2003 Champion?

[DNQ]

Obviously it's VERY early to start looking at who will win the championship next year, but at this early stage, who do you think it will be?

With so many brand news teams that will take a while to get up to speed, I think some of the more established teams will be rewarded for sticking with Champcar racing: especially the teams that aren't running IRL programmes and haven't changed driver lineups significantly over the off season.

Specifically, the Players team are well placed for next year I believe. Carpentier and Tracy both have some good experience under their belts, both know how to win - and Players aren't running in IRL, so they should be able to concentrate totally on running in Champcar racing.

With alot of rookies, experience will count alot. Maybe people like Jimmy Vasser will be stronger than in the past.

Newman-Haas, the defending champions are obviously are favourite, but BOTH drivers are knew, and there is an IRL effort. Junquiera will do well, but we still don't know who's in the second car.

So, at this EARLY stage, who do you think will do well next year? Excusing the fact that a large number of seats aren't filled yet.

[Liz]

Bruno!

[BootsOntheSide]

I think bruno has to start as favourite, and Liz is sure up early for a Sunday. I expect both Players cars to finish top 5, but also at least one rookie (Zonta? Hunter-Reay?) to be right up there. I hope its less one sided than this year, we have the runenr-up in a renowned champion team, with the champion gone, but that's what we could've said of Brack last year....

[enemy-ace]

I think Bruno will be the man to beat, he has matured nicely on track; off track is another thing. If anything will be his downfall it will be his temperment, I think he can be flustered and having Paul Tracy in your mirrors will do that.
Personally I will be cheering for the Players guys, I've not decided who my No.1 is as yet. Traditionally it's been Tracy but Carpentier really impressed me last year.

[Snrub]

Bruno is cleary the top choice. I'm not sure PT can do it. He has the theortical ability to do it, but actually putting it together is another story. Pat's got a good chance.

[f1manoz]

Bruno will be favourite but will a lot of people be hoping PT finally shows some bloody consistency and take it???

[Raven]

This one's for Bruno.

[The Snout]

Mario Dominguez is the man to beat in 2003, no doubt.

His dominate victory at Surfers was a good indication to the new level he has reached, which he followed up in Mexico.
We all know Mario is the new Senna of qualifying and I expect him to continue it into the new season.

So for a safe bet, go Mario D.

BTW, I'm at work, most people are on leave and I've got bugger all to do, so I'm in a festive mood and thought I'd spread the good will. Hence the fiction I just wrote........Merry Christmas.

[mac]

I think Bruno has to be the favourite.

However, if Zonta gets N/H's second seat, he could also be a serious challenger.

[Snrub]

I'd never really thought about MD, but I think you're right!!! I just placed a bet on MD in Vegas for $50k, with 2000:1 odds! Early retirement here I come!

[racer69]

Junquiera