IndyCar Silly Season Thread - Page 8

mountainstar · 1 Feb 2009, 19:30 (Ref:2383750)

Quote:

Originally Posted by luke

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/73091

Conquest let us know they are committing and looking to field 2 cars as normal..

They are not committed yet. Still looking for money.

Jimmy Magnusson · 1 Feb 2009, 22:33 (Ref:2383862)

Quote:

Originally Posted by mountainstar

They are not committed yet. Still looking for money.

Hopeful, I believe the term is. But hope pays no bills. Pay drivers do though! Considering what Conquest's been through during the last two seasons or so I'd be happy just to see them on the grid.

madman16 · 2 Feb 2009, 01:11 (Ref:2383925)

Quote:

Originally Posted by luke

As for fast track the new chassis and engine won't this just be another DP01 for Champ Car? All the teams buy new equipment, cheaper but they having to pay out money when they would just keep they're 8 year old chassis etc....

Yeah but it's something that's got to happen anyway so you could just bite the bullet and start fresh. From what i read in these forums and elsewhere is that everyone complains about the look, sound etc anyway so why not.

Didn't all the CC teams get their chassis for nothing anway? And all the original teams have had theirs for years....just a thought

nic.v814 · 2 Feb 2009, 02:48 (Ref:2383958)

A new chassis and engine would be good especially if they use american v8s which would sound a lot better.

mountainstar · 2 Feb 2009, 05:09 (Ref:2383993)

Quote:

Originally Posted by nic.v814

A new chassis and engine would be good especially if they use american v8s which would sound a lot better.

Well right now they are in a pickle because they announced a turbo 4 cyl formula for 2011. Manufacturers don't see the irl as good value so the only known manufacturer to bite so far and show any interest was VW/Audi. Irl officials were in germany in december to try to seal a deal and so far no commitment.

So that leaves Honda who if no other manufacturer turns up, I don't see them as too interested in developing a brand new turbo motor to race against themselves again.

nic.v814 · 2 Feb 2009, 05:25 (Ref:2383999)

Quote:

Originally Posted by mountainstar

Well right now they are in a pickle because they announced a turbo 4 cyl formula for 2011. Manufacturers don't see the irl as good value so the only known manufacturer to bite so far and show any interest was VW/Audi. Irl officials were in germany in december to try to seal a deal and so far no commitment.

So that leaves Honda who if no other manufacturer turns up, I don't see them as too interested in developing a brand new turbo motor to race against themselves again.

oh well all we can do is wait and see what happens , but i must admit the future doesnt look bright

luke · 2 Feb 2009, 11:41 (Ref:2386526)

Agree that they need something now as the cars are ugly especially on the road courses and sound.....

I thought they were adding more horsepower for 2009?

The turbos in the future sound good. I personally just think they should do just updates for the Dallara that make it safer, better looking and faster instead of bringing out a whole new car in this economy just by learning what happened to CC.

climb · 2 Feb 2009, 12:39 (Ref:2386551)

Quote:

Originally Posted by mountainstar

What else are you going to cut? Most teams are already running bare boned operations.

You have a series run with indiana centrist thinking, an antagonistic relationship with many in the business, an ugly car that sounds terrible, drivers the public cannot relate to, a crappy tv deal, stone age public relations, etc.

I think you're going to see another team or two go out of business here shortly.

The best thing would be to end it and start over.

Once again you confirm you live just 10 yrs late, ms, fancying AOWR is still in the golden era.

Given the current circumstances, surviving is already a good result, and not only for IRL, but for any racing series in the world.
A new and "beautiful car", with a lovely sound, that nobody can afford is no solution.

Now the problem is finding the money to run, and cutting costs is the first and foremost thing to do.

When the situation improves then it'll be the case to renovate, but for now, it would just push things down and down. Didn't you remember what happened to CC and their brand-new chassis? And the situation was far better than now!

Ending it? Would it be possible to start over? On which planet?

luke · 3 Feb 2009, 17:36 (Ref:2387590)

The Dutch media have confirmed that Doornbos has signed a deal with Newmna/haas...bringing 3 million euros, would be good to hear something from NHL who have kept quiet on this...

http://www.sportwereld.nl/autosport...D_in_de_VS.html

http://www.openwheelworld.net/nl/ni...bij_NHL_Racing/

Tim Northcutt · 3 Feb 2009, 18:12 (Ref:2387613)

Doornbos said on his own site in a statement released after these stories broke that he is still in the final stages of negotiations and that the contract has not been signed yet...

It will not be official until an official news release from NHL and from his management is distributed to the media and to the public via his site.

luke · 3 Feb 2009, 20:59 (Ref:2387695)

Its pretty sad that NHL are going to be a 3 car team signing on ride buyer Milka Duno. Why o why? She's going to be 10 seconds off the pace off doornbos on road courses yes she brings money but why would the crew want to even work with her when she's just going to be going so slow? There was me thinking NHL were an elite team. I know guys like Lavin etc brought money to the table but at the end of the day she can't even drive at all and its a waste of time the crew at NHL even bothering trying to prepare her a fast car IMO work gone to waste. She must be bringing in a lot of money.

Knowlesy · 3 Feb 2009, 21:26 (Ref:2387713)

Who are we to question NHL?

This is a team with a history of winning and clearly they have seen the potential Milka Duno has. There have been glimpses of it, she just needs a team around her to help harness her undoubted potential.

The history books will show NHL made the correct decision in letting Justin Wilson go. In 2009 a star is born. Go Milka!

luke · 3 Feb 2009, 22:00 (Ref:2387731)

Lol Knowles didn't realize you were sarcastic 'till the very end LOL..Was going to say..

Knowlesy · 3 Feb 2009, 22:45 (Ref:2387769)

I'm being 100% serious pal.

Flyin Ryan · 3 Feb 2009, 22:54 (Ref:2387781)

Quote:

Originally Posted by luke

Its pretty sad that NHL are going to be a 3 car team signing on ride buyer Milka Duno. Why o why? She's going to be 10 seconds off the pace off doornbos on road courses yes she brings money but why would the crew want to even work with her when she's just going to be going so slow?

Because having a job is better than not.

nic.v814 · 3 Feb 2009, 23:19 (Ref:2387797)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flyin Ryan

Because having a job is better than not.

Yea exactly teams need money and if someone is fronting up with the cash it makes life a lot easier for them.

Kai · 3 Feb 2009, 23:40 (Ref:2387809)

Five companies reportedly still in engine talks... funny that three of them are essentially the same company though.

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/73113

Flyin Ryan · 3 Feb 2009, 23:52 (Ref:2387811)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kai

Five companies reportedly still in engine talks... funny that three of them are essentially the same company though.

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/73113

Makes engine development cheaper. You can have three carmakers off the same badged engine.

Robin Miller a few months ago said it was down to three, so this article falls in line with that when VW/Porsche/Audi are counted as one: Honda, FIAT (supposedly Alfa Romeo as a part of their American comeback, although it could be Dodge or Chrysler now considering FIAT is taking a 35% stake there), and Audi.

Aloysius · 4 Feb 2009, 02:24 (Ref:2387868)

Great news that Doornbos will have a good ride in the Indycars, he certainly deserves it. As for Milka, I agree with Knowlesy. Give her a chance. She didn't do half bad in sports cars. Besides, I just like the fact she is Venezuelan. Go Ugo!

Canada ALMS fan · 4 Feb 2009, 02:56 (Ref:2387873)

Doornbos may be buying his ride but if times were better he would be signed on his driving merit IMO. Good to see him in the series. So is 3 cars for NHL even if it is Milka.

DanicaFan · 4 Feb 2009, 05:16 (Ref:2387901)

NHL has made a horrible decision. They will be less competitive this year. Their only hope is Graham Rahal. Doornbos will do ok but he is a rookie in the series and we all know Duno sucks so she has no chance.

This proves money can buy you a ride but cant make you a driver....

D.R.T. · 4 Feb 2009, 05:43 (Ref:2387911)

While NHL running is Milka is a shock and a sad reflection of the state of Indycar in 2009, if signing Milka allows NHL to run Rahal & Doornbos, be competitive, hire new or maintain current employees ensuring the teams future then its a good move.

luke · 4 Feb 2009, 07:25 (Ref:2387932)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flyin Ryan

Because having a job is better than not.

But when she wouldn't even be quick enough for Indy Lights you've got to draw the line somewhere, there's ride buyers and there's no hopes...

DanicaFan · 4 Feb 2009, 08:56 (Ref:2387976)

Quote:

Originally Posted by luke

But when she wouldn't even be quick enough for Indy Lights you've got to draw the line somewhere, there's ride buyers and there's no hopes...

Exactly, NHL is just wasting the money with her. She will never be a contender for any podium and she will be lucky if she ever finishes on the lead lap.

I still hope this doesnt become final except for Doornbos being there.

NAC · 4 Feb 2009, 11:06 (Ref:2388060)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Knowlesy

Who are we to question NHL?

This is a team with a history of winning and clearly they have seen the potential Milka Duno has. There have been glimpses of it, she just needs a team around her to help harness her undoubted potential.

The history books will show NHL made the correct decision in letting Justin Wilson go. In 2009 a star is born. Go Milka!

Oh Knowlesy you've been watching too much Speed Racer.

A friendly wager then if you're up for it.
She won't be out of the bottom quarter Championship standings. Looser gets to wear the Avatar of the winner's choice for a month.

Money where the mouth is

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