The closest open wheel racing I've seen is from the cockpit of my Formula
Vee. The pros are better drivers than we are but there are good reasons why
they don't do much wheel to wheel stuff. Formula 1 races seem to be run on
gokart tracks that I'd run in 3rd gear in a Vee. No place to pass anywhere.
So the passing is done in pit stops. All three series use big wings that
create turbulence that discourages close racing. Who wants to have the
airflow over your wings disrupted at 200 plus? F1 allows so much clever and
expensive technology that driving skill is only a modest part of the
equation. Some cars just won't win - is Jacques Villenueve a has been or is
his car technologically inferior? I vote for the latter. IRL has a NASCAR
approach - virtually identical cars and engines - so they have some close
racing, and some horrendous crashes as a result. I don't much like oval
tracks because a small mistake - even somebody else's - is life-threatening.
If you want to see close open wheel racing, FV and FF offer the best
road racing; or else sprint cars and midgets on ovals. Don't expect it from
$10 million dollar cars!
Grant Reynolds
----- Original Message -----
From: "Brad Eells" <bradlnss@lightspeed.net>
To: <vintage-race@autox.team.net>
Sent: Monday, October 15, 2001 11:37 PM
Subject: RE: CART & Open Wheel Racing
> I am disappointed to here of the recent negative experiences with CART. I
> had an opportunity to work as a press volunteer for the promotor at the
> Portland race for several years and worked as a photographer at the
Portland
> and Vancouver events in the early 90's.
>
> I found everyone involved to generally be friendly and helpful. The only
> trouble I had was with the security types who could not be convinced the
> 'all access' credential really meant just that...Just stay outta Wally's
> way!
>
> I have been disturbed by the large number of needless wrecks in CART and
the
> IRL this year, Formula One cars are never close enough to have contact
after
> the first lap. I became a F1 fan watching Mansell, Senna, Prost and Piquet
> battle it out. Passing or 'battles' seem to be a thing of the past in F1.
> The closest open wheel racing I've seen this year is...and I hate to admit
> it...in the IRL. The event usually ends with all the leaders taking each
> other out after some breathtaking manuevers.
>
> I think it would be a great thing for the open wheel pro guys to get their
> act together and get on with a good show!
>
> Cheers,
>
> Brad
> 62 TR4
>
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