to what extent is motorsport based on merit?

**bella** · 27 Jan 2002, 14:38 (Ref:205290)

having been sat in front of sociology books all afternoon that say that the world is increasingly meritocratic (ie status is acheived through hard work), it occurred to me that this isn't true in motorsport.

how much does it depend on money, and how far can just talent get you?

(ps let's not turn this into a specific case slanging match, no naming names either...)

hysen · 27 Jan 2002, 15:23 (Ref:205313)

FACT. Unfortunatly motor sport is expensive and therefore moving through the formulas into F1 depends upon a great deal of money.

Certainly in the past many drivers who are extremely talented have fallen at various hurdles as they havent the money to keep progressing up the ladder. Some of the most gifted drivers haven't/didn't even move out of karts as it provides them with a good income for something they enjoy.

However over the last couple of years some people(ie. managers with funding) have increasingly looked to karting for future stars. Now these managers arn't stupid, they are picking out the most talented karters out of a pool of 10,000's and giving them the money and possiblities to progress.

Therefore in answer to the question - yes money and a moderate talent can get you there. But if you are really talented with no money (not naming names but...JB,KR,FA,JT,AD,VL) you've got a better chance in the present period of getting the backing and making it than ever before.

Russfeld · 27 Jan 2002, 17:26 (Ref:205395)

Very very few things in life are based on your raw or achieved ability. Politics and circumstances abound in every form of work Racing is no exception.

Aussie 05 · 27 Jan 2002, 17:58 (Ref:205408)

You could be the best driver but if you don't have the funds you won't get the seat in a team, yet if you are not very good but you have alot of money you will get taken on to pay for your drive and a lot of the other drivers seats so that way the team can have a good driver race for them who doesn't have a very big budget and a **** driver who pays all the bills.

I heard from someone that this has happened this year with one of the drivers for the Duckhams Slick 50 FFord team, but im not gona say who the driver was. But apparently they didn't want this driver so they offered the driver a seat for a really really high price to try and shrug them off but instead the driver just payed it.

Thats the most frustrating thing about Motor racing, Money talks!

FEUsmart · 27 Jan 2002, 18:17 (Ref:205417)

Quote:

Originally posted by hysen
Therefore in answer to the question - yes money and a moderate talent can get you there. But if you are really talented with no money (not naming names but...JB,KR,FA,JT,AD,VL) you've got a better chance in the present period of getting the backing and making it than ever before.

I disagree. I have heard from many sources that this year is the hardest for a VERY long time, to find funding in motorsport, especially in certain countries.

hysen · 27 Jan 2002, 18:29 (Ref:205419)

Yeah if your trying to find it yourself. What i'm saying is that if you are REALLY talented then managers will come to you with the funding.

Mackmot · 27 Jan 2002, 23:53 (Ref:205571)

I dont agree but give me a day to work out my answer. Sorry I cant put it to words at the mo without it sounding wrong

***Chris Y*** · 28 Jan 2002, 14:47 (Ref:205764)

Quote:

Originally posted by bella
having been sat in front of sociology books all afternoon that say that the world is increasingly meritocratic

Who are you and what have you done with the real Bella?

Francesca · 28 Jan 2002, 14:56 (Ref:205768)

quote:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by bella
having been sat in front of sociology books all afternoon that say that the world is increasingly meritocratic
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Originally posted by Chris Y
Who are you and what have you done with the real Bella?
----------------------------------

...and while you're explaining what you've done with Bella can you burn that book...meritocratic indeed, my

!!!

Mackmot · 28 Jan 2002, 19:52 (Ref:205907)

yeah I cant think so forget it, its a stupid thread anyway with too many big words involved. Im not hanging round with you interlectuals no more

**bella** · 29 Jan 2002, 10:50 (Ref:206185)

Quote:

Originally posted by Chris Y
Who are you and what have you done with the real Bella?

my brain's been consumed by school. help. i need to go to a race, get drunk, and do some shouting

oh, and evil me says bring a ransom of 3 bottles of ruth's evil wine to 192, evergreen terrace, springfield....

hey, francesca, it's all the bloody functionalists fault, they say everythings meritocratic.... fools.....

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