
On Oct. 8, 1991, all of GM's racing programs were combined under his
supervision. "The name Herb Fishel has been synonymous with
championship racing programs at GM for decades," said John Middlebrook,
GM vice president of marketing and advertising. "Herb is leaving a
legacy of success that is both remarkable and inspiring: nine
consecutive Winston Cup Manufacturers' titles at one point, and 21 of
24 driver's titles through last year. In 2001, Herb's team did
something no one else had done in nearly 30 years, by winning the
Daytona 500, Indy 500 and 24 Hours of Le Mans."
5/13/03
Pikes Peak to announce Honda as race
sponsorUPDATE
Honda will sponsor the IRL IndyCar Series race at Pikes Peak
International Raceway through 2005, PPIR and Honda officials
announced May 13. The event will be known as the
Honda Indy 225. This year’s race takes place on Sunday, June
15. “This is an incredible day for PPIR and motorsports in the
Rocky Mountain region,” PPIR President Rob Johnson said.
“Honda made a major commitment to the IndyCar Series this year
by supplying engines to five different teams, including
Andretti Green Racing and Team Rahal. “Honda has shown this
same commitment to PPIR by signing a three-year deal that not
only titles the event the Honda Indy 225 but provides us with
endless marketing and promotional opportunities that we will
be announcing in the very near future.” Honda’s first IndyCar
Series victory came at Phoenix this year when Andretti Green
driver Tony Kanaan took the checkered flag. Prior to entering
the IndyCar Series, Honda took part in CART from 1994-2002.
“With our participation in the 2003 IndyCar Series, Honda has
embarked on an exciting new chapter in its racing history,”
said Susie Rossick, manager, corporate advertising, American
Honda. “We have already enjoyed significant success on the
racetrack, and we are pleased to take our commitment to the
IndyCar Series to an entirely new level with our sponsorship
of the Honda Indy 225 at Pikes Peak International Raceway.”
5/13/03 - A change of sponsorship in the Indy
Racing League series race at Pikes Peak International Raceway
is expected to be announced at 12:30 p.m. today at the track.
The event, formerly known as the Radisson 225, will be held
June 14-15. It will be the second race following the
Indianapolis 500 for the IRL drivers. The sponsor, which is
being kept under tight wraps by PPIR president Rob Johnson
until today's news conference, is said to be the largest
package for PPIR since it opened. The announcement will be
presented during a break in testing (from 10 a.m. until 2
p.m.) by Indy 500 qualifier Dan Wheldon, along with Brian
Herta. Both drive for Michael Andretti of Team Andretti/Green.
Rocky Mountain News
5/13/03
CART has many key meetings in
Europe Chris Pook, David Clare and John Lopes fanned
out across Europe last week to sell the Champ Car message to
European-based manufacturers and sponsors. “We’ve all been
working real hard,” Pook said. “I left Monday night from
Brands and went to Paris. I had meetings in Paris on Tuesday
morning into early afternoon. In the afternoon I went to Monte
Carlo. I had a dinner meeting in Monte Carlo and I had a
breakfast meeting in Monte Carlo. I then flew to Milan and had
a meeting in Milan, then went to Switzerland for the afternoon
and the evening and had meetings there. “The following
morning, Thursday morning, I went to Stuttgart, Germany and
had meetings there. I went on to Hanover and had meetings
there Friday morning and got here Friday afternoon.”
“Separately, David (Clare) had meetings all through the week
and he and I joined up in Stuttgart on Thursday afternoon. So
we haven’t been letting too much grass grow under our shoes.
“We met with a combination of manufacturers, promoters, major
multinational corporate entities who are looking at our North
American market content; who like the idea of sports marketing
companies such as ourselves being able to deliver the North
American trade block. “I continue to believe it is important
to have a European economic community presence--a small
presence with a maximum of three races in Europe. I’ve said
all along that our European strategy is very simple. We’ve got
to race in the UK and we’ve got to be in northern Europe and
in southern Europe. And we continue to believe it’s important
that we have at least one other Pacific Rim race in addition
to Australia.” Pook says that after his European meetings he’s
more convinced than ever that normally-aspirated,
gasoline-burning V10 engines focused on fuel efficiency are
the way to go for 2005. “I truly believe that if we are going
to be the strong series that we can be, we’ve got to come into
line now with more of what the world’s automobile
manufacturers are doing with their automobiles, and we
continue to believe the V10 is the way to go.
CART.com
5/13/03 Industry News
The money losing sports TV
business
This Sports Business News
article says, After agreeing to pay $28.9 billion over
eight years to air those events, U.S. broadcasters say an
advertising slump has made televising sports a money-losing
venture, and they don't mind ceding the games to cable TV
rather than paying more to keep them. The article talks
about how much money everyone is losing because of the slump
in advertising dollars.
5/13/03
NASCAR deal with Toyota
ruffling feathers
This Washington Post
article says, The announcement in February that Toyota
would become the first foreign automaker to compete in
NASCAR's top ranks was trumpeted as stunning evidence of
stock-car racing's far-reaching appeal and another example of
the 21st century's global economy. With it, a pillar of the
NASCAR rulebook -- that races are open to "American-made"
vehicles only -- was finessed to permit the Japanese
manufacturer in the Craftsman Truck Series, in which Detroit's
Big Three do battle in the form of hopped-up Ford F-150s,
Chevrolet Silverados and Dodge Rams. But now come rumblings of
a backlash against Toyota even though its Tundra pickup is
made entirely in the United States -- the essential caveat
that cleared its entry into NASCAR. "You've got Yao Ming in
the NBA, and Hideo Nomo in baseball, which is fine. But leave
ONE American pastime an American sport!" says Charles Walker,
a columnist for the racing Web site Catchfence.com. "When you
start including Toyota -- and now there are rumors of Nissan
-- where do you stop?" It's not only the notion of a Japanese
nameplate in truck racing that has hard-core fans upset. More
alarming in their eyes is the prospect, now considered
inevitable, of Toyota entering its Camry sedan in NASCAR's
Winston Cup series, the most hallowed division of stock-car
racing..........Open-wheel fans booed when a Honda-powered
racecar made its debut in the Indianapolis 500 in 1994, but
resentment turned to admiration as Honda roared to three
consecutive championships (with Jimmy Vasser in 1996; Alex
Zanardi, 1997-98). Toyota also won in the CART series before
jumping to the rival Indy Racing League, where it became the
motor of choice among top teams and is favored to win the
upcoming Indy 500 in its maiden IRL campaign. But fans of
open-wheel racing are more likely than NASCAR followers to
drive high-performance imports themselves and are accustomed
to cheering for Mercedes and Honda, as well as drivers named
Mario and Jacques. NASCAR fans are a different breed. With
deep roots in the Southeast, their loyalty resides in the
American flag and Detroit ingenuity. They view each race as a
morality play pitting Ford against Chevy, Junior against Jeff.
And they pass down their heroes from one generation to the
next like a sacred family covenant.........NASCAR executives
are aware of the potential for a backlash when Toyota enters
the truck series, but downplay their concerns. "That will work
its way out," said Jim Hunter, NASCAR's vice president of
corporate communications. "It gives the fan another
opportunity to either pull against or pull for another brand."
Toyota officials are sensitive to it as well. That's partly
why they're tiptoeing into the sport, following the strategy
Dodge employed when it returned to NASCAR after a 25-year
hiatus.
More....
5/13/03
Bernie wants to repurchase F1
rights According to the London Times, Bernie
Ecclestone is looking at ways to buy back the rights to the
Formula One Series. Ecclestone, who currently owns 25-percent
of the commercial rights, is said to be readying an offer of
about $1.57 billion (one billion pounds). A consortium of
banks own 75-percent of the rights after the former owner,
Kirch Media Group, suffered severe financial problems in 2002.
"I believe the family trust would buy back F1 from the banks
if all the F1 teams extended until 2015," said Ecclestone to
the Times in an interview. The car manufacturers (Ford, FIAT,
BMW, DaimlerChrysler and Renault), however, have already made
plans to begin a new series GPWC (Grand Prix World
Championship) when the current agreement ends after the 2007
season.
5/13/03
Owner of Nurburgring interested
in EuroSpeedwayUPDATE
According to AutoSport, Walter Kafitz, the MD of German
circuit owner Nürburgring GmbH, has denied an assertion by
Hans-Jörg Fischer, the MD of the troubled EuroSpeedway oval at
Lausitz, to the effect that a takeover bid was imminent. “The
Nurburgring is one of the parties interested in a takeover,
but they haven't yet sent in a direct offer,” Fischer had
said. “Should this offer come, it will be compared with the
other options.” 5/11/03 - AutoRacing1.com has learned that the owner of the Nurburgring
track has expressed interest in buying the EuroSpeedway, which
is currently in bankruptcy. We hear that the bankruptcy
administrator is also looking for other interested parties,
preferably American, because he feels an American owner has
more interest in growing oval track racing. However,
EuroSpeedway also has the best infield road course. Sale of
the track is expected late this summer. Mark C.
5/13/03
Indy 500 tickets not so hot This
Milwaukee Journal
article says, With less than two weeks to go before
the 87th Indianapolis 500, reserved seats remain, and track
officials won't speculate on the likelihood of a sellout. The
race will be held May 23. "Anybody in this kind of business,
the entertainment business, wants to have all its seats sold
out," said Ron Green, spokesman for the Indianapolis Motor
Speedway. "Will the Indy 500 be a failure if we don't have a
sellout? No. The economic impact on Indianapolis and
surrounding area will still be significant." The event
traditionally attracts more than 300,000 spectators, and in
its heyday would sell out quickly after the previous race was
completed. Less than 10 years ago, scalpers could demand three
times face value for tickets. "We're finding that in this
climate right now, like many other major events, it is a
challenge to sell tickets," Green said. Three factors are most
commonly blamed for the slow sales: the split of premier
American open-wheel racing into two series in 1996, which
confused and frustrated fans; competition for the
entertainment dollar; and the lack of urgency created by an
expanded speedway schedule. From 1911-1993, the Indianapolis
500 was the only race held each year at the 2.5-mile track. A
highly successful NASCAR Winston Cup race was added in 1994,
and in 1998, the International Race of Champions joined the
NASCAR weekend. Then an infield road course was added to
accommodate Formula One and the first United States Grand Prix
on the grounds in 2000. The inaugural race attracted a crowd
of about 200,000 spectators from around the world, but
attendance has dropped steadily since. "I don't want to say we
hurt ourselves," Green said. "Without a doubt, the
Indianapolis 500 competes against the Brickyard and U.S. Grand
Prix. And all of them are successful events."
5/13/03
A short Indy 500 field very
possible This Indy Star
article says, If the 87th Indianapolis 500 gets its
traditional 33 starters, the push will come from the teams,
officials for the engine manufacturers said Monday. But
Chevrolet program manager Joe Negri doubts there are 33 car
and driver combinations. Two of his contracted cars have
backed off and only one other entry -- for Panther Racing --
has been suggested. Honda is not encouraging its teams to add
cars, although it will allow one more if the Super Aguri
Fernandez Racing team chooses. Toyota is willing to add only
three more cars, and that's contingent on commitments being
made before practice at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway
resumes Wednesday. Twenty-four cars qualified in Sunday's
pole-day session. Nine more cars are needed to keep the race
from ending a full-field streak that dates to 1947. There were
only four confirmed programs -- for Arie Luyendyk (Toyota),
Shigeaki Hattori (Toyota), Jimmy Vasser (Honda) and Billy Boat
(Chevy) -- yet to qualify as of Monday. "I've gone through the
numbers and it will surprise me if we get to 33, especially if
what (Speedway president and CEO) Tony George said in the
press is true," Negri said. "I sure don't see any bumping."
5/13/03
Indy 500 fan unhappy with Indy rainoutUPDATE
I drove from Detroit to Indy Saturday morning. Like Loren I
was disappointed. But, instead of finding any new excuse to
blame TG, I understand that the National Weather service had
issued warnings of severe weather and the IRL did what was in
the best interest of the fans. I don't think there was anybody
there who could have predicted that the weather would have
broke like it did a couple of hours later. Dan Maldonado,
Detroit, MI 5/13/03 - In
response to some of your reader articles, I think Tony George is once
again responsible for the demise of open wheel racing. As someone who goes to
the Indy 500, Indy Pole Day, Cleveland Grand Prix, and Grand Prix of
Mid-Ohio, I go and pay my money to see these races. But once again IMS
and TG have screwed the little guy. Pole Day Saturday is about open
wheel racing. There is nothing like it. I arrived at the track after a
3 hour drive from Columbus, Ohio for the morning practice just in time
for it to start raining. About 45 minutes later, qualifying was called
for the day. About 30 minutes later, it stopped raining. I had to sit
in the sunny weather, waiting to go home and thinking about my wasted
trip. It did not rain all the rest of the day, and there was plenty of
dry time to qualify. I have never seen anything like this in my years
of going to the track. They always at least TRY to get in the daily
schedule. But in canceling the event when they did, they created an
uproar. People who came a long way like myself cannot come back for a
second day. People who had taken shelter were forced out in the
weather. People who were drinking were forced to drive. Once again, TG
has dealt a blow to the May Indianapolis economy. He should not wonder
why people don't show up or why NASCAR is more popular. He should look
in the mirror. Loren McCauley, Columbus, Ohio
5/13/03
Will Champ Cars break Brands
Hatch lap record?2nd UPDATE
As it turns out, Lee Dykstra was close in his prediction, as Tracy won
the pole at 37.006 sec. Tracy also blew away Mathew Mortlock's
lap record set in a F1 car, this with Champ Cars down some 200 HP from
what they once were. 4/24/03 -
AR1 has learned that CART's Lee Dykstra predicted lap times of
36.99 seconds at Brands using simulation software. That
information was passed on to all the cart teams. If so, we
think the record will indeed fall, especially if it does not
rain, and the cars can put some rubber down on the circuit.
4/24/03 Brands Hatch Indy Circuit record
holder Mathew Mortlock, from Cambridge, England, looks forward
to Round 4 of the Champ Car World Series which takes place at
Brands Hatch on 5th May. Mortlock set the record time of 39.4
seconds in 2002 driving an ex-Michele Alboreto Arrows Judd in
the EuroBOSS Championship. Q: Do you think your Brands Hatch lap record will be
beaten by the Champ cars? A: No, I think they’ll find it just too quick. The
circuit is tight and twisty and probably suits F1 cars better
than [the grossly overweight] Champ Cars. Of course if they do
beat my time I’ll just have to drive faster when EuroBOSS
comes to Brands Hatch on 18th May. My lap record is 39.4s (an
average of 112.03mph), although a few weeks ago I did a 38.6
and could probably get it down into the mid 37’s. Q: What tips can you give the Champ teams? A: The first team that offers me three complimentary
weekend passes I’d be delighted to walk them round the circuit
and tell them everything I know: blind braking points, best
overtaking positions, best defensive positions and all of the
intricate peculiarities of Brands. Q: How do you think a lap at Brands Hatch in an F1
compares with a lap in a Champ car? A: I think the F1s are probably better in the corners
and there are plenty of them at Brands Hatch. There aren’t
really any long straights for Champ cars to benefit from. The
only experience I have of a Champ Car is the 1999 ex-Bryan
Herta, Team Rahal, Indy Car that Robbie Stirling has driven in
EuroBOSS. That car excels on long straights with its sheer
physical power but it is heavy and not as nimble through the
corners. Q: How would you like to drive a 165 lap race at Brands
Hatch like the Champ Cars will be doing? A: It would be physically very tough. The most I’ve
ever driven there is 50 laps in a saloon car and it was quite
tiring. The Indy circuit has no rest points and I would
suggest that all the drivers need to be at their physical and
mental peak. I’m sure they will feel very tired by the end.
Not only does Mathew hold the outright lap record he is
probably the only racing driver to have parachuted into
Brands, when in the late 70’s, he was one of the world’s
leading free-fall parachutists.
5/13/03
Trans-Am series heads to Mosport
The relative calm of the Ontario, Canada countryside will again be
interrupted by the thundering roar of V-8 racing engines as the
Trans-Am Series for the BFGoodrich® Tires Cup visits Mosport
International Raceway. The Victoria Day Trans-Am Series Weekend, Round
3 of this year’s championship, is scheduled for Sunday, May 18 at 1
p.m. Mosport has been a witness to many racing series since it opened
in 1961, but none have been more crucial to the track’s success than
the Trans-Am Series. The Series, America’s oldest continuously running
road racing series, has competed 23 times during its 37-year history
at the 2.459-mile, 10-turn road course since 1976. The Mosport race
comes at an interesting juncture for the Series. Coming off two
street-course races, Trans-Am Series competitors can now really
stretch the legs of their V-8-engined machines. Considered one of the
fastest tracks on the tour, the Trans-Am Series cars will reach top
speeds of nearly 175 miles per hour here.
5/13/03 Formula 3
Piquet wins first F3 race
Brazilian Nelson Angelo Piquet, son of three time World Driving
champion Nelson Piquet, has scored his first win in the British
Formula 3 Championship. The 17-year-old Brazilian took victory at
Knockhill. He was second in the first race of the weekend and then won
the second. The victory also makes Piquet Jr. the youngest man ever to
win a round of the British F3 series, the previous youngest winner
being back in 1979 when New Zealander Mike Thackwell won a British F3
race at the age of 18.
Chevy teams demoralized in Indy 500
qualifyingUPDATE A
reader reminded us that AJ Foyt IV had a Toyota and a few Chevys did
out qualify him. We forgot about AJ Foyt IV, who appears in way over
his head. 5/12/03 - How is Chevrolet doing at Indy? The highest
placed Chevy is Hornish at P18, some 5.5 MPH down on Castroneves' pole
time...EVERY person who had a Toyota or Honda engine outpaced ALL the
Chevy drivers...We hope Hornish has a Winston Cup ride already because
this is killing his reputation...poor guy is quickly fading into
obscurity...how long before the good folks at GM decide this is
expensive advertising for Toyota/Honda engineering superiority...
5/13/03
Montoya loses license in France
Juan Pablo Montoya has been stripped of his license after being caught
driving at 204 kilometers per hour in southern France, police said
Monday. He was clocked on a radar Sunday afternoon while driving his
BMW over the speed-limit on the A8 motorway between Les Arcs and Le
Muy. He was then ordered to hand over his driving license pending a
judicial investigation. AR1 staff was lucky, as we had our
E-Class Mercedes over the 220 KPH mark for countless miles in Europe
(including southern France) last week. Whereas in America, you
are taught to drive defensively at a mere 65 MPH, in Europe, they
drive offensively. Drivers go out of their way to get out of the
fast lane when you come barreling up in a pack of German rocketships
piloted by male drivers on a testosterone high. It was a
pleasure to come up on a police car at over 220 KPH and have him move
out of the way and wave us on by....that was in Italy though, in a
no-speed limit section of the Autostrada. Could you imagine that
ever happening in the USA?
5/13/03
CART almost blew it with Dominguez
penalty
A reader writes, Dear AR1, Did I miss something? I haven't read
one report on the horrendous penalty imposed by CART on some "type" of
blocking by Domínguez earlier in the race. The race was truly fabulous
but it was almost completely destroyed by CART itself. What in the
world is Kneifel doing? Does he have any clue about "racing?" Are they
trying not to encourage exciting and very fair racing. What does it
say when both of the drivers involved in the action had absolutely NO
complaints about the driving of the other? Only comments were fair,
clean, and aggressive. It made for some great racing and battles. I
almost blew a fuse when they gave him a penalty and then did nothing
to Bourdais at the end. Great win by Bourdais but just because
Dominguez caught up at the end doesn't replace such an atrocity of
rule implication and unfairness. I was proud to see Dominguez complain
openly about it at the end of the race. Derek Hughes, Florida Dear
Derek, CART blew that call and they know it. Lucky for them it did not
have a major impact on the outcome of the race. Mark C.
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