MrsDiff is still in Indy for another month. She got word that there will be a 2007 USGP at IMS. But no word on additional years or the race date.

Cant wait for next year!

 

The contract extending the race beyond 2007 should come after the FIA and FOM have renewed or replaced the Concorde agreement which expires in '08

 

17 Jun - one year deal

 

Just watced this " vintage " car break the all time Laguna Seca record by over 1.'5 seconds . Abslultly amazing how he attacked that course.

Randy
m7 tuning

 

Here's my favorite new JV quote:

''Le Mans, sports cars, DTM, IRL, Champ Car? Well, I'm sorry, but they're all a step down from F1. 'NASCAR isn't."

 

Did JV get hit on the head real hard recently???

 

One of the most ridiculous statements made by any F1 driver of any era, any year, any time . . .

 

Actually, he might be right if the only thing he cares about is $$$.

 

Just keep in mind that he's talking money here and he's right, in comparison to F1 and NASCAR, the driver's compensation is small in the other series that he mentions...he's merely looking for the bucks and the spotlight.

Edit...uh, yeah what kurvhugr said.

 

He's washed up and has been for some time................NASCAR will jump all over him for his name alone, unfortunately.

And that IS a ridiculous quote..............even if it is meant to be about money.

 

Here's a more extensive excerpt of his statements:

It's kinda like a kid who didn't get picked to be on either side of the neighborhood stickball team.

 

If he is talking about money it is, unfortunately, true. There's much more money to be made in NASCAR. If he's talking about public and press interest it's also, unfortunately, true. Not the way things would be in a more rational world but, in the present state of racing in the US, an accurate assessment.

Mark

 

Big kudos to Toyota for allowing such excellent access at Monterey. We were allowed to shoot anything we wanted except the computer screens. To allow that with a current F1 car is remarkable. The team people seemed to be enjoying themselves, too. I'm sure they're not used to having so many members of the public and press around and they did a great job.

Toyota also had people all over handing out free bags, pens, credential holders, earplugs, and--most appreciated, especially given the $4 some vendors wanted for it--bottled water.







Mark

 

What's another few million dollars to Toyota when they are spending billions

Seriously though, Toyota is a really awesome company. I just hope that the F1 program can get some success.

I hope they don't just give up like they did at LeMans.

I still think top F1 drivers make more than top NASCAR drivers, but the middle and lower tier drivers might tilt toward NASCAR in terms of pay.

I look at the winnings for NASCAR drivers and it's really weird Everyone seems to get a lot of money and drivers who finish worse can get more prize money than those that finished better. Who knows what the contracts for NASCAR drivers are? Montoya's pay for instance is a big secret I think. At least they show more about the pay of the drivers than F1

Oh yeah, Jacques is slowly going crazy

 

Seen this yet?

"Spyker Name Part of Dutch MF1 Racing Takeover"

Here's the article.

I don't usually pay attention to buyout speculation since there's always so much of it and it's always premature until there's a done deal, but this hook-up could be pretty cool.

 

Another awesome race after waiting and waiting for 3 weeks.

Action throughout the race. Ferrari is getting closer to the Manufacturers Championship.

Alonso drove great holding off Schuey although he was helped by Schuey's mistakes at turn 8 and the safety car.

Ferrari was happy with Felipe but you can tell they really want Michael to win. The celebration was nothing compared to a Michael victory.

What is Fisi doing? He should be 3rd in the drivers' championship but he always has some problem or excuse. Is it bad luck or is it him?

What is the deal with Ferrari's new rear wheel disks? If the stewards allow them for the weekend, are they legal?

 

Loved that brief dice that he had with Kubica today . . . indeed, another great race.

I'm a huge fan of Fisichella, but I'm afraid he can be his own worst enemy at times. What's the saying? A lot of races are lost in the first corner, very few are won . . .

 

Actually the team are praising Fisi because his other option was to hit Fernando...instead of doing that, he locked up and spun and sacrificed his own race.

 

Yes, I noticed Pat Symmond's quote this morning. Good for Fisi. Fred has no basis to complain any longer.

 

Sorry to get in a little late, but I have not been on NAM for a few days. Great race last weekend. Great last 15 laps. Very happy for Massa taking his first win. Can't wait for Monza. Going to hear if MS is going to retire... 4 more races and 12 point difference. Good stuff.

 

Ok, well It seems that Kimi's only remaining option will be McLaren or Ferrari...

Renault just signed Flavio & Heikki Kovalainen for 2007. Flav will be there under a 2 year deal. Zonta moves to test driver spot...

Looking forward to the Ferrari camp this weekend and the news about MS

 

German Bild Newspaper is reporting Schuey will retire after this season

although we will probably get some official annoucement during this weekend

 

According to my local paper (rarely inaccurate) says that Schuey is retiring this sunday at the Italian GP...

 

Most news sources are reporting off the BILD. Picking up the ESPN story. Nothing is official yet...

Ferrari will announce the their 2007 driver line up after Monza.

My guess... 2007 will hold Kimi & MS. If MS wins the 2006 WDC, after re-signing w/ Ferrari, I think that he'll retire. If not, He'll give it another year. They're going to keep Massa on the side... My opinion anyway (like I know what I"m talking about).

 

I honestly doubt that Schumi would retire mid season. Especially with him in contention for the title.

Next year is going to be QUITE different. Even if Schumi returns for a final season.