[QUOTE=lonewolf;6583446]
Quote:
Originally Posted by Joeaksa
I watched part of it but you can teach a chimp to drive in a circle. It rains they stop racing... WTF?
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Have you ever driven a race car?
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I'm sure many on this forum have had some sort of competitive racing experience and hope this in all good fun between. For me, yes to having a little seat time but only in pure purpose built craft such as low h.p. FF-open wheel and SCCA spec racers and a few other non-car related. Meaning, like most of the amateurs, I had to buy my seat time. Also when you've had a taste of it, it gives a greater appreciation for the talents of professionals. Some take the hobby or interest level further, hiring a coach, emphasize more track time, etc. or go further full time pro.
Pro's today do have talent but mostly are buy-in and it’s more about the image plus how much sponsor money they can bring to the team. Not the other way around such as driver talent first and then the money package. That’s the problem and the balance has unfortunately changed.
On the contrary, I’m guilty too and don't have an issue with those 'couch potato' racers who bash drivers. Pro level racers are expected to have the highest skills. Unfortunately many are not. Most are wonderful and humble people but are over their head in the big leagues.
It’s only ones nature to rank and compare when the goal at the end is to win. So I say go ahead and critique. Someone mentioned Daytona- To me, it looks more of a hobby league wannabe with a mix of pros. You’d be laughing and shaking your head in amazement when you see many team drivers who mostly buy the ride anyhow (and with all respect, terrific to participate) BUT what’s up with the sleepyheads when their scheduled drivers change is in minutes?! Do these guys really care to be competitive or are they dangerous back markers at night? Honestly… this is racing for some in 200 mph capable crafts which in fact they don’t belong there.
Back to D. Patrick
Indy Car is a disaster with many who shouldn’t be in those cars. She left because the offer was greater in NASCAR and that’s probably a godsend. There's far more talent out there but logistics and the way chips fall, we will never see them. Danica Patrick has’ some’ talent and rightfully should as she's been racing since a kid. The big leagues only see her for the package and sponsor money. Because of that alone she really doesn't have to prove herself as a top contender. Just an opinion here but from her Indy days, if only she had some patience, respect to other drivers (not talking of a personal level but on-track) she might have earned real spots on the podium. Forget Japan… that was a gift and with much more about behind the scenes. She also has some disrespectful behavior problems with team mechanics / engineers and will always point blame to them. Her attitude is not hidden and was often seen televised. For those reasons alone, I don't care for her as a pro driver but only respect her incredible business career.
Oh and about the Press Club talk: Listen to her.. "um, oh, ya' know um' well ah Bobby Rahal gave me the open door BUT the 'media' mainly drove me as a sensation". Which immediately equates to sponsor dollars. Thats how it started. Graham Rahal as a rookie in ChampCar proved the talent right out of the gates. (There's more to that to. Bobby wanted his son to prove his worth so Graham was not associated with his fathers team ventures. Very commendable.) That same year comimg off the first win and of the youngest driver ever, his non-particiption in Japan was purely politics because of the division and nothing was ever noted about it.. So for the Patrick fanism they only see her looks and its media driven. She actually admits it.