I don't buy it Mike. Everyone climbs the fence. Everyone has doors opened
for them. None of this stuff is easy. Talent, opportunity, persistence and
a big shot of luck. The world's most talented driver is probably driving a
Tata in India and no one will ever know who he is.
People say "gee, if I just had the opportunities that..." But it's
nonsense, because it's speculation based on an perception. Neither of us
will ever know who had more doors opened, and whether or not Janet Guthrie
just didn't see the better path.
I heard someone imply one time that Revson's accomplishments were
meaningless because he had everything handed to him on a silver plate. My
God, the guy built the Scarabs.
_____
From: michael cook [mailto:mlcooknj@msn.com]
Sent: Monday, May 30, 2005 6:29 PM
To: Bill Babcock; SueKahlerTR; Jerry Barr
Cc: 'Jack W. Drews'; fot
Subject: Re: European GP (not LBC)
I didn't mean to imply they are wealthy. It's the support and encouragement
that is important. Danica did not have to do it all on her own. She proved
she could drive in a series that is regarded as a step towards professional
racing and through that she managed to attract the attention of a major
team.
I am not being negative. Good for her! It's just that she had doors open to
her.
Janet had to climb the fence.
Mike
----- Original Message -----
From: Bill Babcock
Sent: Monday, May 30, 2005 9:23 PM
To: 'michael cook'; SueKahlerTR; Jerry Barr
Cc: 'Jack W. Drews'; fot
Subject: RE: European GP (not LBC)
I could be wrong about this, but I don't think Danica's folks are
wealthy--they simply got here into racing at a young age because they are
amateur racers. In the Today show interview (hey, I've got to watch
SOMETHING during my workout) her Dad positively beamed when Danica said
"Well, my Dad has always been a racer." Nice to have someone who finished
fourth at Indy call you a racer.
-----Original Message-----
From: owner-fot@autox.team.net [mailto:owner-fot@autox.team.net] On Behalf
Of michael cook
Sent: Monday, May 30, 2005 6:08 PM
To: SueKahlerTR; Jerry Barr
Cc: 'Jack W. Drews'; fot
Subject: Re: European GP (not LBC)
Hi all-
I can't resist getting into this a bit because I know Janet Guthrie and I am
convinced that 25 years ago she could have done everything that Danica
accomplished had she had the backing.
Janet came up through sports car racing and talked her way into an Indy car
ride with nothing more than grit and determination to back her driving
skill.
She never had a top car from a top team. Yet, she finished 9th.
Janet ran half a season in NASCAR, out-qualifying many of the famous names
of the day but ran out of money and had to quit.
Danica had her parent's support and a range of opportunities that were not
open to Janet. She entered Indy with a top team and the best equipment.
She wants to be known as a hell of a good driver, not the world's fastest
female. Janet fought the same battle but the racing world and the racing
press made it very difficult.
Susan is so right - the rest of the 2005 Indy field got short-changed by the
media before, during and after the race. I hope the press gives Danica a
chance to be a driver for the rest of the season.
Mike Cook
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