Truth is, the press coverage for the average IRL (or CART) race is about
equal to a squash match. None of these folks usually get any attention. The
media's interest in Danica is just beginning. Assuming she stays on the US
(which is probably a very good assumption) the net effect on IRL will be
tremendous, and the interest will transfer to the racing itself to some
degree. It might even begin to approach the viewing numbers of NASCAR truck
racing.
Even Indy is comparatively ignored. This year's frenzy will be NOTHING
compared to next year. And if Danica wins an IRL race or two, suddenly there
will be lots of IRL fans.
Ain't nothing but good for the sport. Dave DeSpain is trying to create some
controversy with the "Danica Backlash" theory, like any good talk show host
should. But he knows it's bullshit. Jeff Gordon is trying hard to prove what
a Dink he is. And everyone is crying crocodile tears about the media
ignoring all the other drivers. They got more attention this year than they
have for the past five.
Pop quiz--who finished second last year.
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-fot@autox.team.net [mailto:owner-fot@autox.team.net] On Behalf
Of Rocky Entriken
Sent: Monday, May 30, 2005 5:31 PM
To: Dave Riddle; FOT
Subject: Re: European GP (not LBC)
I get news releases from IRL and read the press conference transcript where
Danica and her Rahal teammate Vitor Meira were there together. After the
press kept asking Danica questions, she finally had to tell them
(paraphrasing), "Hey look guys, ask Vitor some questions, he finished 2nd
for goodness sake!"
Of course, after a couple of questions for Vitor, the press hounds went
right back to Danica. Vitor finally started interjecting some of his own
answers to her questions because he was just as legit to answer "could you
have caught Wheldon," etc. (Unlike Danica, Vitor had plenty of fuel and was
running full rich and trying his best to do just that).
--Rocky
----- Original Message -----
From: "Dave Riddle" <dave@microworks.net>
To: "FOT" <fot@autox.team.net>
Sent: Monday, May 30, 2005 10:59 AM
Subject: Re: European GP (not LBC)
> >of 28 other drivers would have been happy to have. Finally Wheldon
> >proving he, too, is the real deal with his fourth win. He's not going to
> >be under the radar so much any more.
>
> We too were rooting for Danica here at our house because it would have
> been fun to see her win. However, you have to feel a touch sad for
> Weldon - yes, he won the race but his victory was certainly overshadowed
> by "Danica 500". Even after he won they were still talking about Danica
> and Weldon was almost an afterthought.
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