[beuke23]

I came back from the kitchen from making myself iced coffee, and there's JPM and Ganassi talking to the press.

Holy cow. I remembered when Jacques couldn't find a ride and considered NASCAR.

Just stunned me.

[rpoz-29]

I believe that most professional racers can perform well in any venue they set their minds to, if they're from NHRA, NASCAR, SCCA, SCORE, IRL, USAC, F1, etc. Regardless of their venue, they have all learned to control their vehicles. And I would think that that would go a long way in crossing over. That and a ton of humility, and patience. Just my .02 (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/huh.gif)

[marka]

Howdy,

I believe that most professional racers can perform well in any venue they set their minds to, if they're from NHRA, NASCAR, SCCA, SCORE, IRL, USAC, F1, etc. Regardless of their venue, they have all learned to control their vehicles. And I would think that that would go a long way in crossing over. That and a ton of humility, and patience. Just my .02 (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/huh.gif)

Yes, I'd agree.

I'd also add that I'd expect the venue that paid the best would likely be where the best talent would accumulate.

And last I checked, NASCAR paid the best of anyone else in the USA.

Mark

[rmackintosh]

Howdy,

I believe that most professional racers can perform well in any venue they set their minds to, if they're from NHRA, NASCAR, SCCA, SCORE, IRL, USAC, F1, etc. Regardless of their venue, they have all learned to control their vehicles. And I would think that that would go a long way in crossing over. That and a ton of humility, and patience. Just my .02 (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/huh.gif)

Yes, I'd agree.

I'd also add that I'd expect the venue that paid the best would likely be where the best talent would accumulate.

And last I checked, NASCAR paid the best of anyone else in the USA.

Mark

If what you guys say is true, then the road racers mentioned before.....most of them accomplished and ALL of them professional....would have been able to work their way into NASCAR. They don't BECAUSE of the reasons I mention above. Motorsports, like all sports, are becoming increasingly specialized. The guys who ACTUALLY have a shot at crossing over are FEW AND FAR BETWEEN. Problem is....NASCAR is so popular/competitive....that when a road racer trying to "extend his driving years" enters NASCAR he is rarely, if ever given the best opportunity/equipment/etc....so THAT combined with his/her learning curve dooms him/her.

Yes unfortunately NASCAR is "where the money is" and it CONTINUALLY sucks talented drivers away from other, IMHO complete, forms of racing. You think some of these drivers would even be in NASCAR if the $$$ weren't there????? Tony Stewart started in IRL, and early on made it clear he thought open wheel was for him and was more for a "driver's driver". He switched for the almighty dollar. I could name many, many more if I took the time to look into it. Boris Said is another example...as much as I love the guy...he has "changed himself" to try and get in on the NASCAR gravy train. Listening to him now in interviews, he has gone super politically correct, and become almost worshipful of the drivers and the sport....if you followed him you know that is not REALLY him....he used to basically call Paul Gentillozi a worthless hack and a goon in pre race interviews in Trans-AM, and then go bang the shit out of him on the track for an hour or so (IMG:http://www.frrax.com/rrforum/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) ....he is changing his style to fit in the NASCAR mold...and THAT is sad...only redemption is to go out and WIN! He has made good strides in only a few races with NO BIG help....