Foyt IV: family connections help, but he did improve his form at Vision this year. (LAT photo)
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Q: I’ll start by saying that money drives the sport of Indy car racing, and thus impacts many decisions. A lot of folks keep saying Tracy, Allmendinger, Hornish, Scheckter, etc. all need a ride in the ICS. All great drivers; no doubt, but I disagree. I am very happy Matos landed a full time ride at Luczo Dragon. So far, he is the only new talent in 2009. I understand Franchitti was sucking eggs down south, but being paid by the Chipster, so in the 10 car he goes. Should have been Alex Lloyd (also under contract with Chip). Folks like Battistini, Antinucci, Hildebrand or Beatriz (all winners last year in Indy Lights) need a ride. In a very few years (how about right after the 2011 centennial Indy 500?), Kanaan, Castroneves, Wheldon, Dixon, Rice, Wilson and Franchitti (again) will all retire, creating another Andretti/Mears/Unser(s)/Foyt type void. My point is we need to look to the future now and put long term young talent in the ICS seats, now. How can this come to pass?
Ralph, Indianapolis
RM: Sadly, the ladder system for CART and the IRL was broken, since Buddy Rice, Jon Fogarty and Alex Gurney never got a sniff in CART and the IPS/Indy Lights opportunities are always about money or nepotism except for Lloyd (one start), Jay Howard (a few starts) or Matos, finally a full-time rider and he was HIRED. Don’t think that group you mentioned will be out to pasture by 2011 but, of course, it’s always best to promote from within except the rider buyers are going to rule in this economy.
Q: With the recent announcement in Helio’s case, what is the probability that he keeps his seat next year? Do you think Hornish is smart enough to take his chance to get back to the top by pulling a Dario? Secondly, what is happening at NHLR with Justin Wilson for next year? Is the loss of Paul Newman creating financial issues with the team?
N.C. Open Wheel Fan
RM: Sam says he’s sticking with NASCAR for now and the list of potential Penske drivers would surely include Hunter-Reay, Justin, Will Power and you’d think A.J. Allmendinger. Newman, Carl Haas and Mike Lanigan spent their own money to keep two cars
on the grid so, yes, losing PLN hurt in many ways. Unless Ralph Hansen can find sponsorship. it appears they will be a one-car team.
Q: Great white north greetings. What are the chances of Danica Patrick finaly getting into a Top 4 car should Helio be told he no longer fit the Penske image? I would really like to see her get away from the Dad and Lad sideshow at AGR! Wouldn’t The Captain enjoy all the attention of having the world’s fastest female winning for him? Whatever became of those stunning DP01 Panoz Champ Cars?
EDDY D, snowed under in Ottawa
RM: I’d say RP is about winning first and image second so I don’t imagine he looks at Danica as a potential champion. If she brought $20 million would he consider a third car for her? I think so because he’s a very clever businessman and his people would market the hell out of her. The guy who just bought the Atlantic series (Ben Johnston) owns several Panoz and was considering starting a series for them.
Q: Why on earth does TG keep A.J. Foyt IV in his car when guys like PT, Ryan Hunter Reay, Justin Wilson, etc. are without rides? Does he think that having the name Foyt in the starting lineup will attract more fans and sell more tickets? I think that Tracy would sell more tickets, especially in Canada, and would definitely create more excitement in one race than Foyt has created in his entire career. Also, do you think TG will step in to help KV racing financially? It would be a shame to lose such a good two-car team, and it would be a nice way to repay Kalkhoven for finally agreeing to put Champ Car out of its’ misery.
Adam Bondioli, Eau Claire Wisconsin
RM: First off, there’s a long link between A.J. and the Hulman family so that’s part of it. I do think Tony values the Foyt name and, to be honest, IV improved a lot on the road courses (thank you. Bryan Herta) this past season, so he’s far from the slowest or worst driver out there. And he’s still just a kid. I’m sure lots of teams will be asking TG for a handout before the season starts. I also think Tony might have put Kevin out of his misery.
