VIIV

What he didn't mention is that Ganassi is likely the only person that wanted to hire him in a top series and offer any kind of money. His stock has gone way down in F1. He couldn't hang with Ralf, let alone Kimi. So he'd be joining Villeneuve and Coulthard hoping for a second tier F1 ride. And with money woes in US open wheel, nobody would pay him what he thinks he's worth.

Or maybe NASCAR just decided they needed to capture some of the Hispanic market, seeing that as the biggest growth potential? They'd probably contribute to bringing him into the series to capture a new demographic.

UUronL

I went to my first NASCAR race last month, and I simply don't get it. The only racing that can hold my attention are short races. I like the "Speed Touring Car Championship" series. They're short, and relatively interesting.


Wasn't this being characterized as a pay cut for JPM? I seem to remember hearing that in the blurb on SportsCenter.

VIIV

I'm sure it is. He was still a hot commodity when McLaren signed him, and they weren't sure Kimi was going to cut it. But likely a smaller cut than if he stayed in F1 with a second tier team, and definitely than had he gone to IRL.

znod

And, maybe my hometown lassie, Danica Patrick, too. I might go again if Danica raced. My son and I went once. He is a really talented racer in the amatuer and sometime pro races--heavily modded/tricked out BMW M3 six switching to a GT3. But, that's another story. Anyway, we went to the Friday race and left after about 50 laps--deciding that we would like the main race the next day better. But, no dice. We managed to make it half way through the race. The noise was spectacular though when next to the railing. The high point was the two drunks sitting near us. Apparently real fans; they both passed out very quickly and saw almost no race--at least until we left.

Uk525i

That was the trouble with Montoya, he always bumps something & hardly ever finishes a race. Fun to watch but must have been a nightmare for his teams, who want their cars to finish consistently!!.

BetterMakeWay

Indeed and he has a very hard character....i just can't forget the australian gp when he spun the car in the lap formation prior the race start.