Open Wheel Racing 2010...He's baaack...He's gone...

[Timothy A]

Open wheel 2010 is upon us.

For those casual fans, the 2 biggest stories to follow:

He's gone...Tony George is completely unaffiliated with the Indianaplois Motor Speedway and this team, Vision Racing, has shut down. The man who split the IRL from CART is now out of racing altogether.

He's baaack...Michael Schumacher is out of retirement to race for the Mercedes Factory team, which last year was the Brawn Team who fielded the 2009 champ, Jensen Button. Schumi is reunited with Ross Brawn, the guru he won all his championships with @ Benetton and Ferrari. Button has moved onto McLaren.

They're also gone....BMW and Toyota are out of F1.

They're in...new teams Lotus F1 Racing, USF1, Virgin Racing, Campos Meta.

------------------
F1 testing opened today. Notables testing today:

Massa was fastest in the Ferrari 1:12:574, del la Rosa was 2nd in the Sauber Ferrari (fomerly BWM) 1:12:784, Schumacher was 3rd 1:12:947, Rosberg was 4th (Schumacher's teammate @ Mercedes) 1:13:543.

Hamilton will be on track tomorrow.

 

[Timothy A]

Re: Open Wheel Racing 2010...He's baaack...He's gone...

So the IRL hires some guy as CEO who to took the Professional Bull Riding Tour from obscurity to semi obscurity.

On the one hand, a guy with no experience in 1 field can turn a company around, look at what Mulally did with Ford when he came over from Boeing.

On the other hand, every guy who came over to run CART with no racing backround at all failed miserably. Of course Tony George failed miserably with lots of racing experience...I guess it's a big crap shoot.

 

[Timothy A]

Re: Open Wheel Racing 2010...He's baaack...He's gone...

IRL testing @ Barber Motorsports Park has concluded. Penske was 1-2-3.

Danica's head is not in the game. Bummer.

1 12 Power, Will D/H/F 01:09.8724
2 3 Castroneves, Helio D/H/F 01:10.0084
3 6 Briscoe, Ryan D/H/F 01:10.0459
4 9 Dixon, Scott D/H/F 01:10.0594
5 22 Wilson, Justin D/H/F 01:10.0869
6 5 Sato, Takuma (R) D/H/F 01:10.2070
7 24 Conway, Mike D/H/F 01:10.2497
8 26 Andretti, Marco D/H/F 01:10.3956
9 06 Mutoh, Hideki D/H/F 01:10.4451
10 34 Romancini, Mario (R) D/H/F 01:10.5487
11 32 Rossiter, James (R) D/H/F 01:10.5700
12 11 Kanaan, Tony D/H/F 01:10.6704
13 14 Meira, Vitor D/H/F 01:10.6963
14 37 Hunter-Reay, Ryan D/H/F 01:10.7123
15 8 Viso, EJ D/H/F 01:11.3140
16 78 de Silvestro, Simona (R) D/H/F 01:11.3351
17 7 Patrick, Danica D/H/F 01:11.5112
18 2 Matos, Raphael D/H/F 01:11.5484
19 10 Franchitti, Dario D/H/F 01:12.9810
20 67 Howard, Jay (R) D/H/F 01:14.1883

Results from SPEEDTV.

 

[alfablue]

Re: Open Wheel Racing 2010...He's baaack...He's gone...

Not sure if you all have been following what has been going on down in North Carolina- apparently, things are not progressing at USF1. To the point that they seem to be out for sure in 2010, and want to try for 2011....

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/81820

A lot of people are implying that Ken Anderson is a major snake oil salesman, and the staff at USF1 is finding out that Peter Windsor isn't exactly a stand up guy- wont face the company as it goes down the tubes.

I'm really bummed about this, and was hoping for a US based F1 team. What they had been saying seemed to be correct- good CAD aero systems in place in Charolotte, enough manufacturing to do it, etc.

But what I keep reading is that Anderson was pushing a particular concept, and he was not the gifted engineer that he keeps claiming he is. Sad.

I was planning on buying USF1 stuff while at Monza in September. But now Mrs Alfa has to stock up on Alonso stuff with the prancing horse- makes her kind of sick....

 

[MattS]

Re: Open Wheel Racing 2010...He's baaack...He's gone...

I have read the same things in different publications. It is sad in my opinion. I, too, was looking forward to a US based F1 team.

BTW, there is nothing wrong with Ferrari Red!



On another note, I was looking at the new IRL website and am very depressed by the drivers and teams listed. I was hoping for maybe a dark horse to battle for the Championship but it appears as if it will be the usual three team, 5 driver battle. Oh well.

 

[MattS]

Re: Open Wheel Racing 2010...He's baaack...He's gone...

Just another sign that IRL is all but dead....


Milka Duno has a full time ride while Graham Rahal does not. What the F is wrong with those team owners???


I think this season might just be the end for IRL. If not this season then next season. There is no way this series can survive with such horrible cars, too expensive racing, not enough American drivers, and the continuation of mismanagement. Sad.

 

[Timothy A]

Re: Open Wheel Racing 2010...He's baaack...He's gone...

The IRL needs to get the new car in use next year, whatever version they decide to use.

Graham.....I think part of the problem is the talent of the US drivers just isn't what it used to be in the eyes of the owners. The Owners are part to blame for Graham's non-ride. Penske signed Power for a 3rd car, he could have signed Graham instead. That tells me Penske thinks Power is better than Graham. If Ganassi wanted to, he could pony up a 3rd car for Graham.

Milka has $$$, and unless you drive for Ganassi, Penske or maybe Andretti, you have to bring $$$$ to drive.

I still think Bobby Rahal and Letterman are wealthy enough to run a 1 car team for Graham.

End of the IRL...Penske is paying for Helio and Briscoe out of his own pocket this year as the Philip Morris $ is gone. Surely Penske knew that money was leaving with enough time to land new sponsors. Is Penske perhaps not actively looking for sponsors because he doesn't want to commit long term to the series?

The first F1 race is next week?

 

[MattS]

Re: Open Wheel Racing 2010...He's baaack...He's gone...

The IRL needs to get the new car in use next year, whatever version they decide to use.

Graham.....I think part of the problem is the talent of the US drivers just isn't what it used to be in the eyes of the owners. The Owners are part to blame for Graham's non-ride. Penske signed Power for a 3rd car, he could have signed Graham instead. That tells me Penske thinks Power is better than Graham. If Ganassi wanted to, he could pony up a 3rd car for Graham.

Milka has $$$, and unless you drive for Ganassi, Penske or maybe Andretti, you have to bring $$$$ to drive.

I still think Bobby Rahal and Letterman are wealthy enough to run a 1 car team for Graham.

End of the IRL...Penske is paying for Helio and Briscoe out of his own pocket this year as the Philip Morris $ is gone. Surely Penske knew that money was leaving with enough time to land new sponsors. Is Penske perhaps not actively looking for sponsors because he doesn't want to commit long term to the series?

The first F1 race is next week?

I agree with you. I guess the more that the IRL exists the more it is turning into spec-car version of F1. Only the top 3 - 5 drivers are any good and the rest are either rich or well sponsored. Not talented. I just find it amazing that Graham and one of the owners can't find enough money for him to get a ride. Oh well, I smell a NASCAR future for him now.

By everything I read the new car won't be ready until 2012 and that is just too long. Another two years of Versus, no quality American drivers, and bad cars is going to (finally) kill it. I think the only reason it will make it until 2011 is due to Izod sponsorship. If Izod had not come along I doubt IRL would exist in 2011.

Just some thoughts..... If Penske can't / won't get sponsorship for two of his drivers then that should be a huge red flag (or maybe white flag) for IRL. Maybe he has had enough of IRL and open wheel? I would be absolutely shocked if he ever ventured back into F1 so possibly he will focus on NASCAR soon?


Yes, F1 starts on March 14 in Bahrain as does IRL in Sao Paulo.

 

[alfablue]

Re: Open Wheel Racing 2010...He's baaack...He's gone...

open wheel racing in the US wont die- it may change forms a lot, but it wont die. What will be interesting is how it comes out of this. For decades, it was a circle track derivative based on an engine largely designed in the 30's. That was partially upset by the Ford 4 cam in the 60's, but a turbo gave new life to the Offy. Then the Cosworth engine came along, as a derivative of an F1 motor, which breathed new life into the sport. Which then spawned a few more engine manufacturers. And that cost war largely lead to war, and where we are today.

Who knows, IRL could buy the entire GP1 series for next year, and we could see a bunch of former Ferrari engines...

I'm pretty sure it will survive for one more season until the new car.

What they DO need is some competition. Indy has never been all about the drivers (ala NASCAR), but has always had a tech relationship- it's both the car and driver celebrated in the past- AJ Foyt and his Cayotes (sp?) or some of the previous specials. March v. Lola, Cosworth vs. whoever, etc. To interest the US open wheel public, you need more than one chassis and more than one engine, and allow enough creativity to make it interesting.

How you do that, and keep costs contained, I really don't know, but IMHO, it can be done.

 

[Timothy A]

Re: Open Wheel Racing 2010...He's baaack...He's gone...

Penske is just what USF1 needs. Power and Briscoe could drive. That's the only form of racing he hasn't really conquered yet.

Agreed that all racing series need muliple engine and chassis to keep public interests up. Rivalries drive all sports, and right now IRL has none. Please F1, don't go down that road.

Cool beans about next weekend and both series firing up. I guess at this point it's time to sit back, put racing politics behind, and enjoy.

 

[alfablue]

Re: Open Wheel Racing 2010...He's baaack...He's gone...

Penske is just what USF1 needs. Power and Briscoe could drive. That's the only form of racing he hasn't really conquered yet.

I think Chip Gannassi could pull it off, too.

 

[MattS]

Re: Open Wheel Racing 2010...He's baaack...He's gone...

open wheel racing in the US wont die- it may change forms a lot, but it wont die. What will be interesting is how it comes out of this.

I don't think open wheel racing in the US will totally die. I am just thinking that IRL will die. IMO, with the mess that TG has made of the sport and really the Indy 500, IRL needs to go. Open wheel needs a bright, innovative and highly technical person to run it along with a marketing person. Maybe the new guy fro the rodeo thing can help the marketing side, but the people running the technical end are morons.

Penske is just what USF1 needs. Power and Briscoe could drive. That's the only form of racing he hasn't really conquered yet.

He could, but I doubt he ever would. I think I read somewhere that he has stated he would never go back to F1 after Mark Donohue died racing for him back in '75.

 

[solovsfett]

Re: Open Wheel Racing 2010...He's baaack...He's gone...

I don't know where US Open Wheel goes right now.


I see Penske and Ganassi pursuing and pushing a car design that is god-awful. I wouldn't watch a modified dragracer with effing fenders on it if it was the only series left.

Why they want that design so badly is beyond me.

Funny that Tony George has left the building. Will we next here he's in malaysia going totally kurtz???
what an a-s-s-h-o-l-e

splits the sport, thereby destroying ratings and growth, and then decides to go home and cry when the family decides he's spent too much of their money

thank god for F1 because this is going to be a rough transition period...

and graham rahal not getting a ride. sounds to me like they should then nuke the IRL entirely and start over. drivers with talent should get rides. I don't want to pay to see milka duno. efffffffffffffffffffffffffff that. if the teams don't have the $ then hire competent salesmen to get the sponsor money back into open wheel.

I'm sure it sounds easier than it is but someone has to come out and change this paradigm.

 

[Timothy A]

Re: Open Wheel Racing 2010...He's baaack...He's gone...

I see Penske and Ganassi pursuing and pushing a car design that is god-awful. I wouldn't watch a modified dragracer with effing fenders on it if it was the only series left.

Why they want that design so badly is beyond me.

I'm not a big hater of the Delta Wing project. I like out of the box thinking, like the 6 wheeled Tyrrell of the late 70's. I'm not in love with the Delta Wing project either. It is interesting that Penske and Ganassi are pushing it. These guys are proven winners in designing their own chassis and have built dominant teams, so if they think it's a good idea, maybe there is something more to it to consider. What was that old old commercial (horribly dating myself ), "When Smith Barney talks, people listen?"

Ultimately, what IRL fans want is what F1 has, and what CART used to have, multiple chassis and engines. I'd love to see all those designs that were floated on the track racing each other. I just love all the offseason tests and looking at the new designs and reading up on what people are trying to do to go faster. I'd ADD more offseason testing to keep the fan's interest peaked all year. The NFL is doing just that, keeping different events spread out so they literally never get out of the headlines.

 

[MattS]

Re: Open Wheel Racing 2010...He's baaack...He's gone...

Ultimately, what IRL fans want is what F1 has, and what CART used to have, multiple chassis and engines. I'd love to see all those designs that were floated on the track racing each other. I just love all the offseason tests and looking at the new designs and reading up on what people are trying to do to go faster. I'd ADD more offseason testing to keep the fan's interest peaked all year. The NFL is doing just that, keeping different events spread out so they literally never get out of the headlines.

Exactly! I like the idea of more off season testing. One of the things I like reading about in the winter is the "silly" season of F1. Helps me get through the days when there is no hockey to watch!

I am very excited for Sunday. It's suppose to be a crappy rainy weekend here in NY so it gives me a great excuse to sit and watch racing all morning (F1) and the early part of the afternoon (IRL) and not have my wife think I should be doing something.

 

[Timothy A]

Re: Open Wheel Racing 2010...He's baaack...He's gone...

I am really excited about this weekend's sports line-up. 2 UW hockey games, an F1 and IRL race. WOW!

F1 2nd practice times:

1 4 Nico Rosberg Mercedes Benz GP Ltd 01:55.409 -
2 2 Lewis Hamilton McLaren-Mercedes 01:55.854 0.445
3 3 Michael Schumacher Mercedes Benz GP Ltd 01:55.903 0.494
4 1 Jenson Button McLaren-Mercedes 01:56.076 0.667
5 5 Sebastian Vettel RBR-Renault 01:56.459 1.05
6 10 Nico Hulkenberg Williams-Cosworth 01:56.501 1.092
7 7 Felipe Massa Ferrari 01:56.555 1.146
8 12 Vitaly Petrov Renault 01:56.750 1.341
9 8 Fernando Alonso Ferrari 01:57.140 1.731
10 22 Pedro de la Rosa BMW Sauber-Ferrari 01:57.255 1.846

Analysis: Ferarri is suprisingly 1 sec plus off the pace. Could be sandbagging.
Interestingly the McLaren trick wing doesn't have them on top. Could be sandbagging. Schumi 3rd, thought he might be around 5th. Big shocker Rosberg is on top. Times dropped about a second from the first to second practices.

Traffic with all the slow new teams could be huge this weekend.

 

[alfablue]

Re: Open Wheel Racing 2010...He's baaack...He's gone...

While tomorrow is what relly matters today is a good indicator- it's a little late to be sanbagging as a team.

Should be fun tomorrow- you guys going to get up at 5am? I'll catch the middle since we have a morning run at 7:45....

 

[Timothy A]

Re: Open Wheel Racing 2010...He's baaack...He's gone...

I might be up around 6, but I sure feel like sleeping in (til 7) tomorrow. It's been a long week.

 

[MattS]

Re: Open Wheel Racing 2010...He's baaack...He's gone...

Should be fun tomorrow- you guys going to get up at 5am? I'll catch the middle since we have a morning run at 7:45....

I will DVR it and watch it "tape delayed". I don't usually get up on weekends until after 9 am. I just have to avoid my favorite internet racing sites until after I am done watching.


Oh and with some of those times. I have to think teams were working on different setups (race vs. quali) and different tires. I would be shocked if Petrov in the Renault is actually quicker than Alonso in the Ferrari. And I would serious doubt the Williams - Cosworth is really that good either.

 

[Timothy A]

Re: Open Wheel Racing 2010...He's baaack...He's gone...

I'm pretty excited to see my boy Schumi back in the car. Ferrari will have to slip back to #2 in my pecking order.