Racing Rumors

[¡As-de-mim!]

EMMERSON WHO? Former Formula One champion Emmerson Fittipaldi walked up to the pit lane entrance yesterday with a gaggle of autograph seekers hot on his trail. The volunteer guard at the gate asked Fittipaldi -- who is also a former CART champion and a team owner this season -- if he had the proper credentials to be on pit lane. When fans shouted "He's Emmerson Fittipaldi," the guard then asked: "Emmerson who?"

LUCKY NUMBER: PK Racing, co-owned by Craig Pollock, is using the No. 27 on its Ford/Lola in the Champ Car World Series -- the number the late Gilles Villeneuve used during two of his seasons with Ferarri in Formula One. It's also the number his son, Jacques Villeneuve, used when he won his 1995 CART championship.

"I asked series officials to use that number," Pollock, who is also the younger Villeneuve's agent, said. "It's my lucky number."

[Snrub]

God I hope that Emmo thing is made up.

Pollock is not doing a good job to dismiss the rumours of JV racing for him in the future.

[brightline]

I can honestly say I believe it. No one at the race really recognized anyone. These are some of the people who I saw this weekend without the fans recognizing them or even turning their heads: MARIO ANDRETTI, AL UNSER, JR., Derek Daly, Chris Pook, Max Papis, Tommy Kendall, PAUL NEWMAN!, etc., etc., etc.

[macdaddy]

Another rumour from ChampWeb...

Max Papis is down in the Fittipaldi-Dingman pits, and was holding the pit board for Tiago Monteiro. Could this be a sign of where Papis is going to land a ride? We shall see...

[senna12]

I think Monteiro has earned the ride for now, and Papis should stop going around begging for employment. I'll bet he offered to be Emo's personal driver and peon for the weekend as well.

[Dov]

You guys are right....Mad Max does look like he's begging for employment, but it would be nice to have another proven driver in the field. Plus it could only help the team of Fittipaldi-Dingman move foreward if they have two drivers.

[¡As-de-mim!]

Someone said that Max is engaged to Emo's daughter.

[macdaddy]

Hoover Orsi has also been linked to a possible second seat.

[¡As-de-mim!]

Johnson Controls Names Microchip Technology, Futaba, and Big Lake Transport, As Associate Sponsors for 2003 Champ Car Auto Racing Season
Monday February 24, 1:38 pm ET

PLYMOUTH, Mich., Feb. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Three of Johnson Controls' (NYSE: JCI - News) business partners are extending their relationship with the company. Microchip Technology Inc., Futaba, and Big Lake Transport have signed on as associate sponsors with Johnson Controls Motorsports for the company's sponsorship of Lansing, Michigan-based Rocketsports Racing's participation in the Bridgestone Presents the Champ Car World Series Powered by Ford.

"We are glad that Futaba, Big Lake Transport, and Microchip Technology have decided to become associate sponsors of Johnson Controls Motorsports for the 2003 racing season," said Bob Ellis, vice president of marketing and communications for Johnson Controls. "We rely on these partners daily for their contributions to the success of our business, and it's a pleasure to see their commitment carrying over into our motorsports program."

Chandler, Arizona-based Microchip Technology plays an important role in supplying components for Johnson Controls' HomeLink® Wireless Control System - an electronic communications device that enables drivers to remotely activate gates, garage doors, entry door locks, home lighting, security systems and other radio frequency (RF) convenience products. In addition, Microchip provides microprocessors for some of Johnson Controls' PathPoint® Compass products.

Futaba supplies display screens for Johnson Controls' PathPoint Compass and Trip Computer, which is integrated into the overhead console of vehicle interiors.

Futaba Corporation is recognized as a world leader in the production of Flat Panel Vacuum Fluorescent Displays (VFD), VFD modules, Field Emission Displays (FED) and Industrial and Hobby Radio Control Systems. Futaba's subsidiary company, Trans Tron Ltd (TTL), is a world-class contract manufacturer providing electronic assemblies for leading Automotive and Industrial OEM's in North America.

The world comes into contact with Futaba products every day in applications such as electronic readouts on automotive instrumentation, appliance controls, audio/video equipment, business machines, point-of-sale terminals, and remote controls for industrial, commercial and hobby industry.

Big Lake Transport, Inc. (BLT) operates 150 power units serving the United States, Canada and Mexico. With headquarters in Charleston, Missouri since 1969, this privately held carrier specializes in "just-in-time" deliveries. Most recently, BLT was ISO 9001:2000 registered. The company has served Johnson Controls since 1988, continually growing to become the company's largest truckload carrier. Visit its web site at www.biglaketransport.com .

Johnson Controls is a global market leader in automotive systems and facility management and control. In the automotive market, it is a major supplier of integrated seating and interior systems, and batteries. For non- residential facilities, Johnson Controls provides control systems and services including comfort, energy and security management. Johnson Controls (NYSE: JCI - News), founded in 1885, has headquarters in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

[¡As-de-mim!]

In an effort to avoid previous mistakes in dealing with its manufacturers, CART is including potential partners in discussions about engine and chassis formulas to be used in 2005 and beyond.

Vice president of operations John Lopes said the search for cars and the manufacturers to build them go hand in hand.

"Our plan is not to just flat out announce what the formula is and then go search for people," he said. "We're doing them together, both on the chassis side and the engine side."

[Prost!]

Originally posted by senna12
Papis should stop going around begging for employment.

Meaning, your personal strategy for unemployment is give up? I hardly think so. No matter your line of work, you'll never find employment warming up seat cushions on a couch. Had Moreno heeded such advice, he'd have hanged up his helmet years ago. Quoting Ben Franklin et al, diligence is the mother of all good luck. Cinzano, Max!

Prost!

[macdaddy]

Thinking about ¡As-de-mim!'s post regarding Johnson Controls bringing their business partners in as associate sponsors to the team. Remember not long ago that we heard that Ford was putting pressure on suppliers? Wondering if this is what we're seeing here?

[macdaddy]

Rumours are fun, and thus ChampWeb...

Of course the rumor of all the IRL contingent being present at the race, was surprising, but not unexpected. We shall see how many CART drivers visit Homestead this next weekend.

-There is plenty of friction between Carl Haas and Paul Newman. The latest rumor has Haas wanting to race at Indy, with Newman stating that IF Haas races at Indy, Newman will buy into another team. Stay tuned...

-It seemed as if there were a lot of potential sponsors being entertained by many team owners throughout the weekend.

-Plenty of drivers doing the rounds with Herta, Papis, Gidley, Gurney, etc. The biggest driver rumor of the weekend was Tomas Enge to race for Arden in 6-8 races as the second car coming out of the Team Rahal or Rocketsports shop. Then coming to CART full time with a two car team in 2004 with Enge and Townsend Bell as the drivers.

-Bobby Rahal wasn't greeted like he usual is. Plenty of "boos" and "IRL Sucks" were coming from the fans, that really peeved Rahal. The latest rumor there is that if Danica Patrick does well in Atlantics, she will be in the IRL next year with Honda money...let's hope not.

[¡As-de-mim!]

Poor People
Is Tony George doing anything to help the American talent in the IRL who haven't been able to come up with funding for this season? Alex Barron has been mentioned, but there's also Sarah Fisher, Billy Boat, both Laziers, Greg Ray, Jeff Ward. The list is seemingly endless of drivers who don't have rides. And the CART owners who have come over are only bringing foreign talent.

I know from talking to many IRL fans that they are unhappy with the high amount of foreign drivers coming to the league, and the high amount of American drivers leaving. Is there anything that can be or is being done about this? This seems exactly what the IRL was designed to combat, and as a traditional IRL fan I am very disheartened by this.

[The Snout]

As-de-mim probably belongs in the IRL forum but it's here now. The "This seems exactly what the IRL was designed to combat" part is a joke , ask them on 10 different days and you'll get 10 different answers as to what the "IRL was designed" to do.

[¡As-de-mim!]

I don't visit the IRL forum, but it appears that the arrival of former CART teams is not that good of a deal for the "traditional IRL fan."

[The Snout]

Yeah The "traditional" IRL fan has got what they wanted, names, manufacturers, the big teams. Perhaps they just need a nice hot cup of shut the **** up.

[¡As-de-mim!]

Snout: Who are some Aussies who would be a candidate for a Champ Car seat?

[The Snout]

James Courtney, Wil Davidson come to mind,
both want F1 and Champcar obviously provides a path there. James was the Jaguar F3 driver and F1 tester, he's the best shot. Wil I think is in British F3 this year. Both these guys are a chance if they can't crack it via Europe.

Will need some local help to throw up some local racing names in local openwheels that may be a shot. But both guys mentioned could go straight to Champcar while anyone locally would need to do Atlantics.

[champcarman]

Will Power, who is also racing in British F3 is the most obvious Australian candidate. Already used to big powerful cars having impressively won the Formula Holden (F4000) title in 02. The F4000 cars are similar to the old Indy Lights cars that proved to be such a good training ground. They are also not a lot different to F3000, the category that has provided most this years ace rookies. Will is probably the best Aussie driver we have seen for some time. Jason Bright has already proven himself in F4000, Indy Light and went well in his only Champ Car outing if experience counts, he is still a lot younger than some other guys in CART.

[Dov]

Originally posted by The Snout
As-de-mim probably belongs in the IRL forum but it's here now. The "This seems exactly what the IRL was designed to combat" part is a joke , ask them on 10 different days and you'll get 10 different answers as to what the "IRL was designed" to do.

We really no what the IRL stands for...International Racing Leauge Tony George and the IRL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!

[¡As-de-mim!]

CHRIS POOK: The Tampa/St. Pete event was a critical event for Champ Car, in as much as it is part of our policy and our strategy to reach majors markets in North America and other parts of the world. When I say major markets, I mean in markets, reaching the masses of the markets and not 40 miles outside of town.

[Liz]

If you want to read something funny, go to AR1 and read the "Jaywalking" survey they did. You'll see that we have a LOT to do in the way of name recognition, although it's reassuring to see that most of those people surveyed (79) knew that there was a difference between Champ Cars and the Other Series and some kind of idea what that difference is.

I think it was Oscar Wilde that once said that the only thing worse than not getting everything you want is actually GETTING everything you want. Maybe TG is finding that out now.

[¡As-de-mim!]

Mario won't see Michael race until Indianapolis
Wednesday, February 26, 2003

By CHUCK GIVLER
The Express-Times

Mario Andretti will be among the missing this weekend when his son kicks off his final, abbreviated season as a driver in the IRL IndyCar Series Toyota 300 at Homestead-Miami Speedway in Florida.

Mario, a legend of a driver and the most recognizable name in auto racing history, also said he would miss Michael's second and third races. Publicly, Mario said his absence is not a boycott. But Andretti, who turns 63 on Friday, has never embraced the IRL, founded by Tony George in 1995, and has remained steadfastly loyal to Championship Auto Racing Teams, the IRL's rival series.

While the 1969 Indy 500 winner and 1977 Formula One champion lately has tuned down the volume on his criticism of the IRL, it's obvious it would take intense feelings to keep him from his son's pit when the green flag flies. Mario has been a fixture at his son's side, either as a competing driver, coach or cheerleader, since Michael made his Indy car debut in 1983. He's been there to see Michael win 42 races -- the most ever among CART's active drivers.

"It's no secret how I feel about the IRL," Mario said. "But I support Michael with all my heart. I'm still his staunchest fan. I will be there in heart and spirit on Sunday. Believe me, I will be riding every inch with him."

[BSchneiderFan]

Talking of Australian drivers, didn't Craig Lowndes do a season of F3000 back in '97? It wasn't that successful, as I recall, and I don't suppose he'd be tempted away from Supercars now, but are there any other V8 drivers who would be worth a shot in single-seaters?