As the biggest Juan Pablo Montoya fan on the face of the earth, this is going to hurt me a lot more than it hurts him. And that is part of the problem.

I realize some bloggers think they are journalists and they have to maintain a level of objectivity. I am not one of those people. I have opinions and I express them, and while I think I am the most objective person I know; I hate Kyle Busch and love Juan Pablo Montoya. I love Montoya more than I hate Kyle Busch in fact, which puts JPM in the category above my dog, but below my children. My wife still tells the story of when my buddy called me to tell me that Juan was coming to NASCAR, and I am quoted as saying, “dude, you just gave me chills.”  I’m not proud of that fact by the way.

I would have rather heard he was coming back to Indycar, but NASCAR was good enough. He was under appreciated in F1 anyhow. Then came the Grand-Am 24 hour of Daytona involvement and overall win. It was almost perfect. But he didn’t dominate in NASCAR; not with any frequency. He showed moments of great car control. He got three Nationwide and Sprint cup wins combined on road courses.

This weekend the Sprint Cup cars at back on a road course, and if Montoya has any shot of making the Chase, he needs to win this weekend at Sonoma. Montoya has the talent to be competing for a Cup championship. I realize he isn’t driving a Hendrick or Roush-Fenway rig, so he’s at a disadvantage, but he should be having more success than he has.

When Montoya came to NASCAR he talked about how great a series it is for a family man. Compared to F1, I’m sure he’s right. Apparently if you follow his twitter, it is also a great series for aspiring amateur-celebrity golfers, radio control airplanes, and windsurfing. Don’t get me wrong, dude has a right to have a good time; and he’s earned it. But I don’t see the hunger, or tenacity of a Kyle Busch, or even a Jimmie Johnson in this guy. It is hard to imagine the success he could have with their motivation.

Now is the time for Juan to cement his legacy.  I believe Juan is a free agent at the end of this year.  I would love to see him in a Gibbs car, or a Roush car.  That won’t happen, but it sure would aid his cementing.  He has young kids that he appears to take an involvement with. As a person in a similar situation I can appreciate how it can take away somewhat from your professional career. No one will argue that JPM isn’t one of the all time greats. His resume speaks for itself. The NASCAR experiment has gone on long enough that we can give it a grade. It is definitely a disappointment, just like my college career. I’d give him a C- at this point.  An A for leisure activities and enjoying all that racing can afford someone in his position though

Montoya

.  Which given my track record, is probably what I would do as well.  Still in this position I get to throw stones.  So lob away I will.

As it appears that airspace in the UK might be closing down again soon and perhaps even a new volcano may erupt and cause even greater disturbance than the first did, I thought I’d share some positives to my recent experience with being stranded in the UK.

Now what the hell do I do?

1. You can talk to just about anybody about F1 - In the U.S. I consume racing news throughout all my waking hours and can only discuss on this blog and via email with friends who have an interest. Unfortunately for my wife from time to time I must vent my opinions and she is nice enough to listen (or least make an attempt at pretending she’s listening). But in Europe I could bring up complex questions related to rules, drivers, or Bernie’s plans for the future to any random dude on the street and they’d have an opinion and time to talk about it. You can’t beat that with a stick!

2. Racing is on TV - Not just on some random motorsports channel but its on regular TV. Sky News covers the results from Practice and Qualifying and shows race highlights. Sky Sports, well they cover more. Can you imagine CNN reporting race results? Even NASCAR doesn’t get coverage unless Cousin Carl hits the fence at Talledega and nearly kills himself and a fan or two. They cover more than just race results too. I couldn’t sleep one night so I flipped through the channels to find a documentary about Aston Martin’s most recent attempt at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. I almost forgot I was stranded for an hour while I was completely sucked into this show.

3. Top Gear – That’s almost all I need to say. It’s on an it’s on all the time.

4. Top Gear – Yup, I’m putting it on twice.

5. Merchandise in Department Stores - SpeedGear is a great shop. Online and at the track they are the go to spot in the states for getting your Non-NASCAR motorsports stuff. Love ‘em! But, they’re pretty much it. So one of the days I was stranded I went shopping thinking I’d get something for my family back home that was feeling the effects of my absence just as much as I was. When you go shopping somewhere else you realize quickly that the world is a very small place. I wanted something uniquely London without going to the extremes of a shirt with Big Ben on it or that said, “My Husband Got Stuck in London and All I Got was this Lousy T Shirt”. This is a taller order than I thought. The shelves and racks of a department store are interchangeable pretty much no matter where you are (in the developed world as least). But what did I come across much to my suprise? The motorsports section on the SportsWear floor! Yup, right there they had kids-sized McLaren Fire Suits, Ferrari Helmet Key Chains, Aston Martin Racing hats. It was like standing in the middle of an inappropriate teen age race fan’s dream, except I was competely clothed and not surrounding by random people from my past.

Reports from around the web are stating that the operations of the fledgling USF1 team have ground to a halt. The brainchild of Peter Windsor and Ken Anderson which had the backing of YouTube Founder Chad Hurley apparently has informed their recently signed driver that they are going to miss at least the first 3 races of this season and as a result will not make the remaining races either.

Rumors now abound that Hurley has pulled his support for the team due to lack of progress and may likely be taking his money elsewhere to a more established team and even that the US team’s entry in the 2010 championship may be taken over by the Serbian based team Stefan GP.

So this is what the web is saying. Here’s to hoping that its all a bunch of crap and that they really will be pulling things together and all will be well. There have been many skeptics since the beginning. At this point I’m going to stay on the happy train and not necessarily go with what a European News Paper is saying. At this point it appears they are the only ones reporting it directly and everyone else is just using them as their source. It seems like an awful lot of work and money has been thrown into this to have it all fall apart this close to the start of the season. Now saying that this stuff happens in racing all the time. My fingers are crossed that it’s all bullshit. Perhaps its just a well timed publicity stunt to make their debut that much cooler.

Signed,
Delusional USF1 Fan

The Flav @ 66ème Festival du Cinéma de Venise (photo credit: nicogenin)

Flavio Briatore, the alleged mastermind behind the Renault race fixing scandal, has been cleared to return to F1 as his lifetime ban was overturned by a French court.  Briatore’s supposed next step is legal action against Nelson Piquet Jr., who ratted out Flavio for ordering Piquet to intentionally crash his Renault at the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix thereby affecting the outcome of the race in favor of teammate Fernando Alonso. 

Being an eighth french I have to share my utter disgust with this ruling.  If this was any other sport besides F1, I would say there is no way any team would bring him on.  However, with the political circus that is F1 it probably makes him even more desirable.  Hopefully I’m wrong.

Brawn GP (Photo Credit: lipjin)

In what continues to be an interesting off-season in Formula One, Mercedes announced Monday they are going to purchase a 75.1 percent share of Brawn GP.  The team will be operated as a works team starting in 2010.  Mercedes went on to say that they will sell their 40 percent stake in McLaren over the next three years.  The Brawn GP purchasing group includes Aabar Investments along with Mercedes.  Aabar is an Abu Dhabi owned investment firm that holds nine percent of Mercedes parent Daimler.  Mercedes will continue to supply engines to McLaren in the future.

McLaren put out a press release putting a very positive spin on the separation:

http://www.mclaren.com/latestnews/mclaren-news.php?article=380

  It appears Ross Brawn parlayed his magical season of 2009 into a significant payday.  He will retain his role as team principal and manager, all while collecting a handsome reward for his work.  That investment in Honda’s operation paid off.  Should be interesting to see which manufacturer makes the next move.

Word came out of Tokyo on November 4th that confirmed what many were expected.  Toyota will be withdrawing from Formula 1 competition.  The Toyota news release cited “… the current severe economic realities” as the reason for their exit from the pinnacle of open wheel motorsports.

Photo Credit: Sumisso

As far as the Japanese automakers future the release also reads, “In motor sports, it will not only race in various categories, but will also actively contribute to further development of motor sports by supporting grassroots races and planning events in which it is easy for people to participate.”  I found this quote very interesting.  To me it basically says that they’re pulling out of the most high profile and expensive form of motorsport world wide but we’re going to stay involved in other series and at the very bottom of the motorsports food chain, grassroots racing.  What an excellent kick to the Formula 1 snobs out there!

The world’s largest automaker is saying it’s going to focus on other series (i.e. NASCAR, Grand Am, NHRA, etc.) and what I consider the heart and soul of motorsports, johnny weekend racer.  They would rather spend their diminishing racing budgets in those places then at the “pinnacle” of motorsport.  That is saying a lot and I think it’s saying exactly the right thing.

Formula 1 is awesome, there is no question about that.  But is it about selling cars?  In the end to an automaker motorsports are about 3 things; marketing to your consumer, beating your competitors, and developing new technologies that can be used in passenger cars in the future.  So, lets break this down.

Marketing:

Are Toyota drivers really in the F1 demographic?  Yes, but it’s more likely Lexus drivers.

Does F1 get much attention in the US?  Not nearly as much as the tin tops.

Beat your competitors:

Was Toyota beating their competitors?  This year they finished 5th in the points having bested BMW Sauber, William – Toyota (not much help), Renault,  Force Inda – Mercedes, and Torro Rosso – Ferrari.  Renault is a competitor in some markets but not one I believe Toyota fears and BMW is a competitor of note for Lexus.  Ok, so a little help here but is spending as much as an estimated $445 Million a year to run a Formula 1 team?  Hello NO!  Hop up a Camry or an IS F10 and go at it with BWM in ALMS GT2.  That would save you, oh I don’t know about $444.5 Million!

 Were they even racing against competitors?  For argument sake lets say they won the constructor’s championship this season.  In addition to the teams above who would they have beaten?  Mercedes, Renault, and Ferrari.  If they were called Panasonic Lexus Racing instead of Toyota I could see Mercedes, but they just aren’t competing with these guys for car sales.

Developing New Technologies

Were new technologies culled from their 8 seasons in F1?  I dunno.  Probably, but couldn’t you do the same thing in ALMS?  If you were running in GT2 you’d even have a chassis that was similar to a production car.  Hell, if it was Koni Challenge you could actual make money by selling race ready cars to teams.  Imagine that?  Whatever they learned must not have been worth the extra cost.

Thanks for humoring me as I ran through that.  I never like to see any OEM pull out of any racing series, but if they truly focus more on grass roots racing (ala Mazda) then I think this is great news for the motorsports community.  If a company the size of Toyota put its might behind a plan to build a ladder system similar to what Mazda has done this could open up doors to many wanna be drivers that never existed before.  You have to appreciate that.

Now, I know I referred to “Formula 1 snobs” earlier in the post.  I want F1 to do well, but I really want them to just get over themselves.  Yep, they race in some of the coolest places in the world (less and less now) and they have some of the premier manufacturers participating, that is all true.  But, the races are high speed parades, the budgets are out of control, and now that Toyota has withdrawn only 1 of the Top 10 automakers (by 2008 production) participated in the series, Fiat (Ferrari).

Seriously?  How can you be the premiere series if the 9 biggest auto makers don’t participate?  Major changes need to be made to preserve the good name and future of F1.  I hope they do it and soon.

You can read Toyota’s full press release here: 

http://pressroom.toyota.com/pr/tms/toyota-to-withdraw-from-f1-112039.aspx?ncid=12036

Could he go to F1? Should he go? Photo Credit: Big Ed's Photos

According to the article USF1 has had conversations with Kyle’s business people and Kyle has publicly said he would consider such a move, if only for a few years.  His contract with Gibbs goes through next year so nothing would happen prior to 2011.

I don’t know what to think about all this.  Bush is a good driver, you can’t deny that no matter how much we’d all like to.  His persona leaves a great deal to be desired but he’s made a great villain for NASCAR.  That in itself makes him an interesting choice for F1 where robot drivers reign supreme.  They thought JPM was outspoken and reckless just wait till they get a load of Rowdy!  An American in F1 would be great, a loud one would be good too, but it probably wouldn’t help our national image of the Ugly American.

Bush Lover!!!! Photo Credit: ph-stop

I watch both NASCAR and F1 so either way he’ll be popping up on my tube.  We’ll see how this one shakes out.

See the full article here:  http://www.usatoday.com/sports/motor/formula1/2009-10-21-us-f1-wants-kyle-busch_N.htm

After meeting in Paris the FIA has released a new provisional Formula 1 schedule for 2010.  Of special note is the move of Monaco from May 23rd to May 16th and that the Abu Dabi and Brazilian GPs will most likely switch dates if it’s cool with the promoters of those events.

Although not finalized yet the coolest thing on the schedule is Canada on June 13th.  It has a big fat asterisk next to it right now because contracts are still in negotiations on this one.  Lets all keep our fingers crossed that F1 makes its return to North America in 2010. 

I’ll admit I have a love / hate relationship with Formula 1, but that is mostly with its leadership and the general superiority complex that surrounds the sport.  (Seriously you can have an alleged Nazi Themed Orgy and just be asked to sit out a race?  Seriously?)

Anyway, provisional schedule is below.  Stay tuned for future updates!
2010 FIA Formula One World Championship calendar
14 March – Bahrain
28 March – Australia
4 April – Malaysia
18 April – China
9 May – Spain
16 May – Monaco
30 May – Turkey
13 June – Canada**
27 June – Europe (Valencia)
11 July – Great Britain*
25 July – Germany
1 August – Hungary
29 August – Belgium
12 September – Italy
26 September – Singapore
3 October – Japan*
17 October – Korea*
31 October – Abu Dhabi��
14 November – Brazil†

*Subject to the homologation of the circuit.
**Subject to the completion of contract negotiations with Formula One Management.
†The FIA has approved in principle a proposal to swap the dates of the Abu Dhabi and Brazil Grands Prix, pending agreement with the promoters of both events.

It might be a hassle some times but memories are made at the track. Photo Credit: TequilaMike

I was presented with a dilemma recently.  I received my annual renewal for my Nationwide and Sprint Cup tickets for the August Michigan race.  My family has had four tickets together for both races and we have attended for at least 10 years now.  As time goes by interest wanes with all parties involved; everybody seems so busy these days.  Michigan isn’t exactly an excitement track like Bristol either.  Plus it really is a chore to go to a NASCAR race.  All the traffic, the people, the long walks, and 90+ degree humid Michigan summer day, just doesn’t appeal anymore.  The tickets are getting ridiculously priced too.  So we are reluctantly going to let them go.  Nationwide in the shadow of the pressbox, and turn 1 grandstand aisle seats for Sprint Cup.  Even selling our extra tickets if someone doesn’t want to go hasn’t been possible for the last couple years given my region’s economy.  It just wasn’t worth it.  Or is it? 

Why do we go to races?  It’s easier, cheaper, and you seemingly get to see more up close action with today’s television coverage.  I can even listen to Dale Jr.’s radio through the computer at home better than I can on my old Radio Shack scanner in the stands.   Why do we go?  Yeah, we aren’t down on the track like we all wish we were.  But we have skin in the game when we are at the track.  Well at least sunburnt skin, and lots of sweat.  We are invested in the sport we love.  We are connected to the point we think we are participants.  You don’t get that through the TV.  Not even in hi-def.  You can’t smell or hear the cars. 

Seriously! How awesome is this shot! We took this picture! Photo Credit: Angry Race Fan

I go to races so that when I’m BSing with my buddies, I can say, “yeah, but I was in Cleveland when Danica and AJ were running Barber Dodge cars.”  Some of the races you remember clear as day.  Some are forgettable, either because they are boring (MIS stock car), or because you drank so many oil cans of Fosters at an F1 race at Indy and you don’t even remember getting home six hours away (I wasn’t driving).  It is the most fun when you can stay on site for the weekend.  Jimmy Vasser played football with his buddies next to our camp site at Road America.  Paul Newman practically drove through said campsite on his scooter staring at the sky. 

I feel as though I was truly a part of the IRL/CART split. I sat in the stands at the US500; people with portable black and white TVs sitting behind us were watching Indy and giving us updates.  I watched a buddy almost get killed by Chip Ganassi driving like an idiot on his scooter, or same friend almost run down by AJ Foyt on a golf cart.  Since we don’t have the talent to drive side by side with Juan Pablo, and we can’t call a race like Tim Cindric; we accept our role as fans.  As a race fan, you truly need to put your butt in the seat at a racetrack as often as you can.  That is where you truly connect with the sport.  It also makes watching those races on TV more enjoyable.  You subconsciously recall it all, and you truly know what it would be like if you were there. 

OK, so I’ve waxed ecstatic and gotten a little too romantic.  You still need to vote with your wallet first and foremost.    Babies still need shoes, and you need to take your lady or man out for dinner.  Those dance class and gymnastics for the kids don’t pay for themselves.  Whenever you can pull it off though; take in a race.  It’s worth it. 

Now I hope I didn’t already recycle that ticket renewal slip.

Indy Car:

Vitor Returns to Indy – After his crash in this year’s 500 Vitor Meira returned to IMS for a test this week.

Grand Am: 

Bosch Engineering Octoberfest Preview – Koni Challenge drivers talk about the upcoming race at VIR coming up on Sunday October 4th.

Formula 1:

Renault Penalty Verdict - So these two guys from Australia Max & Pep do an F1 Podcast and its pretty much awesome.  If for nothing else I like the intro stuff they do with the montage of pics and music.  This video is part 1 of a 2 part series.  If you’re down with part 1 you should be able to find your way to part 2 here.

NASCAR:

Joey Logano’s Nasty Ass Crash – Joey had a real rough one last weekend.  Definitely just an unfortunate racing incident with Tony Stewart but the young man definitely earned some stripes on this one.