US F1 Update

Wayne Maybury · #1 (**permalink**) 10-09-2009, 10:09 AM

F1 is an extremely difficult series for a new team. When BAR Honda entered F1 several years back, they stated that they expected to be competitve the first year but they failed miserably. Honda finally pulled out last year by selling the team to Brawn who are leading the team championship race so far this year.

Toyota are just now starting to become competitve but they have yet to win a race even though they have been in F1 for quite a few years. In Toyota's case it has nothing to do with money as they have the biggest budget in F1. These are not spec race cars like in NASCAR. There is constant development going on all of the time and they change their cars every year.

Wayne

Don · #2 (**permalink**) 10-09-2009, 11:18 AM

From the F1 web site:

Hungry for Success - Exclusive Interview with Peter Windsor

" The US-based operation founded by Peter Windsor and Ken Anderson is one of three new teams due to join the grid for 2010. With their debut season rapidly approaching, more and more pieces of the jigsaw are falling into place for Team US, not least the recent announcement of YouTube co-founder Chad Hurley as a major backer. It brought the Charlotte-based squad to the attention of global media - and Windsor hopes it won’t be the last time…"

http://www.formula1.com/news/intervi...09/9/9875.html

Don · #3 (**permalink**) 10-10-2009, 11:44 AM

Appears a variety of different news sources are reporting favorable comments regarding US F1 for 2010:

MotorSport.com: 10-10-09

USF1 passes FIA inspection

" American Team Remains On Schedule to Compete in 2010 FIA Formula One World Championship............"

http://www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=348493

USF1 says Charlotte headquarters 'complete'

" The new American team USF1 has moved to dispel persistent doubts about its chances of making its Grand Prix debut as scheduled next March. "

http://www.motorsport.com/news/article.asp?ID=348427

Don · #4 (**permalink**) 10-23-2009, 10:37 AM

Source: AutoWeek.com

A different approach, NASCAR driver for the US F 1 Team:

" U.S. F1 team principal Peter Windsor says he thinks that NASCAR star Kyle Busch would be a perfect fit for his new Formula One team.
"If he wanted to drive for us in 2011, we'd certainly be keen on that," Windsor told USA Today.

"I think there'll be a lot of speculation about that as time goes on. If I was Kyle, I'd be saying to myself, 'Yeah, those guys all talk the talk, let's see what they do, let's see what the car's like. Let's see what the race shop is like.' Fair enough. We're going to do a good job. I know when Kyle gets to see it, I'm pretty sure it'll get his pulse rate going."

Read more: http://www.autoweek.com/article/2009...#ixzz0UmVGFQKJ

Wayne Maybury · #5 (**permalink**) 10-23-2009, 10:52 AM

Several years ago there was a lot of speculation that Jeff Gordon was thinking about F1 but it was quickly pointed out that he probably would not want to take the pay cut.

Wayne

Don · #6 (**permalink**) 10-23-2009, 11:03 AM

Wayne.....agree. It was also mentioned the politics etc of F1 would not be appealing. But now that there will be a US Team, might open up the opportunity that did not exist before, even though the learning curve would be very high. Kyle sure would be a different personality in F1.

Believe Jeff tested at Indy in a F1 car ( BMW ? ) a few years ago and w/o much practice turned very respectable lap times.

Might also help in returning a F1 race to the US

Dan40 · #7 (**permalink**) 10-23-2009, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Don

Wayne.....agree. It was also mentioned the politics etc of F1 would not be appealing. But now that there will be a US Team, might open up the opportunity that did not exist before, even though the learning curve would be very high. Kyle sure would be a different personality in F1.

Believe Jeff tested at Indy in a F1 car ( BMW ? ) a few years ago and w/o much practice turned very respectable lap times.

Might also help in returning a F1 race to the US

The only thing needed for a US race is MONEY! I'm old enough and fortunate enough to have attended many F1 races in the US. From Watkins Glen to the last fiasco in Dallas. Did not make the last Detroit race. But my understanding is that the promoter must pick up the tab for driver appearance money, freight for shipping the cars, air, hotel, and expenses for all the team members, 100% of the venue expenses, and the prize money.

Just an aside, I attended a school at the Glen prior to a F1 race. The guest instructors were C Shelby, J Clark and S Moss!! Shelby brought along a Daytona coupe and a Le Mans GT. LIFE is GOOD!