Thanks for visiting our Hot News page
Please visit our
Rumors page for all the scuttlebutt. If you have some
news, or can supply more information about one listed here,
e-mail us with as much supporting information as possible
and we may post it. User agreement & disclaimer. Newer rumors supercede older ones of the same topic. Go to our
forums to discuss any hot news.
It's the drivers stupid, Earnhardt Jr.
connecting with fans This
AP article says, At the moment of the biggest triumph of his
blossoming career, Dale Earnhardt Jr. made sure to spend time
connecting with his fans. He drove slowly back around the 2-mile oval
at Daytona International Speedway, waving to fans out the window of
his car, then stopped at the finish line to celebrate instead of
driving straight to Victory Circle.
``I just wanted to shout at the fans, wave at them, hear what they had
to say,'' Earnhardt said. The fans, many of them clad in red and
white, the colours on Junior's No. 8 Budweiser Chevrolet, waved and
roared back at their hero after his Daytona 500 win last Sunday. And
there were plenty of them. He has so many fans, in fact, they've been
dubbed by some as Earnhardt's Army.
``When I walk around with Junior, I feel like I'm with Elvis,'' said
Martin Truex, whom Earnhardt hired to drive the Busch Series car he
co-owns with stepmother Teresa Earnhardt. As Earnhardt wins more races
and becomes a legitimate star on the track, his popularity is soaring
- even outside racing circles. He's showing up in lots of commercials,
on billboards, in MTV videos and documentaries about his life, at rock
concerts and in numerous television interviews. This week alone, he
went from NBC's Today show and ABC's Regis and Kelly, to sitting down
with David Letterman.
Earnhardt inherited a lot of fans from his father when the Intimidator
- easily the most popular driver of his era in stock car racing - was
killed in the 2001 Daytona 500. "I was his daddy's fan and now I'm his
fan,'' said William Donovan, a carpenter from Indianapolis who was
among more than 1,000 fans waiting to get into the building where
Earnhardt's No. 8 car would be put on display.
2/19/04
No. 13 won't run blank sidepods
Access Motorsports has yet to secure a primary sponsor for the 2004
season, but team owner/driver Greg Ray said his team won't display
blank sidepods for the season-opening Toyota Indy 300 at
Homestead-Miami Speedway. "We have a lot of great new partners with
Renovac, CapGemini and Frontier Packaging, but to date we have no
primary sponsor," said team owner/driver Greg Ray. "We're working on
that, but because Renovac is launching a new product, we'll probably
run Renovac colors as primary at Miami just as an extra benefit to
them."
2/19/04
2003 Nextel results Nextel
Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: NXTL), today announced record financial
results for 2003 including income available to common stockholders of
$1.47 billion, or $1.41 per share. Revenue was $10.8 billion in 2003,
a 24% increase over 2002 and was $3.0 billion in the fourth quarter.
Operating income before depreciation and amortization, (OIBDA) was
$4.2 billion in 2003, an increase of 35% over the prior year. During
2003, Nextel’s free cash flow grew to a record $1.3 billion, compared
to $122 million for 2002. Nextel retired $7.8 billion in debt and
preferred stock in 2003 and issued $4.7 billion in new lower cost
debt, resulting in net debt and preferred retirements of $3.1 billion.
Year-end debt and preferred stock, net of cash, cash equivalents and
short-term investments was $8.2 billion. Nextel added approximately
2.3 million new subscribers during 2003 with 553,000 subscribers added
during the fourth quarter, bringing total subscribers to 12.9 million
at year-end.
“In 2003, Nextel set the pace for the wireless industry exceeding all
of our financial goals,” said Tim Donahue, Nextel’s president and CEO.
“We delivered $1.3 billion in free cash flow, which is more than a
billion dollar increase over 2002. We increased OIBDA by 35% over last
year to $4.2 billion. We grew subscribers 21% to 12.9 million by
adding 2.3 million subscribers. In addition, we added 385,000
subscribers using Boost Mobile service in 2003. Nextel has a keen
focus on operational excellence and a drive to aggressively pursue
opportunities to build on our record of profitable growth. We will
continue to invest in long term growth opportunities that expand
Nextel’s reach, enhance our differentiation and build on our success.”
“In 2003, strong customer demand helped drive revenue growth of 24%,
while a long term focus on smart growth strategies allowed our
operating margin on service revenue to grow to approximately 44% in
the fourth quarter. At the same time, Nextel launched a new campaign
to enhance our corporate brand, signed an exclusive sports marketing
arrangement with NASCARÒ, and improved our industry leading customer
satisfaction while making Nationwide Direct Connectsm a reality,” said
Tom Kelly, Nextel’s executive vice president and COO. “In 2004, we
will expand the Nextel National Network and broaden our reach by
adding an additional 2,200 coverage sites. In addition, we will
increase our targeting of high-value customer segments, like the
millions of NASCAR fans. We will also expand our Boost Mobile service
to new markets, while continuing to deliver industry leading results.”
2/19/04
Earnhardt, others to test at Texas Daytona
500 winner Dale Earnhardt Jr. is one of two-dozen drivers scheduled to
test at Texas Motor Speedway prior to the Samsung/RadioShack 500 race
week. In addition to NASCAR NEXTEL Cup and Busch Series teams,
the Crown Royal International Race of Champions (IROC) Series and
Toyota, the newest NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series manufacturer, are
also slated during the 12 days of testing at the 1.5-mile
superspeedway. "We find ourselves pretty busy each year at
this time," said speedway general manager Eddie Gossage. "Not only are
we getting ready to host these drivers and more than 200,000 fans for
the Samsung/RadioShack 500 race week, we also see many of the drivers
testing here prior to the event. It's not unusual to see a handful of
teams booking the track for tests and then have a dozen more guys show
up to take part. We're glad they put so much importance on doing well
at our events."
Following are teams/drivers scheduled as of Feb. 19 - subject to
change:
2/26/27 Crown Royal IROC Series (9a-5p) Dave Marcis, Jay and Jim
Sauter
2/28-3/1 Toyota (9a-5p) (Trucks) 42/Mike Skinner, 24/Travis Kvapil,
22/Bill Lester, 21/Hank Parker, Jr., 17/David Reutimann,
12/Robert Huffman, 23/Shelby Howard & Joe Ruttman
2/28-29 Holigan Racing (5-10p) 50/David Starr (Busch)
3/8-9 FitzBradshaw/Richard Childress (9a-5p) 12/Tim Fedewa, 14/Casey
Atwood, 82/Randy LaJoie & 21/Clint Bowyer (Busch)
3/16-17 DEI/Evernham/Joe Gibbs (9a-5p) 8/Dale Earnhardt Jr., 91/Bill
Elliott (Cup) & 18/J.J. Yeley (Busch)
3/22-23 Roush Racing (9a-5p) 60/Greg Biffle (Busch)
3/23-24 Bill Davis/Penske/Hendrick/Labonte (9a-5p) 22/Scott
Wimmer, 2/Rusty Wallace, 5/Terry Labonte (Cup) & 44/Justin Labonte
(Busch)
2/19/04 Industry News
Gossage promoted Speedway
Motorsports, Inc. (NYSE:TRK) today announced the promotion of Eddie
Gossage to president of Texas Motor Speedway. Gossage has
served as the executive vice president and general manager of Texas
Motor Speedway since 1995.
"Eddie has done an outstanding job bringing Texas Motor Speedway from
nothing more than an idea to one of the top sports facilities in the
world," said O. Bruton Smith, chairman and chief executive officer of
Speedway Motorsports. "There is a big difference between a race
organizer and a race promoter. Eddie is a true promoter who
understands the urgency and effort required to be successful.
"Texas Motor Speedway, under Eddie's leadership, has set the standard
that other speedways must now follow in regards to entertainment,
value and customer satisfaction."
Prior to Texas, Gossage served as vice president of public relations
at Lowe's Motor Speedway from 1989 to 1995. Gossage previously worked
at Miller Brewing Company in its motorsports public relations program
and served in various public relations and managerial capacities at
two other NASCAR-sanctioned speedways.
2/19/04 F3000
Bahrain opener cancelled The
first race this season in the SUPERFUND Euro 3000 is scheduled for 2
May 2004 in Pergusa (Italy). The original season opening that was
scheduled to take place on the new circuit in Bahrain on 19 March 2004
was cancelled.
The SUPERFUND Euro 3000 schedule for 2004 consists of ten races from
May until November 2004. The races will be held in cities throughout
Europe and the season finals, to take place in Dubai, are guaranteed
to be an enthralling end to a spectacular season.
The construction of the Formula One circuit in Bahrain is well under
way. However, top-priority is given to F1 and the circuit has to be in
a perfect condition for the upcoming F1 events. Therefore the
decision-makers of the SUPERFUND Euro 3000, in accordance with the
decision-makers of the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC), have
decided to cancel the SUPERFUND Euro 3000 race in Bahrain.
SUPERFUND Euro 3000 racing schedule 2004:
2 May 2004 Pergusa/Italy
30 May 2004 Estoril/Portugal
6 June 2004 Jerez/Spain
27 June 2004 Monza/Italy
18 July 2004 Spa/Belgium
30 August 2004 Donington/UK
12 September 2004 Dijon/France
19 September 2004 Zolder/ Belgium
31 October 2004 Cagliari/ Italy
28 November 2004 Dubai/United Arab Emirates
SUPERFUND Euro 3000 is an international Formula Race Series with 450
HP. Drivers such as current F1 racers Felipe Massa and Gianmaria Bruni
both competed in the SUPERFUND Euro 3000 earlier in their careers. The
winner of the SUPERFUND Euro 3000 will be awarded with the Super
License for Formula 1.
2/19/04
Toyota extends sponsorship of
Atlantics series Officials from Toyota Motor Sales
USA, Inc. and the Toyota Atlantic Championship announced
that the automobile manufacturer has agreed to extend its
title sponsorship of the series through the end of the 2005
season.
"Toyota is pleased to extend its involvement as the official
engine supplier and title sponsor of this prestigious
series," said Les Unger, Toyota national motorsports
manager. "The cumulative list of graduates from the Toyota
Atlantic Championship series to the upper rungs of both
American and international open-wheel racing becomes more
impressive each year." The agreement extends Toyota's
long-standing association with Toyota Atlantic, a
relationship that began in 1989 and is the company's
longest-running open-wheel racing program. As a result of
the agreement, the current 240-horsepower Toyota 4A-GE
engine and Swift chassis will remain as the series' chassis
and engine package for the next two seasons.
2/19/04
Cheerios and STP to share hood
of #43 History
will repeat itself this weekend in Rockingham, N.C., when
long-time Richard Petty sponsor, STP, will join Cheerios and
Betty Crocker on the hood of the famed No. 43 Dodge.
Following Rockingham, STP will remain on the car as an
associate sponsor and General Mills will continue as the
team’s primary sponsor. The special STP/Cheerios paint
scheme kicks off a celebration of 2004 Petty family
anniversaries by sponsors STP and General Mills. North
Carolina Speedway, located near Petty Enterprises’
well-known race shop in Level Cross, is a raceway that the
Petty family has traditionally dominated and where many
Richard Petty records still stand. Richard and his son,
Kyle, have won 14 races combined at the legendary track — a
trend that Petty hopes will continue this weekend with
current No. 43 car driver Jeff Green. “Having my long-time
sponsor STP back on the hood of the No. 43 for Rockingham
feels like a homecoming for me,” said Richard Petty.
“Rockingham has always felt like a home track to the Petty
family and we are really looking forward to seeing the No.
43 STP/Cheerios car do well there this weekend.”
2/19/04
PDM signs Englishman
The Indy Racing League IndyCar® Series could soon welcome a
fifth driver from the United Kingdom. PDM Racing is
finalizing a deal with the British Tourism Board to have
2003 ASCAR champion Ben Collins run a
Dallara/Chevrolet/Firestone. If he passes his rookie test
and a 3.5-liter engine can be secured, Collins could make
his debut in the Indy 200 Copper World Classic on March 21
at Phoenix International Raceway. “We have the funds
to run Phoenix, but it's now a supply and demand issue with
the engines,” PDM Racing co-owner Larry Arnold said. “We’d
like to have Ben in a car in a race before the (Indianapolis
500).” Arnold said he has a commitment from Chevrolet
to provide a 3.0-liter engine, which will be used in the
IndyCar Series beginning with the 500-Mile Race.
Collins, 28, would join Mark Taylor of London, Darren
Manning of North Yorkshire, England, Dan Wheldon of Emberton,
England, and Dario Franchitti of Edinburgh, Scotland, on the
circuit. A British tourism-British driver concept in
the IRL has been on the drawing board for a few years,
according to David Chapman of “Go Britain Racing.”
“PDM was the appropriate team to approach,” said Chapman,
who noted that Go Britain Racing was a minor sponsor of the
PDM car with Ed Carpenter for the final three races of the
2003 season. “PDM needs something like this, but they’re
also a capable team. They just seem to try hard. They need
to succeed; we need to succeed. “Obviously, we’re
looking at two or three years with this. It is a little
unique in what we’re trying to do. But if we can make it
work this year and learn, I think next year and the year
after this program could be expanded into a two-car ‘Go
Britain’ team with another British driver or maybe an
American driver promoting British tourism.”
2/19/04
Champ Car voted most popular
series
The Champ Car World Series has called Indianapolis home for
less than two years, but is already gaining widespread
acceptance among the residents of the Hoosier State. A
recent week-long poll on the website of the Indianapolis
Star, one of the leading daily newspapers in the country in
terms of motorsports coverage, gave fans a choice of four
racing series and asked which of them they followed more
closely. Over 10,000 votes were cast in the survey and the
Champ Car World Series was voted as the most closely
followed by Indianapolis Star website visitors Champ Car
paced the field, receiving 36.7 percent of the vote,
followed by the Indy Racing League scoring 31.1 percent and
NASCAR netting 27.5 percent. Formula 1 racing received 4.7
percent of the votes. "The results of this poll further
illustrate the passion that the Champ Car fans have, and
their desire to let their feelings be known at every
opportunity," said OWRS partner Paul Gentilozzi. "The fact
that this poll was done in the most competitive motorsports
market in the United States gives us further reason to be
proud. It's nice to finish first in our own backyard."
2/19/04
Glock secures Jordan drive
Timo Glock will be Jordan’s third driver in 2004, the team has
confirmed. The young German, who has been testing for the team several
times this winter, will drive the team’s spare car in Friday practice
sessions. Glock said: “I´m very happy and proud that I can be part of
Jordan Ford with a place in Formula 1 for the 2004 season. I thank the
Jordan technical staff who made it possible for me to give a good
performance at the Barcelona and Silverstone testing sessions
recently. We have worked together successfully already and I’m looking
forward to a fantastic time with them this year.” Eddie Jordan is
convinced he has a hot property on his hands. He said: “Timo Glock is
one of the most promising young driving talents in Germany at the
moment and I’m delighted that we are able to offer him a regular F1
testing role. He’s come up through the junior categories quickly and
this will give him an invaluable opportunity to learn every grand prix
circuit on the calendar. It’s a perfect training ground and will also
help the team in terms of having another car’s data to assist with our
preparation for each race. Timo has really impressed our engineers
with his testing feedback and we are now hoping to guide him through
this next stage of his career with the ultimate aim for him to become
a grand prix driver of the future.”
2/19/04
Button says BAR times are real
Jenson Button has insisted that BAR's continued impressive pace in
testing is not being faked by low-weight glory runs – and that the
team can deliver on its promising form when the season kicks off in
Melbourne, according to this week's AUTOSPORT magazine. Speaking
exclusively to AUTOSPORT, Button said: "Apart from Barcelona, both
with the new car and the interim model, we haven't really gone out to
break the lap record. Now it's just happening that we are quick
because of our work – and that is great and helping to lift everyone
in the team. "I don't know where the others are compared to us, but at
the moment we are just running through all our testing programs and
somehow we always manage to be quick, which is good news. The times
have come as a consequence of the speed of the car, not because we are
going out with fuel loads to set quick times."
2/19/04
Gordon the good guy Last
August, 9-year-old Killian Owen lost his three-and-a-half-year
struggle with leukemia. But in the gym of his east Cobb elementary
school, a climbing wall on a giant mural of a phoenix - a legendary
bird that rises from the ashes to live on - flying triumphantly over a
mountain will keep the youngster's memory alive for generations of
students to come. Dubbed "Killian's Climb," the wall and the mural
were dedicated Tuesday in a ceremony that included heartfelt remarks
by Killian's mother, Grainne Owen, who expressed her gratitude for the
support her family received throughout her son's illness. Killian Owen
was a month shy of his 6th birthday when he was diagnosed in December
1999 with the cancer that eventually took his life. In October 2002, a
relapse put Killian back in the hospital and introduced him to a new
hero, NASCAR driver Robby Gordon, who drives the #31 Cingular Wireless
car. Owen, who lives with his family in the east Cobb subdivision of
Johnson's Landing and works for the Atlanta-based Cingular, asked
Gordon one day if he would mind dropping by the hospital to say hello
to his son. "He came over that day and we couldn't get him to go away.
He visited every room on the cancer ward," Owen recalled. Gordon, who
was a special guest at Tuesday's dedication ceremony, came back many
times to see Killian. "We'd play games, like Dragonstrike, anything to
cheer him up and make him smile," Gordon said. "Every time I was in
town, I'd go see him for three or four hours." When the child was out
of the hospital, Gordon made sure Killian and his family attended
races in which Gordon was competing or that they were with him when he
made special appearances in the community. "Killian didn't know much
about racing before he met Robby, but he became a huge fan," Mrs.
Owen said. For Gordon, Killian's illness and eventual death was a
reality check. "I had a friend whose daughter had cancer, but she
survived," he said. "I live in such a fantasy world that (losing
Killian) really makes my life more real." Gordon is very special to
the Owen family, "not because of how famous he is or how exciting his
job is, but because he's a kind, generous person who made a great
difference in our lives, and Killian loved him," Mrs. Owen said.
Marietta Daily
Journal
2/19/04
Aschenbach secures test for Pacific
Coast Bloomfield Hills, Michigan based management and
marketing firm Sports Management Network, Inc. (“SMN”) announced today
that the firm has reached an agreement with top Toyota Atlantic outfit
Pacific Coast Motorsports for race car driver client Lawson Aschenbach
to test for the team. Aschenbach, a twenty-year old native of
Gaithersburg, Maryland, is the 2002 US Formula 2000 Zetec Series Road
to Indy Oval Champion and multiple race winner in the Zetec series.
Aschenbach, who has also scored championships in karting and Formula
Ford, is currently a sophomore student at Vanderbilt University’s
prestigious School of Engineering in addition to his motorsports
activities. “At this stage of my driving career, it is all about
seat-time and keeping my name out there,” said Aschenbach. “This is a
great opportunity for me to turn some miles in an Atlantic car and
develop a relationship with one of the top teams in the paddock.”
Aschenbach will first test for Pacific Coast Motorsports on February
25, 2004 at Button Willow Raceway. A subsequent test is tentatively
scheduled for March 13, 2004 at Firebird International Raceway.
“Lawson comes highly recommended and widely regarded as one of the
sport’s top up-and-coming drivers,” said Pacific Coast Motorsports
President and Team Director Tyler Tadevic. “We know of his ability to
provide meaningful feedback on car set-up and characteristics. We are
excited to put Lawson in the car.”
2/19/04
Pit Walkabout returns to USGP
The United States Grand Prix pit walkabout, one of the most popular,
fan-friendly features at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in recent
years, will return Thursday, June 17, kicking off the USGP weekend,
June 17-20.
The walkabout will take place from 8 a.m.-noon (EST, local time) and
is free to all 2004 USGP ticket holders. This is one of the few fan
walkabouts available on the 18-event, global F1 schedule in 2004.
The inaugural walkabout last September was a resounding success, as
thousands of fans packed the Formula One garage area and pit road to
get an up-close look at the exotic cars and sophisticated teamwork of
Formula One.
“We’re excited about the return of the pit walkabout to kick off track
activities during the United States Grand Prix,” said Joie Chitwood,
Indianapolis Motor Speedway senior vice president of business affairs.
“The fan response last year was overwhelming, and we learned many
lessons. We will be better prepared to handle the vehicle and
pedestrian traffic associated with this event.
“All of the F1 teams also were greatly impressed with the turnout, and
many team officials asked us after the event how their teams could
become more involved in this fantastic event this year. We are
planning additional activities this year to enhance the day for the
fans.”
During the pit walkabout, fans can walk the pits and stand adjacent to
the open garages, providing a clear view of the sleek cars, high-tech
equipment and skilled personnel of all 10 Formula One teams, including
standouts Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro, BMW WilliamsF1 Team and West
McLaren Mercedes. Those top teams from the 2003 season will lead the
field into the fifth annual Formula One race on the 2.605-mile road
circuit at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
2/19/04
Minardi offered Narain a ride
Indian F1-hopeful Narain Karthikeyan claims back-of-the-grid team
Minardi offered him a full-time seat at the pinnacle of motor sport
this season. He said he turned it down because he couldn't raise
enough sponsorship. Karthikeyan, who raced in the World Series
by Nissan in 2003, tested a Formula One Minardi last December and got
a chance to secure the full-time seat. He told the press: 'They
waited for me to raise the necessary amount before they signed on
[the] others. But I just couldn't get the money together.' "His
lure to sponsors stays his visibility. If he does not get an F1 drive
he'll disappear from the corporate radar for a whole year. He can't
afford that," mentor Sanjay Sharma explained. [Editor's Note:
With so many Indians living in the USA and in Durban, South Africa,
one would think Champ Car would be after this guy. It would
bring enormous popularity to the Champ Car series even if they never
race in India.]
Infineon seeks tie-up with Ferrari and
F1 INFINEON Technologies AG, a top 10 global
semiconductor company, is looking to gain more ground in the
motorsport industry by initiating technical cooperation with Ferrari
and F1 as well as sponsoring racing events like the Porsche Michelin
Supercup in Europe since 2000.
Infineon Technologies Asia Pacific Pte Ltd vice-president of
Asia-Pacific business unit for automotive and industrial, Andrew Chong,
said besides raising the company's profile as a leader in the
automotive semiconductor industry, Infineon's motorsport engagements
also offered an excellent testing ground for its automotive
electronics solutions to make their way to mass-produced cars.
“We will play an increasingly active role in the promotion of
motorsport in Asia and provide leading edge automotive technology to
enhance the success of our motorsport partners in Asia Pacific,” he
said after the launch and test day of the Porsche Infineon Carrera Cup
Asia in Sepang on Saturday.
2/18/04
Andretti added to Subway 400 entry list
John Andretti has been
added to the Subway 400 Entry list. Fox Sport Net's Totally NASCAR
reports that DEI spokesperson says a full time sponsor is not far away
from happening for the team.
2/18/04
Badoer
crashes at Imola, unhurt First day of testing this
week for Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro at the “Enzo e Dino Ferrari”
circuit in Imola. Luca Badoer took to the track today, at the wheel of
an F2003-GA. The Scuderia’s official test driver was working on a tyre
test program. The session ended earlier than planned because of a
heavy crash at the Variante Alta corner, from which the driver emerged
unscathed. Up to that point, he had covered 58 laps, the quickest in a
time of 1’21”412. As a precaution, following the accident, Badoer
underwent some checks which ruled out any problem and confirmed that
he was fit to drive. Testing continues tomorrow, once again with Luca
Badoer on track.
2/18/04
Daytona 500 overnight TV rating
up 13% UPDATE NBC's
coverage of Sunday's Daytona 500 earned a final 10.6/24
national Nielsen rating and was watched by 33.5 million
viewers, making it the second-most watched and
second-highest rated in the 26-year live TV history of the
event. This year's rating represents an 8% improvement over
the 9.8/21 rating for Fox's rain-shortened broadcast last
year. In '02, NBC's inaugural Daytona 500 set a record with
35 million viewers and a 10.9/26 national rating during the
middle Sunday the Salt Lake Olympics (THE DAILY). NBC Sports
President Ken Schanzer: "This reflects the continuing growth
of NASCAR, but also the ratification of the Daytona 500's
status as one of sport's premier events" 2/17/04
- NBC's coverage of the Daytona 500 Sunday from 1:30-5:15pm ET
earned a 10.4/21 overnight Nielsen rating, up 13% from last
year's 9.2/18 overnight for Fox's rain-shortened telecast,
which was rated from 1:00-2:15pm ET and 3:15-4:15pm ET. But
Sunday's 10.4 was down 4% from NBC's 10.8/23 overnight in
'02, the net's previous Daytona 500 telecast. Compare
this to the Indy 500's rating of 4.8 (and dropping) and you
begin to realize how much the creation of the IRL has
damaged the Indy 500, which had 7 and 8 ratings under CART.
Tell us one more time why the IRL was created?
Certainly not to help the Indy 500 or open wheel racing.
When are those responsible for the destruction of Indy Car
Racing going to be held accountable? The problem is
that most journalists are afraid to speak up for fear of
losing their Indy 500 media credential -- a sad state of
affairs indeed.
2/18/04
Tracy on Wind Tunnel tonight
Preparations continue in earnest for the 2004 Champ Car World
Series campaign, with drivers, teams and sponsors putting
their plans into place for the April 18 season opener on the
streets of Long Beach. All of these plans are
geared toward holding the Vanderbilt Cup at the end of the
season, and the man currently in possession of it will share
his thoughts with race fans tonight on Speed Channel’s
popular Wind Tunnel program. Defending Champ Car
titlist Paul Tracy will join host Dave Despain tonight on
Wind Tunnel to discuss preparations for the 2004 campaign.
Tracy, who won seven races and six poles last year on his
way to the title for Forsythe Racing, will call into the
program and be on the air at approximately 10:45 p.m.
Eastern Time. The Speed Channel show, which had been airing
at 9 p.m., was recently moved to a 10 p.m. time slot.
2/18/04
Montoya smashes records in
Valencia Williams driver Juan Pablo Montoya
once again showed the potential and promise of the Williams
FW26 by setting the unofficial track record in testing at
Valencia today. Jenson Button came home second quick for the
day and again looked impressive but the surprise was Jaguar
newcomer Christian Klien who posted the 3rd quickest
circuit. Noteworthy was also the fact that Klien's Jaguar
ran 110 trouble-free laps in his test program.
(Pos, Driver, Team, Tires, Best time, No. of laps)
1. Juan Pablo Montoya Williams-BMW M 1m09.103s 85
2. Jenson Button BAR-Honda M 1m09.467s 98
3. Christian Klien Jaguar M 1m09.514s 110
4. Takuma Sato BAR-Honda M 1m09.893s 67
5. Mark Webber Jaguar M 1m09.894s 144
6. Kimi Raikkonen McLaren-Mercedes M 1m10.219s 101
7. Ricardo Zonta Toyota M 1m10.250s 126
8. Anthony Davidson BAR-Honda M 1m10.299s 80
9. Marc Gene Williams-BMW M 1m10.301s 81
10. David Coulthard McLaren-Mercedes M 1m10.412s 92
11. Cristiano da Matta Toyota-Toyota M 1m10.532s 74
2/18/04
Grand-Am to sanction Formula
Renault in NA
Grand American Road
Racing Association President Roger Edmondson recently
announced that Grand American has reached an agreement with
Race Team Promotions to become the sanctioning body of the
North American Formula Renault Championships.
"Grand American is pleased to announce our sanctioning of
the Formula Renault Championships. It is our goal to provide
American race fans with exciting, competitive road racing in
all forms - sports car, production car and open-wheel," said
Edmondson.
The North American Formula Renault Championships are
comprised of three classes, each utilizing different Formula
Renault platforms. The North American Formula Renault 1600
Championship provides the entry-level category for young
drivers graduating from the karting ranks, with the North
American Formula Renault 2000 Championship providing the
next step up with its increases in power and grip creating
new challenges for the drivers to master.
"This agreement with Grand American is very important to the
series and our drivers,” said Brett Ross, General Manager,
North American Formula Renault Championships. "Having a
sanctioning body like Grand American behind the Formula
Renault program gives this new series an unprecedented
amount of credibility. I look forward to working with their
front office on a regular basis.”
The top rung of the North American Formula Renault
Championships is the Renault V6, which features the latest
in open-wheel technology, employing paddle shifters mounted
on the steering column for the sequential gearbox, which
handles the impressive (370bhp) output of the Renault V6
engine.
RaceTeam Promotions is in the final stages of finalizing a
2004 schedule, which is likely to involve a number of race
events with the growing Grand-Am series, as well as possibly
including dates with both Champ Car and Formula One. The
first race meeting is scheduled for April 8th on the road
course at Phoenix International Raceway with the Grand
American Rolex Sports Car Series. The schedule will give the
teams and drivers the opportunity to race on some
spectacular tracks, in front of very large crowds.
2/18/04
Pennzoil to sponsor #99
Roush Racing announced today that Pennzoil will be the primary
sponsor on the No. 99 Ford of Jeff Burton for the Las Vegas
race on Sunday, March 7, 2004. "We're real excited to have
Pennzoil on the No. 99 Ford for Las Vegas," said Burton.
"Pennzoil is a primary sponsor on the No. 9 Busch car but
it's great to have them on the Cup car as well. They are a
great partner for Roush Racing and they provide us with a
product that is second to none. We look forward to running
up front with the No. 99 Pennzoil Ford in a couple weeks."
Pennzoil is also a primary sponsor on the No. 9 Busch car
which is shared by Burton, Mark Martin and Matt Kenseth. In
addition, Pennzoil will be the primary sponsor on Greg
Biffle's NEXTEL Cup car for the first Pocono race. The
addition of Pennzoil as the primary sponsor for the No. 99
Roush Racing Ford in Las Vegas is the latest in the
continued search for a full-time sponsor on the No. 99 Ford.
This announcement comes at a time when interest in the
program is increasing each day. "There is a lot of interest
in the program right now," said Burton. "The team needs to
stay focused on the racing right now while our marketing
department does their job. We have a lot of irons in the
fire and I feel confident that we'll have more announcements
in the future."
2/18/04 F3000
Arden team completes 3-day test
The Arden Team have today in Jerez concluded their first test
of 2004 with new drivers, Vitantonio Liuzzi (IT) and Robert
Doornbos (NL). After the three days of running at the
Spanish circuit, 22 year old Vitantonio Liuzzi recorded the
second quickest time of the test, 0.05 from the fastest time
recorded. The Italian was closely followed by Robert
Doornbos where he set a time of 0.02 slower thus completing
the test in second and third positions. Seventeen
drivers took part at this test including former Arden
driver, Tomas Enge who recorded the seventh fastest time. Vitantonio Liuzzi commented, “I am very happy with my first
major test with the Team. During the three days, we have
done a lot of work and I feel very comfortable within the
car. I was a little unlucky with traffic and red flags but
feel sure there is a lot more time to come.” Robert
Doornbos commented, “This test has been really interesting
and I am pleased with the times I have managed to achieve
both in qualifying and race specifications. I am really
enjoying working with the Team and am looking forward to the
season ahead.” Christian Horner commented, “We have
had three very productive days and covered a lot of mileage
with both cars working to specific programs. Vitantonio
has been consistently quick throughout the testing and I am
especially pleased with the positive start that Robert has
made. It is also very encouraging to see seventeen drivers
competing at this test and 2004 looks set to be another very
competitive year.”
2/18/04
NASCAR erases Mario Andretti from their
database UPDATE The explanation
from NASCAR is that not all the data was moved over to the
"media" historical database yet and Mario's information will
eventually appear. 2/18/04 - We have been documenting the oval track cartel's efforts to snuff out
CART, a road racing series. Perhaps this little tidbit will
underscore just how bad it is. We were looking at the NASCAR
media historical database. Mario Andretti's name has been erased
completely from the data even though he won the 1967 Daytona 500.
For example, every lap of that race he led shows no data for who led
the lap. In fact it shows lap 158 as the last lap of the race, which
was the last lap Andretti did not lead. I guess Bill France Sr.
was THAT pissed a "Damn Yankee" won his crown jewel and beat their
Golden Boy Fred Lorenzen with ease. A sad state of affairs and a
real stab in the back to America's all-time great driver Mario
Andretti, and to open wheel racing.
2/18/04
Champ Car safety innovations on
History Channel tonight
The science of Champ Car racing is every bit as vital to the
success of the series as anything that happens in the
cockpit of a 750hp turbocharged open-wheel race car. The
science of safety is one of the key elements in making the
Champ Car World Series one of the premier racing series in
the world, and the History Channel will give viewers an
in-depth look at how technology helps keep drivers safe in
tonight’s episode of its Modern Marvels series. The episode
titled Race Track Tech, will premiere this evening at 10
p.m. Eastern Time. The hour-long show will feature Champ
Cars along with other racing series in a behind-the-scenes
look at how technicians create the safety innovations that
protect drivers. A feature interview with Champ Car team
owner Derrick Walker will take viewers through what happened
to his team’s Reynard machine during a 2002 crash at Surfers
Paradise, Australia. The episode will display how all of the
safety procedures in place helped keep the drivers safe
through a violent multi-car crash.
2/18/04
Kenny Brack rehab update
Team Rahal's Kenny Brack gave a giant sigh of relief last week
when he threw away the crutches and rolled the wheelchair
into the closet. Brack, seriously injured last October
at Texas Motor Speedway in the IRL IndyCar Series finale,
continues his rehabilitation near his home in Upper
Arlington, Ohio.
Brack suffered fractures to his back, breastbone, ribs,
right leg and both ankles and later had his gall bladder
removed due to the horrific crash. But the popular Swede,
who hopes to return to the wheel of the No. 15
Pioneer/Argent Mortgage Honda G-Force later this year, has
turned into a "workaholic" at Ohio Orthopedic Center of
Excellence in his five-hour-a-day, five-day-a-week rehab
sessions.
"It felt so great to walk again and without the crutches,"
said Brack, the 1998 IRL champion and 1999 Indy 500 winner.
"It was great to see my daughter Karma grow this last month
and even changing diapers hasn't been that bad. I'm just
glad I'm able to do it right now."
Brack knows he is lucky to workout and lucky to see his
daughter after the 193-G Load crash that ended the 2003 IRL
IndyCar Series.
"It feels a little strange not to be able to be in the
middle of the action and instead follow everything from
home," said Brack. "But I have made very good strides in
rehab the last couple of weeks and feel more and more
energized for each week that goes by. It is weekly that the
improvements come. Mondays I feel the best and then by
Friday I feel really tired after having worked out to the
maximum everyday. Then I get a couple of days rest over the
weekend and then we start over again."
Brack's goals are little ones for now but he does believe he
can get back to normal.
"I am still not sure when I will be back to "normal" but I
can tell you that I am very determined to make as fast
a recovery as possible and am working as hard as I can," he
said. "In one month, I have gone from being "wheelchair
bound" to walking on my own without any aids. My level of
energy has also greatly improved, I can manage everything I
need on my own now and be up all day."
Kenny knows he must continue to improve his physical
strength by working hard.
"Last week we started to workout with heavier weights as my
bones, or more precisely, the right ankle now can take it,"
Brack said. "My right ankle was the worst as we have
stretched and pulled it in an effort to get the mobility and
full movement back after four months of nearly no activity.
But like the saying goes 'no pain no gain.' It was a great
feeling walking again."
(Brack will be featured on SPEED CHANNEL's "Wind Tunnel" on
Wed., Feb. 18, at 10 p.m., EST.)
Alex Yoong to do TV
Malaysia's first-ever Formula 1 driver, Alex Yoong, has reached an
agreement with Asia's number one satellite sports broadcaster,
ESPN-STAR, to host a series of Formula One Preview and Review shows
for the 18-race calendar of the 2004 FIA Formula One World
Championship. Yoong revealed the arrangement in Kuala
Lumpur today saying, "TV broadcasting work offers up a whole bunch of
new challenges, and I am looking forward to seeing how this whole
project works out. With my Formula One experience, I hope to bring a
new dimension to the viewers about what is the greatest show on earth.
It is great to be associated with ESPN-STAR which has the longest
experience of bringing the F1 shows to the Asian audience."
"The deal also allows me to record the programs from wherever I may
be, which is important as I will still be racing this year," added
Yoong. Yoong will be heading to ESPN-STAR's studios later this
month to record the preview for the opening round, the Australian
Grand Prix, which will kick off the new season in Melbourne on March
07, 2004.
2/17/04 Industry News
Toyota ponders expansion
Toyota is beginning to contemplate where to build its next plant -- or
plants -- in North America. While most automakers
see the U.S. market as overcrowded, Toyota sees long-term growth
potential beyond expanding its annual capacity to 1.66 million cars
and trucks by 2006. President Fujio Cho noted last week that the U.S.
population is expected to double by 2050. But as Toyota,
Lexus and Scion brand sales continue to grow -- they captured more
than 11 percent of the U.S. market last year -- the automaker will
need more plants to sustain the fact that 62 percent of North American
sales are vehicles produced in North America. "It would be
wrong to say we are already looking . . . but I think this is just
about the time that we have to start thinking about what is next,"
Yoshimi Inaba, Toyota Motor Corp. senior managing director in charge
of the Americas, said in an interview last month. Dennis
Cuneo, senior vice president of Toyota's North American holding
company, reiterated last week that "no specific search" has begun.
The location and timing of Toyota's next plant will be driven by the
company's sense of what products are most needed for the United
States, Canada, Mexico and potential export markets, Inaba said.
Toyota may wish to build a plant within easy access of suppliers that
make parts for similar Toyota vehicles -- such as Camrys made in
Kentucky or pickups in Texas and Indiana. Access to a deep
and largely untapped labor pool would be another key factor in the
decision, said David Cole, director of the Ann Arbor-based Center for
Automotive Research. "I think they will be looking for a large
pool of educable workers where they (Toyota) would be the
highest-paying employer," Cole said. A leading candidate
would certainly be Arkansas, which has no auto assembly plants.
Detroit Free Press
2/17/04
Dyno tests show HP variation
NASCAR's chassis dyno runs after Thursday's 125-mile qualifying races
showed the gap between the winners and the others to be sizable.
Elliott Sadler's Ford engine pulled 422 horsepower at the rear wheels,
a bit more than the Chevy motors of Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Kevin
Harvick. Tony Stewart's motor was at 409. Roger Purcell,
Stewart's engine man, said he's surprised by the gains rivals made
over the winter in friction reduction in the motor and drive train.
"The bigger plate holes should mean about 30 more horsepower, but
we've been surprised, got a little egg on our face," Purcell said.
"The gap between 422 and 409 is pretty big; that's over two percent.
"So we're at a little disadvantage. But Tony did a good job driving,
and they did a good with the car."
Winston Salem Journal
2/17/04
J3
Racing announces 2004 drivers
J3 Racing, based in Buford, Georgia, is pleased to announce British
FIA GT Championship driver Tim Sugden as co-driver with Justin Jackson
for the 2004 ALMS season. The J3 Racing team will debut its new, 2004
Porsche 911 GT3RSR at the upcoming Mobil 1 12 Hours of Sebring at
Sebring International Raceway on Saturday, March 13, 2004.
Tim Sugden comes to J3 Racing with impressive racing credentials that
include participation in the FIA GT Championship from 1997 through
2003 including a British GT Championship in 1997. Tim has also
competed in the 24 Hours of LeMans, finishing 4th overall in 1998.
The
J3 Racing team recently moved into its new state-of-the-art racing
facility close to Road Atlanta in Buford, Georgia and has begun
testing the new car in preparations for the upcoming season. As
previously announced, J3 Racing will also campaign a second Porsche
911 GT3RS for as yet-to-be-determined drivers. That second car will be
the same car that the team campaigned in 2003 in the GT Class.
“We are very excited about Tim joining J3 Racing for the entire 2004
season,” said Jaye Jackson, owner of J3 Racing. Added Jaye, “We have
had several very talented drivers’ contact us about the 2004 season
but we felt that Tim with all of his experience would be a great
partner for Justin to compete for the GT Championship this year.”
About J3 Racing: J3 Racing, based in Buford, Georgia, is a family
owned and operated racing organization. Team owner, Jaye Jackson,
along with his two sons operate the business on a daily basis in a
11,000 square foot racing facility located about 10 miles Southwest of
Road Atlanta.
The J3 Racing facility also serves as a Porsche race-car repair and
maintenance facility for many Porsche racers within North America in
various classes. J3 Racing’s goals are to win the 2004 GT Class
Championship in the American LeMans Series and they have hired some of
the best Porsche racing mechanics to assist them in their endeavors.
2/17/04
Sun
and not all fun for Haberfeld
For those of you who expected Brazilian driver Mario Haberfeld to
spend his off-season back in his homeland, laying on the beach sipping
on coconut water, guess what? You were wrong! Haberfeld has spent most
of his time preparing for the upcoming Champ Car World Series season
undergoing some heavy-duty physical training. “The physical demands of
a Champ Car race are tremendous”, commented the Brazilian, adding that
“in order to perform at my best, it is vital that my body and mind are
always functioning at 100% capacity”.
Haberfeld’s arduous training regimen consists of a daily mix of
running, cycling, weight-lifting and swimming, all of which is closely
monitored by his long-time physical trainer J.R. Delia. In addition to
all the training, Haberfeld also recently submitted himself to
something called a VO2 Max test. Technically speaking, VO2 Max is the
maximum volume of oxygen consumed by the body each minute during
exercise, while breathing air at sea level. “It is fascinating how
technology is able to pinpoint exactly where you stand with regards to
your physical condition. There is no way to cheat the machine”, joked
the Brazilian.
It is expected that Haberfeld will make an announcement regarding his team
for the upcoming season within the next couple of weeks. Meanwhile, he
continues with his training regimen, anxious for the new season to
start. “I have been diligent at preparing myself for the new Champ Car
World Series, and look forward to having a great sophomore year in
Champ Cars”, concluded the driver.
2/17/04
IndyFest set for Homestead race
The Toyota Indy 300, the IRL IndyCar Series season-opener, Feb. 27-29
at the NEW Homestead-Miami Speedway, is just around the corner. In
celebration of one of the biggest race weekends in motorsports, Toyota
IndyFest in Coconut Grove's Peacock Park kicks off the festivities on
Thursday, Feb. 26 from 5 - 11 p.m.
This free-to-the-public outdoor extravaganza will feature an exclusive
pre-season IndyCar Series Preview, driver autograph sessions, IndyCar
showcars, the SunTrust Media Challenge, interactive racing displays, a
live performance by Gainesville, Fla. natives Big Sky, food and
beverage and much, much more.
"We invite all of South Florida to feel the excitement of the IndyCars
up close and personal at this year's Toyota IndyFest at Coconut
Grove's Peacock Park," said Curtis Gray, President Homestead-Miami
Speedway. "What better place to throw a party than the Grove to
kickoff the big race weekend?"
Toyota IndyFest will include an exclusive introduction to the entire
IndyCar driver line-up hosted by local radio legend Paul Castronovo
followed by a driver autograph session. Fans can also enjoy a
multitude of IndyCar Series showcars, interactive displays, and
entertainment. Interactive displays at Toyota IndyFest include:
· Indy Car Challenge, Race against your friends and family on this
high-performance racing mobile racing simulator using real IndyCars on
real IndyCar tracks including Homestead-Miami Speedway.
· Indy KidZone, Where Kids of all ages can experience IndyCar racing
first-hand.
· IndyRacing Live, Home to the Exclusive Pre-Season IRL IndyCar Series
Driver Preview; Driver Autograph Sessions; and Live Entertainment.
· Indy Racing Pit Stop Challenge, Where you and your friends can
compete against each other in a simulated IndyCar pit stop.
Toyota IndyFest will also be the site for the fourth annual SunTrust
Media Challenge where South Florida media personalities square off in
a hilarious IndyCar pit crew competition. The winning team will
receive a $5,000 donation to their favorite charity.
The Coconut Grove area is known for its eclectic attitude as well as a
flair for fun, and the local business community is highly anticipating
the Toyota IndyFest event on Feb. 26. The event is sure to bring more
patrons to the area, while generating significant exposure for Coconut
Grove. Select retailers throughout the Grove are providing special
offers for patrons who stop by the IndyFest info booth to pick up
their "GroveBucks."
"Toyota IndyFest promises to be a successful event for Coconut Grove
and all its merchants bringing South Florida race fans to the Grove
and providing our patrons with a new, entertaining experience," said
David Collins, President Coconut Grove Merchants Association. "It's a
win-win for everybody involved."
2/17/04
Record SPEED ratings
The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series kicked off its second exclusive
season with SPEED Channel in grand fashion, scoring a Nielsen Rating
of 1.61 (980,000 households). SPEED's household delivery was up 70
percent from just a year ago, when the season opener scored a 1.03
with 576,000 households.
"A little more than a year ago, NASCAR and Craftsman put a lot of
faith in SPEED Channel in moving the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series to
the network," said SPEED Channel President Jim Liberatore. "The series
immediately became a top priority for SPEED and these numbers are
commensurate with the effort everyone involved has given over the last
year."
The Florida Dodge Dealers 250 peaked at a rating of 1.90 from 9:30
p.m. to 9:45 p.m. ET, putting the race in more than one million
households (1,156,000). Capturing a younger audience, the Men 18-49
rating was 1.31, with a peak of 1.69 (629,000 households) -- the
highest rated M18-49 and HH telecast on SPEED since the network
started receiving daily overnights and up 82 percent from a year ago.
"SPEED Channel's promotion and coverage of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck
Series has been outstanding," said Jeffrey Pollack, Managing Director
of Broadcasting and New Media for NASCAR Digital Entertainment. "This
television partnership delivers a superior viewing experience for our
fans, and is creating more value and exposure for drivers, teams and
tracks in the series. Thanks to SPEED's efforts, our ratings are
growing strong."
The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series finished off a string of strong
SPEED Channel ratings from Daytona, including a 1.36 Nielsen mark for
the ARCA race and a .77 (466,000 households) for the inaugural Crown
Royal International Race of Champions on SPEED Channel. The replay of
the IROC race later in the evening scored a .81 (493,000 households).
A lot went into SPEED Channel's Daytona effort that gave race fans
more than 70 hours of programming from NASCAR's season-opening Speed
Weeks.
2/17/04
Panoz
Batmobile to race at Sebring
The ultra-popular Panoz GTR1 coupe, affectionately known to
sports car racing fans as the "Batmobile," will return to
competition for two races in the experienced and capable
hands of the championship-winning French racing team Larbre
Competition. The Larbre team will make its racing debut with
the Panoz GTR1 in the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring, the
opening race of the 2004 American Le Mans Series season,
Mar. 17-20 at Sebring (Fla.) International Raceway. Drivers
for the team will be Christophe Bouchut, Jean-Luc
Blanchemain and Roland Berville, all of France. The team
also plans to race the Panoz in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in
France June 12-13. "We are very pleased to be able to
compete at Sebring with the Panoz GTR1," said Jack Leconte,
owner of Larbre Competition. "The history of the car is very
well-known as is the popularity it has achieved with race
fans in Europe and in America. With the advances that have
been made with both the car and the Elan Power engine, we
feel that the car has the potential to achieve very good
results in an endurance race and we look forward to racing
it." The Panoz GTR1 "Batmobile" was an enormous crowd
favorite and formed the basic platform of the Panoz LMP-01
that raced in the American Le Mans Series from 1999 through
2003. The GTR1 raced in 1997 and 1998 before being converted
to Le Mans Prototype spec for the 1999 season. Originally
run in what at the time was called the GT1 class, the Panoz
has been upgraded and homologated and will compete at
Sebring and Le Mans in the LMP1 class, racing against such
cars as the Audi R8 and Lola-MG. After a competition hiatus
since 1998, the Panoz GTR1 was brought out of retirement by
owner Don Panoz and competed in last November's inaugural Le
Mans Endurance Series event at the Le Mans Bugatti circuit.
"When we raced the car at Le Mans last year, we hoped that
someone would take notice and want to do some more races
with the car," said Panoz, who has leased the car to Larbre
and is not involved in the Sebring entry. "It's gratifying
that a racing team with the credentials of Larbre saw that
the old girl still has a lot of potential and wanted to race
her again. The Panoz has a lot of loyal supporters and I'm
sure they will be very happy to hear that the car will be
racing at Sebring." Larbre Competition, which most recently
has raced Chrysler Vipers in selected endurance races and in
the FIA GT Series, has a successful history dating back to
1993 when it won the GT class in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
2/17/04
OWRS completes purchase of
Champ Car
Open Wheel Racing Series, LLC, and Champ Car today announced
that it has finalized the acquisition of the assets formerly
held by Championship Auto Racing Teams and will now commence
with the operation of the Champ Car World Series. “We
are pleased that the deal has finally been completed and
that we can shift our focus to the racing,” said OWRS
partner and Forsythe Racing team owner Gerald Forsythe.
“This process has given us a better appreciation of the
passion within the Champ Car community and we intend to
reward everyone by conducting the finest racing series
possible.” The formal agreement has now reached
completion, with all parties signing required documents and
transferring appropriate contracts to the OWRS. The
contracts include those signed with race promoters and
selected manufacturers as well as with employees of the
series. “I have been through a number of business dealings
in my time,” said OWRS partner and PK Racing team owner
Kevin Kalkhoven. “But this has been one of the toughest. It
took a great amount of work and commitment from a lot of
people and we are very pleased with the result.” “We could
never have done this deal and kept Champ Car alive without
the dedication, cooperation and spirit of everyone involved
with the series,” said OWRS partner and Rocketsports Racing
team owner Paul Gentilozzi. “We are at the threshold of
taking the series to a whole new level and we look forward
to many great years with the Champ Cars.” The Champ
Car World Series will now look ahead to its season-opening
Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach April 18, which will kick
off a 2004 campaign that culminates with the awarding of the
Vanderbilt Cup to the series champion. Defending series
champion Paul Tracy will headline a driver roster that will
include drivers from around the world including Adrian
Fernandez, Michel Jourdain Jr., Bruno Junqueira and
Sebastien Bourdais.
2/17/04
One more Boss in Champ Car
The Champ Car World Series community grew by one member on
Monday when 2003 Dale Coyne Racing driver Geoff Boss and his
wife Monica announced the birth of their daughter Charlotte
Boss. The first child for the family, Charlotte came into
the world at 10:50 a.m. Monday, weighing seven pounds and
three ounces. Both mother and daughter are fine and resting
comfortably. Boss completed his rookie season in the Champ
Car World Series in 2003, competing in 11 races in the #11
Cross Pens/Lacoste Dale Coyne Racing
Ford-Cosworth/Lola/Bridgestone. He had his best-ever Champ
Car finish in the season finale, gaining 10 spots from his
grid position to place ninth in Surfers Paradise. Prior to
joining Champ Car, Geoff competed in the Indy Lights series
for four seasons, winning in Toronto in 1999 while with
Lucas-Place Motorsports
2/17/04
Tuesday Imola and Valencia test
times
Valencia day 1
Pos Driver Car-Engine Time Laps
1 David Coulthard McLaren-Mercedes M 1m09.844s 69
2 Kimi Raikkonen McLaren-Mercedes M 1m10.072s 70 Imola day 1 Pos Driver Car-Engine Laps Time
1 Alonso Renault 78 1:20.480
2 Trulli Renault 85 1:20.736
3 Massa Sauber 69 1:22.001
4 Fisichella Sauber 62 1:22.302
5 Heidfeld Jordan 61 1:22.419
6 Pantano Jordan 61 1:24.265
2/17/04
Workman
to drive for American Spirit Racing team
American Spirit Racing announced today a marketing
partnership with M3 Motorsports in its American Le Mans
Series Lola/Nissan operation in LMP2. Jason Workman joins
American Spirit Racing as driver. “The marketing partnership
of M3 Motorsports and American Spirit Racing will produce
one of the most powerful operations in endurance racing,”
claims Jon Lewis, President of American Spirit Racing. “Alex
and I became acquainted last year while he was representing
Jason Workman with Tony Dowe as Chief Engineer at Essex
Racing. I have the highest respect for Alex and his
intensity for the sport, and I look forward to a great
future from our association.” “I am very pleased to finalize
this partnership with American Spirit Racing,” added Alex
Graas. “Jon (Lewis) runs an exceptional racing operation and
continues to expand its capabilities. I also think that
bringing Jason Workman and Tony Dowe back together to the
team was a great move. This partnership worked extremely
well in 2003 and, now with the help of American Spirit
Racing, I expect an even stronger campaign this coming
season.” M3 Motorsports is a management and marketing
company that was set up by Alex Graas in 2003 to oversee his
growing involvement in motor racing here in the United
States. Graas, from the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, is a
veteran sports management and consulting executive. He has
managed the career of young American driver, Jason Workman,
for several years and has been instrumental in Workman’s
continued success on the race track. The daily operations of
M3 are run by marketing director Francis Perfetto. “We have
made some exciting changes to our driver line up from our
original entry,” stated Lewis. “Jason Workman will drive the
#11 entry for American Spirit Racing in 2004. I am extremely
excited about having someone as talented and professional as
Jason on board for the 2004 season. This is a tremendous
addition for our operation and I am extremely optimistic
about our performance and results this year.” “I can’t wait
to get back in that cockpit,” said Workman. “The Lola-Nissan
proved to be an exceptionally reliable package last year.
For 2004, I think we can improve upon the already superb
results we attained last year. I want to thank American
Spirit Racing for adding me to their team roster. It is a
great opportunity and I plan on taking every advantage of
it!”
2/17/04
Jim Beam and Wheldon could
deliver $1 million Jim
Beam, the world's number-one bourbon, is offering one lucky
person the opportunity to attend the Indianapolis 500 and a
chance to win a $1 million grand prize if Indy Racing
League® IndyCar® Series standout Dan Wheldon wins the 88th
Indianapolis 500 on May 30, as part of its Jim Beam/Indy 500
Sweepstakes. Fans can enter the Jim Beam/Indy 500
Sweepstakes now through April 15 at
www.jimbeam.com.
Jim Beam will fly the lucky fan and three guests to the
Indianapolis Motor Speedway to watch Wheldon, the 2003
IndyCar Series Bombardier Rookie of the Year, compete in
"The Greatest Spectacle in Racing." Jim Beam is a co-major
sponsor of Wheldon in the IndyCar Series and an associate
sponsor of his Andretti Green Racing teammates Tony Kanaan
and Dario Franchitti. "Jim Beam, the world's
number-one bourbon, is proud to partner with Andretti Green
Racing, Dan Wheldon and the Indy 500, the world's largest
one-day sporting event, to provide someone a chance to
experience the excitement first hand," said Adam Dettman,
brand manager for Jim Beam. "Dan is a first-class race car
driver and is sure to give the lucky fan a winning chance
for the million-dollar prize. We hope to celebrate with them
both in the winner's circle."
The grand prize package includes:
·Round-trip airfare for the winner and three guests to
Indianapolis
·Hotel accommodations for three nights
·Ground transportation, per diem and four Indy 500 race
tickets
·Chance to win $1 million
No purchase necessary. This sweepstakes is open only to U.S.
residents 21 years of age or older. This sweepstakes is void
where prohibited. Sweepstakes is subject to complete
official rules. Complete details can be found at
www.jimbeam.com. The
winner will be announced May 7.
2/17/04 Formula Renault
FR2000 drivers get first taste
of V6 power After watching in anticipation
the debut rollout of the Formula Renault V6 at the hands of
official Renault Sport development driver Emanuel Clerico
this weekend, several FR2000 Winter Invitational drivers got
the opportunity to experience first hand the new machine for
themselves, as the powerful machine was put through its
paces in testing. Gustavo Sondermann was the first
driver to take the controls, having earned the opportunity
as part of the comprehensive prize package for the FR2000
Winter Invitational, and was up to speed right away despite
never having driven the car before, setting lap times on the
road course that threatened previously set track records.
“It was really, really good,” said a smiling Sondermann. “It
has a very strong engine, and there is a lot of downforce on
the car. The tires are also very good, with lots of grip in
the slow corners so you can carry so much speed. I am really
very happy to have had this opportunity, I can’t wait to get
back into this car!” Sean McIntosh and Marc-Antoine
Camirand were next to take the wheel, and both emerged from
the cockpit with a similar enthusiasm to Sondermann.
McIntosh, who had driven the car briefly once last season in
testing in Europe, felt as though his previous test had
taken place so long ago that it hadn’t prepared him as well
for the V6 as had the time he’d spent in the Formula Renault
2000 had.
“It was awesome!” said McIntosh “It didn’t take that long to
get used to it at all. It has much more grip than the 2000
car does of course, but I think the two liter is good
preparation for this car—if you can be fast in the 2000, you
can really do well in the V6. I just wish I could have done
more laps!”
Gelles Racing pilot Camirand, who has raced previously in
FF2000, Atlantics, and in the LMP675 class, as well as
having tested the Panoz P900 roadster, adjusted quickly to
the car and was well suited to compare the new machine to a
variety of other cars. “It was a very nice car to
drive, with better power than the Atlantic, and a very
smooth delivery with all the torque available all over the
powerband,” observed Camirand. “The carbon brakes were very,
very, strong, and I know that there could be much better lap
times once I get used to the braking power of the car. It
was really fast, but not brutal, and I also loved the paddle
shifting.” The FR2000 Winter Invitational will
conclude this weekend, with the fifth and final round of the
championship slated to take place this afternoon.
2/17/04
Industry News
Brands Hatch slashes staff,
no Champ Car return
More than 40 jobs from the 120 person work force at the
Brands Hatch circuit were eliminated as new owners
Motorsport Vision – headed by former Formula One driver
Jonathan Palmer – started restructuring the business.
Palmer’s company bought Brands along with other UK race
tracks, Cadwell Park, Snetterton and Oulton Park, last month
in a deal worth an estimated £40m from US advertising giant
the Interpublic Group (IPG) – parent company of Octagon.
Palmer was quoted in the UK media saying: “The key issue
with Brands Hatch is that it has not been making money
recently. The group [prior to the sale] had been losing £3m
a year for the last couple of years, and it has also lost
Silverstone. The Brands Hatch head count was
also servicing Silverstone as part of the group – that is
not now part of the group, and those extra staff have only
now been reduced.” Palmer said operational and
maintenance staff at the track had not been affected by the
cuts, but that the retail sales force had seen ‘sizable’
cut-backs. Middle management positions were also heavily
hit. “What we are doing is taking the prudent steps
that any sensible person would to ensure the future success
of Brands Hatch as a venue. It cannot continue as a
successful venue if it keeps losing money. I am absolutely
committed to a successful motor racing future at Brands
Hatch, but in order to achieve it, it is essential we have a
workforce that is appropriate for the level of business.”
He also confirmed what many assumed was a foregone
conclusion – that CART would not be returning to the UK for
2004 or 2005. More than 58,500 fans gathered for the
CART weekend at Brands last year but that wasn't nearly
enough to offset the huge costs to bring the series
overseas.
2/17/04
Where are all the
announcements? A reader writes, Dear AutoRacing1.com, I
thought we were going to see some announcements after OWRS
took control of Champ Car. Aside from a few incidental
rules change announcements, I have seen nothing substantive,
like a 2004 schedule for example. Doug Williams,
Long Beach, CA. Dear Doug, We have been asked that
question by a number of people. Here is the situation.
OWRS principals are going all-out traveling around the globe
to complete deals. As you can imagine, the task ahead
of them is monumental, but quite doable. They have
still not finalized all the paperwork required by the
courts. In an AP story today, it was reported -
"Apparently the money has changed hands, apparently the
deal's pretty much done," CART spokesman Eric Mauk said.
"It's just that everybody's scattered all over the globe.
... They're just trying to get guys to put pen to paper and
get all the papers in one place." The deal was to have
been finalized on Friday. Except for the final paperwork,
however, there is nothing holding up the sale, Mauk said.
"From what I understand - I've been talking to lawyers
pretty much every hour trying to see what's up - they're
waiting on one or two papers to be signed," he said.
There is nothing to be alarmed about, they just need to
stand still long enough to sign everything. Meanwhile,
now that Spring Training will not have any on-track time for
the cars, the Sneak Preview slated for March 8 & 9 in Long
Beach will now be a 2-day series of press conferences where
OWRS and the teams will fill two days with announcements and
press conferences. As we understand it, most of the
announcements we expect will happen then, though we do
anticipate a possible schedule announcement before then.
2/17/04
Jaguar signs Wirdheim
Jaguar Racing has today announced that Swedish driver Bjorn Wirdheim
has signed to join the team as official test driver and 1st reserve
driver. Bjorn successfully completed a series of tests with the team
and has immediately started work in his new role in preparation for
the forthcoming Melbourne Grand Prix. Speaking from Sweden, Bjorn
said: "I am delighted to be joining Jaguar Racing in my new role and
look forward to helping the team in achieving its goals this season.
There are some really good people in the team and I have settled in
quite quickly. There is a lot of work ahead but I am excited about
this and look forward to contributing to the continued development of
the R5". Managing Director, David Pitchforth added; " I am pleased to
be able to welcome Bjorn to the team at this time and I know that he
will be a great asset in the team moving forward. We have all been
working incredibly hard on the R5 and the added benefit of a third
driver will be a great help both to the development team and of course
to our drivers Mark Webber and Christian Klien".
2/17/04
Todt receives honorary degree
The University of Florence has conferred on Ferrari's General
Director of the Gestione Sportiva, Jean Todt, an honorary degree in
mechanical engineering.
Todt accepted the academic title, awarded for 'the work done in the
development of advanced technology in the sports automobile sector
conducted with the contribution of university-industry research
collaborations.' The ceremony formed part of the celebrations to mark
the 80th year of the Florentine academy's founding. Augusto Martinelli,
the rector, was on hand to bestow the degree. He underlined how
important the link between Ferrari and the faculty of engineering at
Florence University was, considering how many ex-students went on to
work at the Maranello headquarters.
"I am the third in the Ferrari-Maserati group to receive such an
honour," stated Jean Todt during his talk. "I follow in the footsteps
of President Montezemolo, who was recognised by the University of
Modena, and Ross Brawn, who was awarded his degree by the University
of Ancona."
"Motor-racing has always been my great love. Ever since I was a boy,
my dream has been to be a part of motor-racing. I began with rallying
and then moved onto Formula 1, with Ferrari, in 1993. For me, Ferrari
has always been mythical. Many people believed that I would not have
lasted long, that it would have been even harder for a foreigner. I,
myself, would not have said that I would have been here so long, but,
on the contrary, I am still here almost eleven years later."
"The success of a team or an athlete, whatever the sport, is
indisputable: the result speaks for itself. Among the tasks of a
manager is the ability to deal with defeat but also with victories.
Right from the beginning it is important to learn the lessons of the
first and to learn to come back from defeat; from the second, the
motivation has to be found to repeat a victory," reflected Todt. "At
Ferrari we have worked very hard to achieve our success."
"For three consecutive years between 1997 to 1999, victory in the
Drivers' championships eluded us at the very last moment while the
Constructors' title arrived in 1999, after a drought dating back to
1983. 2000 was the turning point, followed by success in 2001, 2002
and 2003. We don't want to stop here. The laws of sport state that it
is impossible to always win and we are prepared for defeat."
"However, we will do all that we can to extend what can be defined as
'the Ferrari era'. We have been at the top of Formula 1 since 1997 and
we intend to stay there for as long as possible. When I arrived at
Ferrari in 1993, I began to plan a project that had numerous
objectives: gather all the activities related to Formula 1 under one
roof at Maranello; set up cutting edge facilities; seek out the very
best staff for all positions; find the economic resources necessary to
reach our goals and to select top grade partners."
"Then, there is the ingredient that no successful manager can create
without the contribution of others: team spirit. I think that my main
job is exactly that of funnelling everyone's energy in the same
direction because a ship sailing into an opposing wind will not go
anywhere, or even slip backwards." Ferrari
2/17/04
Renault
heads to Imola
The Mild Seven Renault F1 Team is preparing for a three-day test
this week at one of the toughest circuits on the calendar.
Pre-season testing at Imola hasn’t been ‘fashionable’ for a number of
years, but the Italian circuit poses some unique challenges: not only
is it similar to Melbourne in its stop-start nature, with medium-
length straights punctuated by chicanes, but it also gives the cars
one of their toughest challenges of the year: between 2001 and 2003,
only Canada featured a higher percentage of mechanical retirements
than Imola, with engines and transmission put through a particularly
severe workout. Just the place for checking pre-season reliability
ahead of departing for Melbourne...
On the chassis side, the coming test will mark the first time that the
team has run two R24’s side by side. Chassis 02 was completed ten days
ago at Enstone and will make its track debut this week. The presence
of the new car also means race drivers Jarno Trulli and Fernando
Alonso will attend, with both looking to further improve their
knowledge of the R24, and continue the progress of recent weeks.
As for the RS24 engine, Imola will see the introduction of the ‘A’
spec that will race in Melbourne. Last week at Jerez, the team reached
maximum mileage with two units of the preceding ‘Z’ specification, and
this week will provide the opportunity to confirm the dyno results on
track. On Wednesday and Thursday, the focus will be on completing race
distances with both cars, while the rest of the program will focus on
general set-up work with the new car, and tire testing for the opening
races of the season. A busy week awaits. Press Release
2/17/04
McNish gives up on F1 career
Speaking to British newspaper, The Sunday Mirror Sunday,
Allan McNish said that it was 'unlikely' now he would get another F1
drive, adding that it was no point, getting worked up about it.
The Scot had been in the frame for the drive at Jordan Ford, however,
the Silverstone based squad eventually opted for Nick Heidfeld, and
Giorgio Pantano, the latter mainly due to financial reasons.
"You never know what's around the corner in this business but I have
to recognize that it's unlikely that I'll get another Formula One
drive," reflected the Brit. "It's been frustrating but there's no
point getting bitter." McNish will now concentrate his energies
on endurance racing with Audi.
2/17/04
Ferrari team to miss Sebring
Care Racing Development has elected not to take up its two entries
for the opening round of the American Le Mans Series. The scarlet
Ferrari 550 Maranellos which last year enjoyed such success in North
America's premier sports car series will not therefore be seen at the
2004 12 Hours of Sebring, Florida in March.
Care Racing's Director of Business Development, Dominique Falque,
explained: “We have been in negotiation with a number of teams
throughout the winter months and have tried many different ways to
bring these negotiations to a conclusion. Unfortunately there remains
a substantial lack of budget at this stage. We have therefore taken
the difficult decision not to be at Sebring.
“We know this will be disappointing not only for the many Ferrari fans
in North America, but also for the Series and the other GTS
competitors as we had some really great and exciting track battles
last year. We would still very much like to be in the American Le Mans
Series and build on last year's successes, and are therefore
continuing to work on seeking a team and the budget to be in place
from the end of June.
“In the meantime, we are focusing our attention on the start of the
European and Japanese Championships as well as the 24 Hours of Le Mans
for which we have four entries thanks to our victories in the ALMS,
the FIA GT Championship and at Le Mans itself.”
2/17/04
Industry News
California
Speedway lighting project update
Light poles, like these in Turn One of California Speedway, have
been placed around the exterior of the speedway's two-mile oval.
Construction continues on the massive lighting project around the
Southern California Speedway in anticipation of the September 5
"Finish Under the Lights" Pop Secret 500 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series
race.
Forty-eight light poles have been placed along pit road to light the
way for pit crews. A late race pit stop could be crucial in the
September 5 "Finish Under the Lights" Pop Secret 500 NASCAR NEXTEL Cup
Series race at California Speedway.
Here are some general facts about the Musco lighting project:
The lighting process, once completed, will tower above California
Speedway. Around the exterior of the two-mile oval, 127 poles will
light the track including 74 freestanding poles reaching
70-to-120-feet into the air, 29 grandstand poles towering an
additional 50-feet into the air (the top of the grandstand is
approximately 110-feet from the ground level) and 24 skybox poles
stretching an additional 9-feet into the air above the speedway's
luxury suites on top of the grandstands.
Approximately 1490 light fixtures (1500 watt and 2000 watt metal
halide bulbs) will light the racing surface giving out 2.5 million
watts of power. As well, 250 tons of concrete and 200 miles of wire
will be placed at the conclusion of the lighting project.
Construction began in October and is expected to take a few more
months. Light poles in Parking Lot One, behind the speedway's main
grandstand, have also been placed. These light standards will
eventually be used to illuminate the NHRA Street Legal Drag Racing
nights at the quarter-mile California Dragway.
Turn 2 lights. Photos courtesy California
Speedway
2/17/04
Andrew Craig knew best
Say what you might about CART's former President Andrew Craig, the
series was at its peak under his regime. Here is a little tidbit we
bet you did not know - CART had first shot at the failed Disney World
oval race, but Andrew Craig, being the smart businessman that he was,
turned it down. He was quoted back in April of 1995 as saying,
"As I have said many times before, we are not in the business of
promoting races. Just so we're clear, IndyCar (Champ Cars former
name before the oval track cartel took it back) did indeed have
discussions with Disney - quite substantial discussions - about a year
ago I guess is when the discussions began. For various
commercial reasons those discussions came to an end June of last year
when we called them off. There's no ill feelings there, it just
did not make sense for us based on what was being proposed." Tony
George and the IRL then did the deal with Disney, lost their shirts
and the race went away. Andrew did indeed know best. Why
is he no longer at the helm? Some blame him for taking CART
public and he was up against the oval track cartel who were intent in
putting CART out of business in our opinion.
More tests await Matsuura Kosuke
Matsuura will be traveling in different circles starting Feb. 29. An
audition in November and eight testing sessions have been the extent
of oval racing experience for the Indy Racing League IndyCar® Series
rookie driver for Super Aguri Fernández Racing. "I have raced formula
cars in both domestic and foreign championship series, but this is my
first time to race on oval tracks for 16 races, so I am very excited,"
said Matsuura, 24, from Aichi, Japan. "I think everything for this
year is different. The oval circuits are completely different from
road circuits. Even the speed is completely different." Oval
experience wasn't the deciding factor for team co-owners Adrian
Fernández and Aguri Suzuki when Matsuura tested at the 1-mile Phoenix
International Raceway on Nov. 12. Matsuura's aggressiveness the first
time he drove an IRL IndyCar Series machine confirmed their
impressions. "I think he has what it takes to be very competitive, and
I am excited about the season," Fernández said. Matsuura had been part
of the driver development program (Autobacs Racing Team) founded by
Suzuki, a former Formula One driver. Matsuura finished third in the
2003 Formula Renault V6 Eurocup, claiming three victories and five
additional podiums for the ARTA-Signature team. He also was a force in
German Formula 3 competition, finishing second in the 2002
championship with two victories and six pole positions. He began
racing in karts 10 years ago. "He is very decisive and clever when
driving, and he is very fast," Suzuki said. The 2004 season will mark
the second of IRL IndyCar Series competition for Super Aguri Fernández
Racing. Roger Yasukawa was the driver for the team in its inaugural
season, finishing 12th in the point standings. He had six top-10
finishes, with a best of seventh at Kansas and California.
2/16/04
Long
Beach construction underway
In the beginning, 29 years ago, cars racing in the Toyota Grand Prix
of Long Beach took the green flag on Ocean Ave., in front of seedy
adult movie houses and boarded-up storefronts, leaped down Linden Ave.
to Shoreline Dr., then roared back up Pine Ave. to Ocean. This year,
the most famous street circuit in American racing – measuring 1.97
miles and 11 turns - will wind around a bustling Convention Center,
past the Aquarium of the Pacific and the gleaming new Pike at Rainbow
Harbor, then under the windows of soaring new apartments and high-rise
hotels. Construction on the Grand Prix race circuit began Monday
morning, with the first concrete blocks being put down at Linden and
Shoreline (Photo credit: Andy Witherspoon/Grand Prix Association of
Long Beach). Over the next two months, Grand Prix workers will install
14 million tons of concrete blocks, three miles of fencing, 16,000 of
bolted-together tires … not to mention the building of 19 huge
spectator grandstands, seven pedestrian bridges and eight giant vision
boards for full-circuit TV coverage. Once completed, the facility will
be able to comfortably accommodate more than 200,000 people. Despite
all the new construction downtown, the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach
circuit will remain unchanged for the fifth consecutive year.
Overseeing the construction for the 24th straight time is Dwight
Tanaka, director of operations for the Grand Prix Association of Long
Beach (GPALB). Tanaka and his staff of more than 40 have already put
in the first of more than 30,000 working hours to get all the creature
comforts (including porta-johns, hospitality suites and tents and
trash containers) in place for the April 16-18 weekend. They’ll be at
it right up through race weekend. “Then,” Tanaka said, “the minute the
race is over we start taking it apart, inspecting everything, making
repairs and storing it again for 2005.” “Through all those years,
we’ve managed to keep the circuit safe for the drivers and exciting
for spectators,” said Jim Michaelian, president and CEO of the GPALB.
“For this, we owe a debt of gratitude to the many Long Beach city
departments and private entities who have assisted us. “Without their
help, we would never have been able to make the Toyota Grand Prix of
Long Beach the best street race in America.” Ticket prices for the
three-day Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach range from $40 for a
Sunday-only general admission ticket to $110 for a three-day ticket
that includes Saturday and Sunday reserved seating in upper levels of
the grandstands. Pre-paid parking packages are available and can be
purchased when ordering tickets through the Grand Prix ticket office.
Tickets for the 2004 event can be placed by calling the ticket hotline
toll-free at (888) 82-SPEED or logging on to
www.longbeachgp.com. Copies
of the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach ticket brochure can also be
obtained by calling the ticket hotline. The ticket brochure includes a
circuit map with grandstand and parking locations as well as ticket
prices and a ticket order form. Handicapped seating, Bosch Champ Car
Garage passes, super photo tickets and hospitality club packages are
also available. For updated Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach ticket
information, news or announcements of special race week activities,
visit www.longbeachgp.com
2/16/04 F3000
Lauda lands Coloni ride Mathias
Lauda, son of former F1-world champion Niki Lauda, has been confirmed
as one of the drivers of the Coloni-run CMS Motorsport team.
"We are very pleased to have signed Mathias as I believe he is a very
talented driver," said team owner Paolo Coloni. "He did very well when
he completed his first F3000 test particularly as he does not have
very much experience. From analyzing his performance more closely I
believe he is going to be very good and improve every time he gets
into the car and I am really looking forward to working with him."
Lauda will partner Belgian driver Jeffrey van Hooydonk in the two day
test in Spain as he prepares for the 2004 season. "Coloni is one
of the best teams in the field and so this is a very good move for
me," said Lauda. "For sure F3000 is a very tough series and there is a
lot to learn but I have a very good team around me to help. I am
confident I will be competitive and the test in Jerez will see how my
times compare to the other drivers."
Salzburg-born Lauda made his racing debut at the age of 21 when he
contested the Formula Nissan 2000 series in 2002. He also raced in the
Formula VW Championship in Germany and the UK Formula Renault Winter
Championship. "There are some circuits I don’t know but
there are some tracks I know quite well," Lauda continued. "I don’t
really worry about that because I think I am a quick learner and my
team-mates obviously have some experience so we can work together.
The step up to F3000 doesn’t bother me either, because I have already
driven in a few tests."
Lauda is likely to race in both the International F3000 and Euro3000
championships this season, it emerged today. It is thought he
will drive for the Italian-based GP Racing operation.
"We will know more about this soon," Lauda confirmed. "Doing both
series will mean quite a lot of racing but this will only be good for
helping me learn and improve."
2/16/04
Champ Car rules changes
announced
Known throughout motorsports for its commitment to safety as
well as its passion for competition, the Champ Car World
Series continued to make improvements in both areas with the
release of its 2004 Rule Book.
The mandatory pit-stop rule has been adjusted for 2004 to
bring more strategy into play, especially when combined with
the new point system which awards points for leading a race
lap. Teams will be required to perform either two or three
green-flag stops during a race and must have those stops
completed by a certain point in the event. Champ Car Racing
Operations will determine the number and at what point those
stops must be completed prior to the race weekend. All
green-flag stops must include a four-tire change in order to
meet the series requirements.
“We really wanted to do something that allowed the teams
more flexibility in their race strategies and also allow
them to take advantage of the new point system,” said Champ
Car Technical Director Lee Dykstra. “At the same time, we
needed a system that discourages fuel-economy runs and
challenges the drivers, and we think we have been able to
accomplish that.”
Many rules addressing safety on the track and in pit lane
have been added or enhanced, including a mandate penalizing
drivers that initiate avoidable contact with another car.
This season, any driver causing an incident that negatively
affects a competitor will be immediately subjected to a
drive-through penalty. In addition, if the contact results
in the immediate retirement of a competitor, the offender
will serve a stop-and-hold penalty on pit lane.
Further enhancing a rule introduced in 2003, any driver
blocking a pursuing competitor or failing to yield to an
approaching competitor while lapped, will also receive a
drive-though penalty. To aid in the enforcement of the new
rules, Champ Car Stewards will have the power to enact more
stringent penalties on teams and drivers this year,
including the loss of championship points for specific rule
violations.
Pit-lane safety has been addressed with a rule stating that
contact between a car and any person in pit lane results in
an automatic fine of $1,000. The protocol for the start of a
race has also been revised, requiring the polesitter to be
the first car across the start/finish line at the start of
the race. Previously, the second-place qualifier was allowed
to pass the polesitter once the green flag had waved to
start the event.
Fans will benefit from the rule changes as well, as teams
will no longer be allowed to scramble their radio
transmissions during a race weekend, meaning that fans that
have scanners will be able to experience all the
conversations between a team and driver during every Champ
Car session during a weekend.
2/16/04 Formula Renault
2004 Formula Renault 2000
schedule North
American Formula Renault 2000 Championship officials
announced their 2004 schedule today, with ten race dates
confirmed for the inaugural season. The series will begin
the season in the Valley of the Sun, on the weekend of April
8-10, racing on the 1.51-mile infield road course in
conjunction with the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series
at Phoenix International Raceway.
The North American Formula Renault 2000 Championships will
then head north to Canada on May 21-23, for the first of two
visits for the series to beautiful Mont-Tremblant, with the
second Tremblant event slated to take place at the renown
Fall Classic in September. The series will also feature
events at Watkins Glen, Trois Rivieres, Mid-Ohio Sports Car
Course, Homestead Miami Speedway, Virginia International
Raceway, and Barber Motorsport Park, with the season finale
slated to take place on the road course at California
Speedway in Fontana.
“We are very excited about our 2004 schedule,” said Brett
Ross, General Manager, North American Formula Renault 2000
Championship. “Racing at these venues will give our drivers
not only experience on some fantastic tracks, but will also
give the North American Formula Renault 2000 Championship a
strong presence on some very big race weekends. This is an
international series, and to have the opportunity to race in
the United States as well as Canada is a great opportunity
for our teams and the drivers.”
The 2004 schedule has ten confirmed race events, and North
American Formula Renault 2000 Championship officials are
currently in negotiations with several properties to
possibly add up to four more events for the season. North American Formula Renault 2000 Championship—2004
Schedule
April 8-10 Phoenix International Raceway w/Grand-Am
May 21-23 Le Circuit Mont-Tremblant w/Grand-Am
June 18-20 Watkins Glen International w/Grand-Am
July 30-31 Trois Rivieres w/Trans-Am
Aug 6-8 Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course w/Grand-Am
Sep 10-12 Homestead Miami Speedway w/Grand-Am
Sep 24-26 Le Circuit Mont-Tremblant Fall Classic
Oct 1-3 Virginia International Raceway w/Grand-Am
Oct 8-10 Barber Montorsports Park w/Grand-Am
Oct 29-31 California Speedway w/Grand-Am
2/16/04
Toyota Atlantic switches to
single-supplier for engines
Officials from the Toyota Atlantic Championship Presented by
Yokohama confirmed today that Berkeley, Calif.-based
Hasselgren Engineering Inc. has been designated as the
exclusive engine builder for the series. All teams competing
for the overall Toyota Atlantic title must use
Hasselgren-prepared Toyota 4A-GE engines. In addition, the
series has instituted an engine parity program with
Hasselgren in an effort to contain costs and ensure all
teams are provided with similar engine performance parts.
Led by founder Paul Hasselgren, Hasselgren Engineering has
won the Toyota Racing Development (TRD) Engine Builder of
the Year Award every year from 1995-2003, and last year,
Hasselgren-built engines powered every race and pole winner
in the Toyota Atlantic Championship. "I have the utmost
confidence in the abilities of Paul and the entire team at
Hasselgren Engineering," said Vicki O'Connor, Toyota
Atlantic president. "With the vast majority of our field
using Hasselgren engines last season, it just made sense to
go ahead and work with Hasselgren to institute our engine
parity program. I strongly believe that teams will realize a
significant cost savings under this new program, allowing
everybody to compete on a level playing field." Since the
2003 season finale in Miami, Hasselgren Engineering has been
working diligently to rebuild all of the engines to the same
specification. The company has already rebuilt several
engines for the 2004 season, and in dyno testing, all of the
engines have performed within parameters. Hasselgren aims to
increase mileage between rebuilds, and all competitors will
have similar engines when the 2004 season opens on the
weekend of April 18 at the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach.
"I appreciate this opportunity to work closely with TRD and
the Toyota Atlantic Championship in the upcoming 2004
season," Hasselgren said. "We are optimistic that the new
parity program will add to the appeal and excitement of our
growing series. We look forward to continuing success of
both the Toyota Atlantic Championship and the teams
involved." While Hasselgren Race Engines will be the
exclusive supplier to teams competing for the overall 2004
Toyota Atlantic championship, other series-approved engine
builders will be eligible to compete through the
recently-announced C2 category. Regardless of the builder,
all cars will use Toyota 4A-GE engines.
2/16/04
Shanghai
looks for records
Under China's drive for modernization (interestingly enough,
driven by the Communist Party that once disowned
commercialism and the drive for personal wealth) Shanghai
has once again stepped into the financial fore front, where
it can reclaim the title of "The Paris of the Orient". China
has embarked on an ambitious program of financial growth and
building projects such as the Shanghai World Financial
Centre. When complete (as early as 2005) the building will
be the tallest structure in the world.
Shanghai International Circuit will be serviced by 6 express
ways and 2 underground metro stations-on each ends of the
track-designed to meet the demands of moving the expected
200,000 viewers for this inaugural event.
Along with this magnificent ground breaking project,
Shanghai may end up in the Guinness Book of World Records
for its construction of the circuit for the upcoming Formula
One race to take place on 26 September 2004. The track is
being considered for the record books as the largest Chinese
character on the Earth.
When the track is viewed from above, or after one completes
a lap of the circuit, the character produced is the Chinese
figure for "Shang". Shang being one of the two characters
that make up Shanghai, Shang meaning "Above" and Hai
translating to "The sea".
The theme of the Shanghai Formula One circuit is that of
traditional Chinese influences as China tries to introduce a
new tradition, one of Chinese dominance in Asian Racing.
2/16/04
Penske and Sony unveil new pit
cart for teams
Sony Electronics today announced the completion of the “Sony
Tech Box,” Penske Racing’s newest race day pit cart for its
NASCAR teams. The result of six months work by Penske
Racing with technology support from Sony, the Tech Box
features a state-of-the-art electronics package designed to
enhance the team’s pit performances on race day, and serve
as an entertainment center, highlighted by a Sony LCD WEGA®
television, to entertain and inform the team’s trackside
guests.
The Tech Box features an array of Sony professional and
consumer technology, including two DSR-25 DVCAM digital
video recorders and two DSR-DR1000 DVCAM video disk
recorders. Also used are eight Sony LCD DeluxePro Series
flat-screen computer monitors, four fully integrated Sony
VAIO notebook computers, three ultra-compact color cameras
and a Sony XPLOD mobile audio-video system with two P5 mono
D-class amps and a pair of 10-inch P5 subwoofers driving 100
watts of power to a CD/DVD receiver, complete with XM
satellite radio tuner control and an accompanying seven-inch
motorized monitor.
During a race, the Tech Box’s four integrated VAIO notebooks
can distribute race information to any one of the eight LCD
monitors. In addition, when the ALLTEL/Sony and Miller Lite/Sony
Dodges enter the pit for service, the Sony cameras digitally
record the actions of the crew from two different angles,
allowing the team to analyze their performance later.
“When the box was in the planning stages, the concept was
impressive and, now that it’s actually a reality, it’s even
more impressive,” said Matt Borland, Penske Racing crew
chief for driver Ryan Newman and the No. 12 ALLTEL/Sony
Dodge. “When we sat down to create the new pit box, we
wanted to incorporate as many features as we could to help
our team in the pits and keep us informed about our
performance throughout the race. With the contributions of
Sony technology, we’ve certainly accomplished that goal.”
George Whitley, who heads Penske Racing’s technology
department, was in charge of harnessing the electronics
equipment in the Tech Box. Among the hurdles faced was
designing a box to keep the equipment cool, especially
during the hot summer months.
“We’ve made Tech Box look sharp and really something
everyone at Sony and Penske can be proud of,” Whitley said.
“One of our biggest feats was making sure everything stays
cool. When we have all the monitors, computers and digital
video recorders working, they create a lot of heat. We added
several fans to route air from behind the componentry and
out of the box in several different ways.”
The Sony Tech Box can be seen in both the race day pits of
Penske Racing drivers Newman and Rusty Wallace. For more
information on the Sony Tech Box, visit
SonyRacing.com and
click on the Sony Tech Box icon for photos and specs.
2/16/04
Reporter: Why I hate NASCAR
[Editor's Note: This guy won't be getting a media pass to any
more NASCAR races, not that he cares] This Cincinnati newspaper
article says, They say the Daytona 500 is the Super Bowl of
racing. I'll take the Super Bowl instead. They say the Daytona
500 is the World Series of racing. I'll take the World Series instead.
In fact, if they said the Daytona 500 is the World Cup of auto racing,
I'd even take the World Cup instead. As boring as I find soccer, I
find NASCAR much more so. The roar of the engines? Hah. It's the
snore of the engines, if you ask me, watching a bunch of guys making
left-handed turns, circling the same track hour after hour, ad
nauseam. Before we go any further, allow me to interject a
disclaimer: Though I hate NASCAR, I still give it my all when I must
cover it. Those who love the sport deserve nothing less. I do,
however, remember a letter I received years ago, the author accusing
me of being, and I quote, "a stick-and-ball weenie." He thought he was
insulting me. I took it as a compliment. And, you know,
now that I'm thinking more about it, maybe hate isn't the word I
should use here. I really don't hate NASCAR. I loathe it, detest
it, despise it. What don't I like about racing?
First of all, I can't get into a sport where every time you watch,
there is a very real possibility someone can die. I was there at
Daytona the day Dale Earnhardt died. The only good thing
about having to stay at the track and write for a couple of hours
after a race is that the streets are fairly clear by the time I head
home. There are other things I hate, too. I hate the
gratuitous shilling for sponsors. I hate that NASCAR's popularity and
influence has infiltrated into the NFL and NBA and MLB, and that those
leagues keep taking steps toward selling their souls to advertisers.
It's unseemly. But it's worse when it comes to NASCAR,
because the sport was built on the back of tobacco. How can you have
any measure of self-respect when you're promoting a carcinogenic
product? I hate that NASCAR was borne out of dishonesty -
moonshine runners, remember? - and that it constantly has to police
itself and comb cars for cheating because, if not, owners and drivers
and mechanics wouldn't have the moral fortitude to do it themselves.
2/16/04
Minardi team thrills Hungarians
The Minardi Formula One team took to the streets of Hungary over the
weekend with 2004 driver Zsolt Baumgartner chauffeuring some very
lucky people through the streets of the country’s capital in a Minardi
two seater. The reason behind the day out was to thank the
many fans that came to Baumgartner’s aid when one of his major
sponsor’s Mol Rt opted to significantly decrease the funds they had
promised to provide. However, despite this team boss Paul
Stoddart confirmed to the local media that their driver would
definitely be behind the wheel of the PS04 for the entire 2004
championship season.
2/16/04
Mosley wants control tires
FIA President Max Mosley is looking for ways to control costs in F1.
One area is tires, where the tire war between Michelin and Bridgestone
has led to a significant amount of testing, which is very expensive.
According to Mosley, one of the biggest wastes of money in the sport
is the constant testing undertaken by most teams, and a major part of
that testing is for the teams specific tire partners. By allowing just
one tire manufacturer to supply the entire grid, a lot of that expense
would disappear. “The greatest controllable waste of money in F1 is
testing,” he told Autosport. “If there was just one tire supplier, you
could simply say: ‘No tires for testing'. And that would be the end of
it.” Of course having multiple tire manufacturers in a series
has its benefits too; each spend a lot of money on the sport in the
way of advertising and track signage. Like the engine badging
concept, and rather then lock out any company who may want to be in
the sport, a control tire could be badged by any company who pays a
tolling fee to participate. Rather than pump a lot of money into
R&D, they can pay the sanctioning body a tolling fee to enter and the
remaining money saved on advertising. If companies want to do
some R&D, then the companies can pool their resources and develop the
control tire together. Both would benefit equally from the
endeavor and you would avoid the high cost of a tire war and the
resulting marbles and runaway speeds the soft tires create. Mark
C.
First photos of Renault V6 on USA soil Renault
Sport Technologies and Race Team Promotions held a press conference
today at Homestead to announce their Renault 1600 and Formula Renault
2000 championships in 2004, followed by the introduction of a Formula
Renault V6 series from 2005 in the USA (see related article.)
The car was very fast even with the heavy rains at Homestead today.
The exhaust note was incredible. Loud, deep and throaty. Anthony
Castaneira of South Florida Motorsports was on hand to snap these
photos of the exciting 425-HP V6 car that will fill a void in the USA
in 2005.
2/15/04
Oval
Track Cartel: Changing Rules to suit one's needs
This July March 1997
Racer magazine article talked about the end of the IRL's 25/8 rule and
also how they changed the rules on the fly to suit their purposes.
However, it contained an interesting quote at the end by one crew
chief on the make-em-as-we-go-rules, "We still don't have a rulebook."
This quote was made 15 months after the IRL's first race. Sort
of reminds us of An
Unappealing Appeal, George reigns in Georgetown episode.
2/15/04
Oval
Track Cartel: Race track monopoly
We stumbled upon this
March 1997 Racer magazine article which talked about the stranglehold
the oval track cartel has on the big race tracks in the USA and how
they decide who gets what piece of the lucrative pie.
2/15/04
Oval
Track Cartel: What's it all worth?
We stumbled upon this
April 1997 Racer magazine article which talked about how the oval
track cartel makes its money and why it's so important to land a
lucrative Winston Cup date.
2/15/04
Fate of #3 unknown
Dale Earnhardt's
famed No. 3 can be found everywhere at Daytona International
Speedway. On T-shirts, jackets, hats and watches. On flags,
stickers, cups and cell phones. Even on cars with replica
paint schemes. The number can be seen almost anywhere --
except on the track. It might be like that for a while
longer, too. Although NASCAR has been reluctant to retire
numbers, this one would be difficult to bring back. After
all, who wants the burden of following The Intimidator? "I'd
like to see it not get on the track for at least a few more
years," Dale Earnhardt Jr. said. "Eventually, it's got to be
on the racetrack. It's just a number. But I'm not ready for
it to happen just yet." Neither is car owner Richard
Childress, who first drove the No. 3 car in the 1970s. "I
sometimes catch myself going through the garage and looking
for the black No. 3," Childress said. "The race fans got to
be thinking the same thing. But I don't ever see bringing a
black No. 3 car back unless there's an Earnhardt in the
car."
More at CBS Sportsline
2/15/04
Daytona 500 ads cheap compared
to Super Bowl
Calling all
advertisers who didn't get the message out on Super Bowl
Sunday: NASCAR has a deal for you. For about one-sixth the
price of two weeks ago, sponsors can get 30 seconds of air
time to introduce a new commercial, or maybe replay one that
was a hit during America's biggest sports holiday. NASCAR
has long touted the Daytona 500 as the Super Bowl of racing.
Buying into that hype, advertisers lined up and NBC sold out
its commercial inventory. Even though the audience will only
be about one-third of what it is for the Super Bowl - 35
million are expected to watch -- a Daytona 500 ad can still
have plenty of impact. "It's the highest-rated sports
program between the Super Bowl and the NCAA championship"
basketball game, NBC Sports vice president Kevin Sullivan
said. "The exposure is just phenomenal." Thirty-second ads
that went for an average of $2.3 million during the Super
Bowl cost an average of about $350,000 for the Daytona 500.
Advertisers got better deals if they committed to buying
time during races later in the season, as well.
More at CBS Sportsline
2/15/04
What
of Ralph Firman?UPDATE Another reader
writes, In response to David Stempf's question about Ralph Firman. At
the Canadian GP last year, Ralph was easily the most exciting driver
in the field. We were sitting at Turns 6 and 7, a medium speed corner,
and Ralph had that Jordan dancing through those turns. In a time of
traction control and F-1 cars that are on knife edge, it was
refreshing to see somebody actually power sliding through the corner.
I'd say his car control is second to Montoya's. He'd definitely make
Champ Cars more exciting. Joe Angers, Boston, MA2/15/04
- A reader writes, Dear AutoRacing1.com, I read the rumors about Ralph
Firman eyeing a possible move to Champ Cars in 2004. I don't
know much about him. Is he any good? David Stempf,
Buffalo, NY Dear David, Firman surprised us last year given
how bad Jordan was. He was better than we first thought. He always
qualified within 0.5 sec of the highly regarded Fisichella, and
usually within 0.3 sec. That right there says a lot. He
certainly has the speed. Compare that to Baumgartner who was
always 1+ sec. slower than Fisi when he stepped in for the injured
Firman. We think the guy would surprise a lot of people in Champ Car
given the right team.
His
father, Ralph Firman, Sr. (bottom right) can make it happen for
Junior. He has been a major player in racing for years. He has
given many F1 drivers their start including the late great Ayrton
Senna and Michael Schumacher. Many have slept on his sofa. He just
received an award from Autosport for his contributions to the sport.
He started Van Diemen and now is the head of Panoz G Force. He
has been since July 1999 when Panoz bought G Force and Van Diemen.
Before that he was a mechanic for double World Champion and two-time
Indianapolis 500 winner Emerson Fittipaldi before founding the famous
Van Diemen racing car business. Van Diemen chassis have been raced in
junior formulas by many of today’s top drivers.
More
about Junior: After a stunning karting career Firman
made the step up to cars by winning the 1993 Formula Vauxhall Junior
title. A year later he joined Jackie Stewart's team and finished
fourth in the Formula Vauxhall standings. Firman moved up to Formula 3
with PSR in 1995 and narrowly lost out on the title after a tough
battle with Oliver Gavin. However, he stayed with the team for a third
year in '96 and sewed up that year's championship after tough battles
with the likes of Juan Pablo Montoya. After winning the British F3
championship in 1996, Ralph went on to win that year's blue ribbon F3
event at Macau. Here he overtakes Jarno Trulli for the lead. Other
Macau winners include Ayrton Senna,
Michael
Schumacher and David Coulthard. Firman moved to Japan in 1997 and
enjoyed mixed fortunes during his six years competing in the country.
Dodgy equipment blunted his challenge in the early years but he
finally triumphed in the 2002 Formula Nippon championship with the
PIAA Nakajima team. Firman's Honda connections landed him a test with
BAR at the end of 2002. The 27-year-old impressed team insiders with
his pace and professional approach. He drove for the Jordan F1 team in
2003 before getting injured late in the season and being replaced by
Baumgartner. Mark C.
2/15/04
Papis prepares for Sebring
On Tuesday February 10th Max Papis and his Chevrolet Corvette C5-R
Team completed the necessary preparations for the 12 Hours of Sebring,
which is scheduled to take place on March 20. The Italian driver, who
tested with teammates Ron Fellow and Johnny O’Connell, focused mainly
on the reliability of the car, “We did a lot of work on the endurance
engines,” said Max “and on the development of Michelin’s tires. We’re
ready”. Papis will be in Sebring one week before the 12 Hours. After
the race he will remain in Sebring, to attend two more days of testing
in preparation for the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
2/15/04
Honda
Civic race series to support F1 in Canada
The 2004 Canadian Grand Prix (13 June) will this year be supported
by the Honda / Michelin Challenge Series. The single-marque road
racing series, originally launched in 1975 with the Honda Civic
Hatchback, will feature race-prepared Honda Civic DX Coupes.
The top-selling passenger car in Canada for the past six years, the
Civic is the ideal vehicle for Honda to bring back grassroots racing
to Canada. During its previous 17-year run, the series is estimated to
have attracted more than 400 amateur racers into competition.
The 2004 series will comprise a minimum of 10 races to be held in
Ontario and Quebec as well as the support race to the mid-June Formula
One race weekend in Montreal.
2/15/04
Sato fastest at Jerez in the wet
BAR-Honda's Takuma Sato set the fastest time on the fifth day of
Formula 1 testing at Jerez in Spain, when the track was artificially
soaked for Michelin wet weather tire testing. Sato lapped in
1m25.758s and was consistently faster than the Williams-BMW of Juan
Pablo Montoya, who was driving an FW26. The third car present was
Antonio Pizzonia, whose running in a Williams FW25 was hampered by
gearbox problems throughout. Montoya stays on for another day at Jerez
Sunday. Pos Driver Car-Engine Time Laps
1 Takuma Sato (BAR-Honda) M 1m25.758s 102
2 Juan Pablo Montoya (Williams-BMW) M 1m26.674s 89
3 Antonio Pizzonia (Williams-BMW) M 1m28.540s 42
2/15/04
IRL champ Dixon has harsh words for
Hornish
Reigning IRL Indy Car champion Scott Dixon has launched a scathing
verbal assault on rival Sam Hornish Jr, questioning the two-time
champ's ability to fit in at Team Penske after his big money move from
Panther Racing. Speaking exclusively to autosport.com, Dixon says he
has his doubts whether Hornish can forge a decent working relationship
with his new teammate, double Indy 500 winner Helio Castroneves. "Sam
is obviously very talented, but you don't know what it was like at
Panther because he was always by himself and it's hard to rate drivers
when they are by themselves," said Dixon. "I think he'll struggle
having to be a team player. You see that all the time. He and Helio
don't like each other, and Sam is difficult enough to talk to anyway.
He's a strange guy. Those two can probably feed off each other, which
could be good." Dixon says he is also unsure how Tomas Scheckter will
do as Hornish's replacement at Panther. "I thought Tomas would have
shown a little better [in testing] at Homestead, but the problem is
that you don't know what anybody is doing. Both guys should do
extremely well with the teams that they've got because they are
established, very good teams. I'm sure they are going to be up there."
Autosport
2/15/04
Pole sitter Biffle to start at back
Daytona 500 pole-sitter
Greg Biffle will have to start at the back of the field in Sunday's
race after being forced to change engines. Biffle's misfortune bumps
up favorite Dale Earnhardt Jr. to start from the inside of the front
row when the green flag waves. Biffle noticed a loss of power during
practice Saturday morning. Back in the garage, a valve defect and
leaking cylinder were discovered. "We had to pull the motor out,''
crew chief Doug Richert said, standing alongside the No. 16 Ford while
the crew made the change. ``We can still win from the back. The car is
still good.'' Biffle will roll off pit road in the lead position, but
will have to drop to the back of the line before the final pace lap.
Also forced to drop to the back of the field after changing engines
were Ryan Newman, Ricky Craven and Derrike Cope. Scott Riggs, who
wrecked his primary car in the qualifying race Thursday, also must go
back after switching to a backup.
2/15/04
Andretti and Stewart trade paint again
Despite having contact
with Tony Stewart's car on two consecutive days of practice at Daytona
International Speedway, John Andretti said any talk of a feud between
the two drivers was silly. "I think it's just a
coincidence," Andretti said. "For whatever reason, the last two days
he's gotten into the back of me so I don't know what the deal is."
Andretti said the two had not had a discussion after either incident.
"Just dropping it is entirely up to him," Andretti said. "If anyone
was looking to get even, it would be me and I'm not. I'm looking to
try to run good in the Daytona 500 and Tony Stewart, to me is a guy
I've got to beat, not a guy I've got to crash.
"I don't do that stuff because I've got too much respect for the
owners and I do have respect for the drivers' safety. Most drivers
here don't have much respect for that and taking a guy out doesn't
mean that much to them. "I don't drive like that and maybe
that's why guys might be more apt to hit my back bumper, because they
feel pretty safe with it, but there's always other tracks that come
along. But you can't concentrate on things like that -- that's a good
way to waste your life." Andretti said the last two days'
circumstances were simple.
"Today we all were racing and trying to make it three- and four-wide,
which was probably a little bit over-aggressive, but whatever.
Yesterday, though, was just a flat hit in the back -- I'm lucky I have
a racecar left after that."
The latest incident occurred Saturday morning between Turns 3 and 4 in
the single Happy Hour practice that was held at 10:30 a.m. after the
earlier 45-minute session was canceled due to fog. "I
don't know how it happened -- Tony would probably have a better
description," Andretti said. "I don't know what to say to him about
today (because) I'm not going to apologize for being in front of him."
After the left front fender of Stewart's No. 20 Chevrolet hit the
right rear corner of Andretti's car, Andretti's No. 1 Chevrolet
wiggled and continued, while Stewart contacted the wall with his car's
right side.
Andretti calmly discussed the incident at his garage stall immediately
after practice. He said he would welcome a talk with the 2002 NASCAR
champion, but only if Stewart would be an adult about it.
Stewart did not comment on either incident. After practice his crew,
including Joe Gibbs Racing team manager Jimmy Makar, stripped the
decals from the right side of the car and did some major bodywork,
particularly from the door to the back bumper. "Obviously,
there's nothing extremely wrong with the car," Makar said. "The
initial prognosis is good. We didn't get the wheels because they're
all straight. Once we get the car on the ground we'll be able to
tell if the rear end housing is straight, but right now we're looking
at mostly cosmetic damage."
Andretti was somewhat perplexed from the circumstances of the two
days. "I should have spun out yesterday and was lucky I didn't,"
Andretti said. "Today, they were lined up two-wide beneath us and I'm
sure I know how he (Stewart) ended up in the wall. I had
to move up to give them room and he was trying to get in there, above
me. If he were in there it would have been really ugly. I guess we
just clipped each other and he was closest (to the wall) so the wall
stopped him from going any further." I'm surprised I didn't hear
from him yesterday, because that (contact) was pretty blatant. I just
dropped it, didn't think about it again and went about my business.
Then, something happened again today and now it's like 'John and Tony
have a feud,' and (that's ridiculous). I don't think it's an issue, I
just think it's a bad set of circumstances."
2/14/04
Rain halts Hershey Kisses 300 UPDATE
The NASCAR Busch Series Hershey's Kisses 300 has been postponed for
the first time in its history, and will resume at 11 a.m. Monday. It
will be televised live on TNT. Thirty-one laps are complete in the
120-lap event, which will resume under the red flag procedure, meaning
teams may make only minimal changes to the car such as removing grill
tape, opening the hood and changing spark plugs. They may not jack up
the car or add fuel, among other things. Dale Earnhardt Jr. is the
race leader, followed by Robby Gordon, Mike Wallace, Kyle Busch and
Ron Hornaday in the top five. Pole-sitter Martin Truex Jr. is 13th.
NASCAR impounded all 37 cars still in the event, and decided not to
remove the restrictor plates or shocks on the vehicles.
2/14/04 - The NASCAR Busch Series Hershey's Kisses 300 has been
red-flagged due to rain at Daytona. It took just 11 laps for the Big
One to eliminate several cars from contention in Saturday's Hershey's
Kisses 300 at Daytona International Speedway. The
eight-car pileup was triggered when Mike Bliss got a great run exiting
Turn 2 and attempted to carry that surge of momentum between Mike
Wallace, riding the low line, and Jason Leffler on the high side.
As he shoved the nose of Bliss' Chevrolet between the cars of his
competitors, the rear end came around, spinning him out in the middle
of the track -- not to mention the middle of a 25-car pack.
"I kind of moved up the track, got on high side and the rear tires
unloaded real quick," said a dejected Bliss as his Joe Gibbs Racing
team worked feverishly on his demolished ride. "People
need to learn to work on their cars," said Joe Nemechek, who was
caught up in the melee. "Guys are sliding sideways. (Bliss) just got
loose in front of me, took out half the field. There was nowhere to
go. It's not good. "People gotta learn. I already went and told
Mike Bliss to fix his car. He said it was driving good before it spun
out. It's the beginning of the race. People aren't using their heads.
It's uncalled for."
2/14/04
Formula Renault
Gelles Racing First To Get V6
[Editor's Note: Renault does not sell cars in the USA
now, but we believe they are priming the pump with these racing series
for an eventual 2006 to 2007 passenger car return. Why the Champ
Car logo? Simply put, the Renault V6 series is a perfect fit in
the Champ Car ladder and it makes zero sense for those cars to run in
conjunction with any other series like Grand-Am whom Renault is
currently associated with.] Gelles
Racing, the oldest team in Formula Renault in North America, will take
delivery of the first Formula Renault V-6 this weekend. While the
second phase of the FR2000 Winter Invitational series is taking place
in Homestead, Race Team Promotions takes great pride in unveiling the
V6 Renault single seater that will come to North America in 2005 as
the North America Formula Renault V-6 series. “It is only fitting that
Gelles Racing take delivery of the 1st Formula Renault V-6 in North
America, as Bob Gelles has been a staunch supporter of the Formula
Renault products since 2002. They currently own eight Formula Renault
2000 chassis. Gelles was the first team to own a Formula Renault 2000
in North America and continues their support by being the first V-6
team in North America” said John Kolody. More.....
2/14/04
Benson & Hedges renews with Jordan
Cash-strapped Formula One team Jordan have received a major
financial boost with news that Benson & Hedges will continue their
sponsorship. Eddie Jordan's squad have endured financial difficulties
in recent months and are the only Formula One team yet to confirm
their driver line-up for this season. But the announcement that Benson
& Hedges parent company Gallaher Group will extend their sponsorship -
which dates back to 1996 - goes some way to easing Jordan's cash
headache. Jordan has taken encouragement from the deal and was
typically enthusiastic about his team's chances for 2004. He said,
"The whole team is delighted that Benson & Hedges will be with us for
a ninth consecutive season. Benson & Hedges have been an integral part
of our success in the past and they have shown remarkable loyalty to
us. I'm proud that we will be racing once again in their distinctive
yellow colors and we’re looking forward to the season with
excitement."
2/14/04
BAM! Racing seeks Sebring win
BAM! (British American Motorsport) has confirmed the participation
of up-and-coming Porsche factory driver Mike Rockenfeller for the 2004
American Le Mans Series season opener, the Mobil 1 12 Hours of
Sebring. Rockenfeller, of Neuwied, Germany, will drive the No. 43 YES
Network Porsche 911 GT3 RSR with Leo Hindery of New York and Peter
Baron of Deerfield Beach, Fla. "Mike Rockenfeller is a
wonderful young man. It is a privilege to race with him, and he will
certainly be one of the next great Porsche factory drivers," Hindery
said. Rockenfeller, 20, is starting his third season as a member
of the UPS Porsche Junior Team, competing in the German Porsche
Carrera Cup and in selected Porsche Michelin Supercup and American Le
Mans Series races. He last drove with Hindery and Baron in the 2003
Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta, his first endurance race and his first
race in North America. He is looking forward to driving with them
again. "I know the drivers and some guys from the team,
and that's important. It's easier than driving with a completely new
team because I know the people," he said. "In Atlanta, everything was
new. But now it's like when I drive a Carrera Cup race. The [Sebring]
track is still new, but I know driver changing, talking on the radio
and everything, and I'm not that nervous. I can focus more on driving.
It was such a great experience and a lot of fun in Atlanta, so it
should be even better at Sebring." The Sebring race will
be the first for the new BAM! team, which is based in Stuart, Fla.
2/14/04
Truex
wins pole for 300 miler Martin
Truex lived up to his billing Friday, starting his first full season
in the Busch Series by winning the pole for the Hersey's Kisses 300 at
Daytona International Speedway. Truex, driving for Chance 2
Motorsports, co-owned by Dale Earnhardt Jr. and his stepmother, Teresa
Earnhardt, turned a fast lap of 181.138 mph, barely beating the
181.108 of Ron Hornaday Jr. "We've got probably the best team out here
and I think everybody knew that," Truex said. "It's just nice to go
out and be able to do what we thought we could do." Truex, 23, has
driven in 15 Busch Series races, including 10 in 2003. He closed out
the season with a pair of career-best second-place finishes while
driving for the Earnhardt team. Nextel Cup star and former Busch
champion Kevin Harvick was third Friday at 180.832, followed by David
Stremme at 180.563 and another Cup star, Robby Gordon, at 180.502.
Earnhardt Jr., winner of three of the last four Busch races on
Daytona's 2 1/2-mile oval and five of his last six Busch starts,
qualified eighth at 180.310 in a second Chance 2 entry.
2/14/04
JJ Yeley gets sponsor
Vigoro, a leading brand of premium lawn and garden products for over
80 years, along with The Home Depot, will be the primary sponsors of
Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) driver J.J. Yeley during the 2004 season. Yeley
will drive the #18 Vigoro/Home Depot Chevy as part of an A-B-C
schedule that will consist of ARCA, NASCAR Busch Series and NASCAR
NEXTEL Cup Series races [#18 in Busch, supposedly #80 in Cup, not sure
about ARCA]. His first race in the Vigoro/Home Depot machine will be
the March 6 Sam's Town 300 Busch Series race at Las Vegas Motor
Speedway. Vigoro is owned by St. Louis-based United Industries
Corporation (which goes to market as Spectrum Brands) and is sold
exclusively at Home Depot stores. Heading Yeley's effort will be
veteran crew chief Doug Hewitt, who after being a crew chief in the
Cup Series since 1993, joined JGR in late 2001 as crew chief for Coy
Gibbs in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Under Hewitt's guidance,
Gibbs finished 10th in points in 2001 and 2002. Hewitt continued as
crew chief for Gibbs' Busch Series effort in 2003, and he takes the
team he helped build to Yeley's rookie campaign in 2004. Vigoro is the
number two selling brand of lawn and garden fertilizers in the United
States. The company's household brands include Hot Shot , Cutter and
Repel . The company's lawn and garden brands include Spectracide,
Spectracide Triazicide , Spectracide Terminate , Garden Safe and
Real-Kill in the controls category as well as Vigoro , Schultz™,
Bandini and Best brands in the lawn and garden fertilizer and organic
growing media categories.
2/14/04
Edwards heir apparent to Mark Martin
A seemingly harmless post-race
question turned into a startling revelation Friday night. During Carl
Edwards' winner's interview in the press box at Daytona International
Speedway following his victory in Friday night's Florida Dodge Dealers
250, Edwards' team owner, Jack Roush, was asked about Edwards' future.
His response was rather matter-of-fact: "Carl Edwards is the heir
apparent to Mark Martin in the No. 6 car." Roush continued; "I'd like
to see Mark (Martin) drive three more years and then I think (Edwards)
will be in the No. 6." Even Edwards, 24, seemed taken aback by the
remark. Asked later about Roush's comment, he said: "It's an honor and
motivates me to work harder every day to be the best driver I can be
so that when we do come up with a marketing partner to run in the
Nextel Cup Series in that car, I can ... win championships. The
emotional part of me just can't believe it. It gives me chills. Mark
Martin has been someone I have looked up to long before I even started
racing for his determination and drive."
ThatsRacin.com
2/14/04
Strong worldwide TV growth for NASCAR
[Editor's Note:
More evidence NASCAR is priming the pump for an eventual international
assault. Champ Car/OWRS and Bernie Ecclestone/F1 beware.]
The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) has more
international appeal than ever. NASCAR begins the 2004 season
with an expanded global reach that includes weekly television
broadcasts in more than 150 countries and in 23 languages each week.
This year, NASCAR’s international broadcast partners will air more
than 4,000 hours of NASCAR-related programming outside the U.S. NASCAR
is starting the new season strongly, having renewed 13 broadcast
partnerships and having added 10 new TV partners. Those new partners
will bring new and expanded coverage to Canada, Mexico, Japan, New
Zealand, Philippines, Italy, UK, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, and
throughout the Middle East. More....
2/14/04
NASCAR debuts new Ad campaign
NASCAR announced that it will launch
a new image advertising campaign – the story of a fantasy race where,
through computer wizardry, the greatest NASCAR drivers of all time
compete against the stars of today. The first of six TV spots in the
new ‘Timeless’ campaign will debut during television coverage of the
Daytona 500 on February 15th on NBC. The campaign, developed by The
Martin Agency, features archive film and audio of NASCAR heroes of the
past blended with images of hard-charging champions of today – all set
to Boston’s classic rock ballad ‘Long Time’. More....
2/14/04
Toyota 2nd in NASCAR debut
Toyota indicated it will be a contender in NASCAR Craftsman Truck
Series right front the start as Travis Kvapil led seven Toyota Tundras
with a second place in the Florida Dodge Dealers 250 behind winner
Carl Edwards. Kvapil, the defending series champion, put Toyota in the
lead for the first time ever on lap eight. Kvapil led a total of four
times for 15 laps in the No. 4 Line-X Toyota Tundra and edged Mike
Wallace at the finish line for second. David Reutimann finished ninth
and had his No. 17 NTN Bearings Toyota Tundra in the lead for seven
laps. Mike Skinner also led for six laps in the No. 42 Toyota Tundra
before being knocked out by a 15-truck accident just past the race's
halfway point. Skinner finished 28th overall. "We definitely had a
truck that was capable of winning," Kvapil said. "I was doing alI
I
could to stay in line and pick up one place there at the end, and
that's the way it worked out. I'm disappointed we didn't win, but
we're focused on capturing the championship again, and it looks like
we have the team, the manufacturer and the sponsor to make it happen."
It was Toyota's first-ever race in the Craftsman Truck Series after
capturing the NASCAR Goody's Dash Series Championship in 2002 with
Robert Huffman. The Tundra race trucks did their first full tests at
Daytona in January.
2/14/04
Testing
at two tracks for Ferrari
The fourth and final day of testing this week for Scuderia Ferrari
Marlboro at the Mugello circuit. Once again, Michael Schumacher took
to the track today, to continue with development work on the F2004.
The German driver covered 92 laps (8 on the short version of the
track,) with a quickest time of 1’18”902. Testing at this circuit
resumes on Tuesday 17th February with Michael Schumacher at the wheel
of an F2004. Meanwhile, the fourth and final day of testing this week
for Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro at the Jerez circuit in southern Spain
saw Rubens Barrichello take to the track, alternating behind the wheel
of two F2003-GA at his disposal. The Brazilian continued with
Bridgestone tyre development work, completing a total of 83 laps, the
quickest being a 1’18”290.
2/14/04
What went wrong between Jordan and
Verstappen?
The following is an interview conducted by
Jos Verstappen's personal website that explains the way things turned
out between he and Jordan resulting in Giorgio Pantano getting the
ride.
2/14/04
IROC
Newman wins IROC openerUPDATE A reader writes,
When are the IRL guys going to get a clue and start turning down
invitations to the great American farce known as the IROC? Even
though I can't stand the IRL, I wonder why these guys want to go race
stock cars against stock car drivers on tracks they are familiar with.
It would be like the worlds best soccer players going up against the New
England Patriots in a NFL game at Gillette stadium. It makes no sense
at all. They need to turn the IROC into a total NASCAR
event. Do it the way it was done 30 years ago on road courses or
get rid of it. Doug Ferguson2/14/04 - Once
again the NASCAR drivers made the IRL drivers look like fools (why do
the open wheelers subject themselves to looking like losers year in
and year out in "stock" cars?). Ryan Newman found a way to
squeeze past Kurt Busch 100 yards from the finish line and won the
season-opener of the International Race of Champions Series on Friday
night. "I could have leaned into him and spun him at the line,
but that wasn't the way to win," said Newman, who waited several
minutes inside his car parked in Victory Lane while IROC officials
viewed tape of his pass. To get by Busch, the defending IROC
champion and a fellow NASCAR Nextel Cup star, Newman got two wheels
under the yellow out-of-bounds line along the lower edge of the banked
2½-mile oval at Daytona International Speedway -- generally considered
an illegal move. "He tried to push me off and I was at the point
of no return," Newman said. "I went below the yellow line instead of
spinning him out. Fortunately, it was the last lap. I knew I was
forced down there, but you never know how it's going to be called."
It was the end of a sensational run for Newman, who found himself last
in the 12-car all-star field nine laps from the end of the 40-lap,
100-mile event.
1. (12) Ryan Newman, NASCAR Nextel Cup, 40
laps.
2. (97) Kurt Busch, NASCAR Nextel Cup, 40.
3. (17) Matt Kenseth, NASCAR Nextel Cup, 40.
4. (48) Jimmie Johnson, NASCAR Nextel Cup, 40.
5. (11) Steve Kinser, World of Outlaws, 40.
6. (03) Helio Castroneves, IRL IndyCar Series, 40.
7. (29) Kevin Harvick, NASCAR Nextel Cup, 40.
8. (1) Scott Dixon, IRL IndyCar Series, 40.
9. (8) Scott Sharp, IRL IndyCar Series 40.
10. (24) Travis Kvapil, NASCAR Craftsman Truck, 40.
11. (80) J.J. Yeley, USAC, 40.
12. (20) Danny Lasoski, World of Outlaws, 40.
Race Statistics
Time of race: 39 minutes, 44 seconds.
Winner's average speed: 151.007 mph.
Margin of Victory: 0.035 seconds.
Lead changes: 14 among 6 drivers.
Lap Leaders: Newman 1-3; Kenseth 4-6; Johnson 7-13; Harvick 14-15;
Busch 16-17; Kenseth 18; Johnson 19-21; Newman 22; Johnson 23-24;
Harvick 25-32; Kinser 33-35; Busch 36-39; Newman 40.
Point Standings: Newman 21; Busch 20; Johnson 17; Kenseth 14; Harvick
14; Kinser 10; Castroneves 9; Dixon 7; Kvapil 7; Sharp 6; Yeley 4;
Lasoski 3.
2/14/04
More improvements slated for Milwaukee
Mile
In what is now the third phase of retrofitting The Milwaukee Mile,
approval was granted yesterday by the Wisconsin State Building
Commission to provide $1.4 million in non-tax supported bonding for
multiple improvements to be done in time for the 2004 racing season at
the historic facility. Race Sanctioning Body mandates for safety
improvements required the following construction to be completed prior
to the track's season opener, the scheduled June 3-5 Champ Car World
Series race weekend: More.....
2/13/04
Champ Cars to be featured on
History Channel
The science of Champ Car racing is every bit as vital to the
success of the series as anything that happens in the
cockpit of a 750hp turbocharged open-wheel race car. The
science of safety is one of the key elements in making the
Champ Car World Series one of the premier racing series in
the world, and the History Channel will give viewers an
in-depth look at how technology helps keep drivers safe in
an upcoming episode of its Modern Marvels series. The
episode titled Race Track Tech, will premiere next Wednesday
at 10 p.m. Eastern Time. The hour-long show will feature
Champ Cars along with other racing series in a
behind-the-scenes look at how technicians create the safety
innovations that protect drivers. A feature interview with
Champ Car team owner Derrick Walker will take viewers
through what happened to his team’s Reynard machine during a
2002 crash at Surfers Paradise, Australia. The episode will
display how all of the safety procedures in place helped
keep the drivers safe through a violent multi-car crash.
2/13/04 Formula BMW
Formula BMW to kick off season
at Lime Rock
[Editor's Note: Expect an announcement in the
near future in conjunction with the Champ Car Series for the
remainder of the season] BMW of North America, LLC has
announced that its Formula BMW USA series prize package will
amount to over $260,000. This purse is in addition to the
$40,000 scholarships that it awarded six lucky drivers last
month, bringing the total winnings to over $500,000. The
first Formula BMW USA race will take place at Lime Rock Park
on Memorial Day weekend. The 1.53-mile, 7-turn circuit in
the hills of western Connecticut is considered as BMW’s home
track as it is only 60 miles from the Woodcliff Lake, NJ
headquarters. “In addition to BMW’s commitment of training
future champions, we believe Formula BMW USA is one of the
most lucrative entry-level open-wheel road racing series in
North America,” said Alex Schmuck, Formula BMW USA series
manager. “And, while we are still finalizing the rest of the
season we are delighted that the first races will be at Lime
Rock. BMW has written many chapters of its motorsports
history there and I could not be happier that we will add to
it in May.” Series championship prize monies total $81,000
with $20,000 going to the inaugural Formula BMW USA
champion. Runner-up prizes are; 2nd-$15,000, 3rd-$12,000,
4th-$10,000, 5th-$8,000, 6th-$6,000, 7th-$4,000, 8th-$3,000,
9th-$2,000 and 10th-$1,000. A $50,000 scholarship will also
be awarded to the 2004 Formula BMW USA Series Champion that
can be applied to a year of participation in the 2005
Formula BMW Germany Championship. At each event, $5500 in
per-race prize money will be awarded as follows: 1st- $1000,
2nd-$900, 3rd-$800, 4th-$700, 5th-$600, 6th-$500, 7th-$400,
8th-$300, 9th-$200 and 10th-$100. A separate Rookie Cup for
those in their first year of racing will be a championship
within a championship and will be based on the same scoring
system. Rookie Cup monies will be in addition to the regular
championship winnings and total $24,000. The inaugural
Formula BMW USA Rookie Cup winner will receive $8,000,
2nd-$6,000, 3rd-$4,000, 4th-$3,000, 5th-$2,000 and
6th-$1,000. In addition, $2100 in per-race Rookie Cup prize
money will be awarded as follows: 1st-$600, 2nd-$500,
3rd-$400, 4th-$300, 5th-$200 and 6th-$100. Each Formula BMW
USA race weekend will include two rounds of the Championship
and a separate qualifying session will determine the grid
for each 30-minute standing-start contest. All rounds will
count toward the overall championships and points will be
awarded as follows: First-20, Second-15, Third-12,
Fourth-10, Fifth-8, Sixth-6, Seventh-4, Eighth-3, Ninth-2
and Tenth-1.
2/13/04
Final 2004 F1 entry list
With Georgio Pantano confirmed at Jordan, the 2004 F1 driver
lineup is complete. Full
lineup & test drivers
2/13/04
Unrest at DEI, Waltrip fires
back Below are
select quotes from Thursday's Wind Tunnel with Dave Despain
on SPEED Channel. NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series driver Michael
Waltrip spoke with Dave about the role of teammates and the
new Goodyear racing tire.
Waltrip on comments made by Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s crew chief
Tony Eury, after the Gatorade 125 race: "I was surprised --
I didn't know all of that went down. In a 125, we're just
positioning ourselves, trying to learn about our cars --
trying to understand what we've got and what we have to do
to win the Daytona 500. If Dale hangs me out early in a race
or me him, that means nothing to me. But, evidently, Tony
Eury went on some sort of rampage about my loyalty to our
team. That really bothered me that he would question what I
know is best for DEI after my assistance, my participation
and my great finishes for our team.
"I didn't understand all that. I didn't even know there was
a controversy until the race was over and they said 'They
cussed you out over what you did.' Well, heck, I don't even
know what I did. I was just racing. When Dale Jr. passed me
to win the race, I was thinking 'Right on, brother.' The guy
leading the race has the best chance to win, so I don't
blame him for passing me. He did a great job coming through
the tri-oval, got on my back bumper and I was turning left
trying to block him. But he did such a good job with his
momentum to push me out of the way, and was able to duck
under me and get the lead. I was like 'More power to you
Dale Jr. -- I'll be back later.' Then I get out of my car
and hear they are talking about me. I don't think that's
cool. I don't worry about how other people drive there car,
I just drive mine and I don't appreciate other folks that
aren't even out there on the track critiquing how I go about
things.
(Despain asked Waltrip if Dale Jr. could have done anything
differently to have protected Waltrip's position on the
track.)
"I wouldn't have asked him to do anything differently. The
only thing, I think, we are responsible for as teammates is
to not cost each other something. If he makes a move and we
both get hurt from it or if I make a move and we both get
hurt from it, then that's not cool. But what he did is put
his car in front of the race late in the going. I don't have
a problem with that. We're racing -- we're not riding around
trying to show off. I don't understand any controversy, nor
do I appreciate anybody talking stuff about me.
"Now, I have to sit around and answer questions about this
deal. If Tony had just been quiet and kept his dumb comments
to himself, I could sit here and talk to you about winning
the last two out of three Daytona 500s and having a fast car
going into the Daytona 500. Instead I'm talking about
something that doesn't even pertain to what we're doing here
in Daytona. ... I just wanted to come clean with you and
everyone watching that I didn't like what (Eury) said and
it's neither here nor there with me. I am going to go on
about my business just like I did before today. I know how
to help my teammate be successful and my teammate knows how
to help me. I love Dale Jr. -- we are buddies and we'll get
our jobs done on Sunday, no matter what anyone says or
thinks."
Waltrip on drivers complaining about the new Goodyear racing
tires: "NASCAR called upon Goodyear to build a softer tire
-- a tire that would stick early in the race and then fade late
in the going, forcing us to pit and maybe forcing handling
to come into the equation for success during the course of a
Daytona 500. Goodyear, with all their engineers and
ingenuity and experience, built that tire. They built the
tire that NASCAR and the competitors asked them to build.
And now you see cats getting on the TV griping about what
Goodyear did. That really gets on my nerves. They did what
they were asked to do. They proved today that they can build
anything you ask them to. Today's tire was a result of the
direction we sent them in. Now, do I think it's what's best
for the Daytona 500? I'm pretty happy with it. I think that
it will mix up the racing. You'll see a lot of stuff go on
between the time they say go and the time we have to come in
and get tires. That's good for racing at Daytona."
2/13/04
Schumacher tops Jerez charts on
Friday Ralf Schumacher set the fastest time
during F1 testing at Jerez today. The German eclipsed his
Williams teammate Juan Pablo Montoya by 0.258s.
Pos Driver Chassis-engine Tires Time Laps
1 Ralf Schumacher Williams-BMW M 1m16.953s 66
2 Juan Pablo Montoya Williams-BMW M 1m17.315s 35
3 Pedro de la Rosa McLaren-Mercedes M 1m17.740s 93
4 Alex Wurz McLaren-Mercedes M 1m17.914s 39
5 Rubens Barrichello Ferrari B 1m18.369s 79*
6 Nick Heidfeld Jordan-Ford B 1m20.376s 54
2/13/04
Fever on the streets of Bahrain
The streets are alive with Formula One . at least they will
be in the Kingdom of Bahrain on February 19th when the
avenues of Manama will reverberate to the power and passion
of a Formula One car. .F1 Fever. comes to Bahrain in the
shape of a Sauber Petronas C22 Grand Prix car that will
accelerate down Manama’s sea front on the King Faisal
Highway in the centre of the Kingdom’s capital. The unique
spectacle will be the first time that a modern day Formula
One car has driven at speed in the Middle East. Grand Prix
fever is at the centre of everything in Bahrain prior to the
first Middle East Grand Prix at the Bahrain International
Circuit on 04.04.04. The Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix is
round three of the FIA Formula One World Championship.
Before all that though, Manama’s streets will vibrate to the
sight and sound of Formula One in its purest form. The
Sauber Petronas car will be driven by the team’s official
test driver, 20-year-old Swiss, Neel Jani. Jani will reach
speeds of up to 300 kph on a road traditionally the venue
for more sedate forms of transportation. In a specially
designated area the car will demonstrate its raw speed and
sound in front of an enthusiastic crowd enjoying the side
shows of the .F1 Fever. event. The chance for Bahrainis to
see a Formula One car in action will be the culmination of
the .F1 Fever. event that will run from 1400 . 1700 on
February 19th. On-track activity will include rally car
displays from such luminaries as FIA Middle East Rally
Champion Mohammed bin Sulayem, custom cars and hot rods
while a DJ, racing simulators and competitions will keep
spectators entertained in the dedicated spectator area. .F1
Fever. is an important element of the Bahrain International
Circuit’s promotional strategy in the region as a taster of
Formula One ahead of April’s Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix.
The organizers hope to attract thousands of spectators to
experience this preview from Bahrain and the Middle East
region.
2/13/04
de Radigues rejoins Dyson team
Thetford / Norcold Dyson Racing is pleased to announce that
Belgian Didier de Radigues will be rejoining Chris Dyson for
the 2004 12 Hours of Sebring.
De Radigues, who co-drove with Dyson in the two American Le
Mans Series endurance events in 2003, will be piloting the
same #20 Lola-MG that the pairing drove to a class victory
at last year's 12 Hours of Sebring. De Radigues also helped
the Dyson squad clinch the ALMS Team Championship at the
2003 Petit Le Mans.
De Radigues is no stranger to success in the American Le
Mans Series, having won the LMP675 championship in 2001.
Prior to his career in auto racing, de Radigues was a star
in World Championship motorcycling events.
The Belgian is thrilled to be rejoining the team for the
Sebring event. "I am so excited about coming back to the
Dyson team," he said. "Last year we started a great
relationship. It's a great family atmosphere. I'm really
happy to drive with Chris again."
Chris Dyson is equally upbeat about the re-signing of de
Radigues. "Didier's efforts last year at the long races
helped us clinch the team championship," he said. "We work
really well together and he fits into our team amazingly.
He's fast, reliable, and relaxed, which is exactly what you
need in endurance racing."
Team principal Rob Dyson was so impressed with de Radigues
last year that when it came time to decide on drivers for
the Sebring event, the Belgian was an easy choice. "Didier
is one of the most unflappable individuals I've ever met,"
Dyson said. "It's probably from all the years he spent on
motorcycles, but his attitude is a perfect fit for car
racing. We are really pleased to have him rejoin us for
Sebring."
Since entering the sportscar racing world in 1985, Dyson
Racing has been North America's most successful sportscar
team. For 2004 the team will campaign two of its MG-Lola
EX257 prototypes in the nine-race American Le Mans Series.
The series' first event is the 12 Hours of Sebring on March
20.
2/13/04
Pantano confirmed at Jordan
Giorgio Pantano has landed the second seat at Jordan.
He said: “I’m so happy. I want to thank Eddie Jordan and
everybody at Jordan Grand Prix for giving me the opportunity
to be in F1 and show my ability. I will be giving my
all as I really want to guarantee them good results.
There are a lot of people I have to thank for helping me get
to this position and I hope I will make them proud.
I’m looking forward to driving the car some more in the test
sessions, and then of course, I am really excited about my
first grand prix in Melbourne in just a few weeks time.”
Team boss Eddie Jordan said: “Giorgio performed consistently
with accomplished race craft at the front of the field for
three years in F3000 and he’s ready for the challenge in F1.
In Jordan Ford’s driver pairing I believe we have the best
possible combination of youth, experience and natural
ability. Giorgio and Nick are seriously quick, skilled
and hungry for success, which is exactly what we need to
rejuvenate the team and lead Jordan’s fight-back in 2004.
I can’t wait for the first race!”
2/13/04
Tracy glad IRL lost battle for
CART
This Toronto Star article says, The new owners of the Champ
Car World Series can make a success of the revived open
wheel racing circuit if they stop chasing "the mirage" of
the rival Indy Racing League, Paul Tracy says. The defending
series champion was in town yesterday to help launch ticket
sales for the Molson Indy in July.
"(CART) spent too many years chasing reconciliation with
(IRL owner) Tony George when that option was never on the
table," said Tracy, a Scarborough native. "It was always
just a mirage placed in front of CART. I think they spent
too much time chasing that and not enough time on their own
business." The two series have been arch-rivals since
the end of 1995, when George broke away from CART and formed
the IRL.
Tracy admitted he was "a little bit concerned" when the IRL
made an 11th hour bid for CART's assets. "Their
intention was to grab CART's key races and put an end to
CART," he said. "I'm glad the judge saw it (OWRS') way.
OWRS' intention is to build this thing — they have a
five-year plan — and I'm glad I'm going to be a part of it."
Tracy said he believes Champ Cars can co-exist with the IRL
if it doesn't renew its fight for dominance with the IRL.
"What they've got to realize is that we're not competing
against the IRL for the corporate dollar," he said. "We're
competing against everything. We're in the entertainment
business. We're competing against baseball, football,
hockey, NASCAR, basketball and extreme sports. We can't
pigeon-hole ourselves and think we're only competing against
the IRL.
"There's room in Toronto for the Maple Leafs, the Blue Jays
and the Raptors. They're all fighting for the same
entertainment dollars and they seem to be able to co-exist."
Forsythe has yet to confirm a sponsor for Tracy or teammate
Patrick Carpentier. But Tracy said he's not concerned.
"I'm lucky that I'm driving for an owner who has lots of
money," he said. "If we were a smaller team we'd be out of
business.
"Both (Carpentier) and I have been told to get ready." Carpentier said by phone from Indianapolis that he's
obtained a personal sponsor in Procter & Gamble,
which would pay for a portion of his costs. Tracy said
he doesn't know what he would have done if the IRL had
gained CART's assets. But one thing is certain.
"I wouldn't have gone to the IRL," he said.
2/13/04 IROC
Open Wheel drivers at
disadvantage in made-for-NASCAR IROC This AP
article says, Scott Sharp feels a little out of
place. He's taking a break from the Indy Racing
League to compete with a bunch of NASCAR guys at Daytona
International Speedway. "It's certainly a big challenge for
us open-wheel guys," said Sharp, one of 12 drivers in
Friday's International Race of Champions. "There couldn't be
much more difference in a race car, and certainly for the
stock car drivers, it's old hand." Make no mistake:
The IROC champion is likely to come from one of the Nextel
Cup entrants - Kurt Busch, Kevin Harvick, Jimmie Johnson,
Matt Kenseth or Ryan Newman. The last non-NASCAR champion in
the series was Al Unser Jr. in 1988.
More....
AutoRacing1 is an independent internet online publication and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by CART Inc., NASCAR, FIA, FedEx,
Nextel, or any other series sponsor. This material may not be published, broadcast, or redistributed without permission. User agreement & disclaimer
Much
More...click on 2004 archives button below
