#40 team shuts down: what now for Franchitti?

[AU N EGL]

Or maybe the major sponsor said, "NO MORE" and an alternative sponsor could not be found

[bigted]

There wasnt a major sponser, i think Chip takes the target money and spreads it through out the two series (irl and nascar) and if they pick up one of sponsers that goes in the same pot. Reading the Sabates interview it all points to Chips basic mis understanding of NASCAR

[mattcat]

Originally Posted by AU N EGL

Or maybe the major sponsor said, "NO MORE" and an alternative sponsor could not be found

What main sponsor? Guitar Hero: Aerosmith Edition?

[Dutton]

Presumably he is going to give NASCAR a pass now, although, I guess, it is possible he may try and grind something out - don't think he would exactly have many options even if he had the desire.

ALMS seems like the obvious option to my mind, which would be a good thing. It needs everything it can get. Road-racing is an endangered breed in this part of the world, so I would ultimately be happier with him in ALMS.

Dario's rough run has been sad to witness, but, as others have said, it was not exactly a surprise. The NASCAR world is a heck of a tough one to crack: I often think what people seem to forget is the most of the competitors have been entrenched in such systems all their lives, working up through the ladders, so it is not like one can expect anything other than a struggle in most cases. JPM has done remarkably well, given the circumstances, but he's more of an exception than a rule.

Ah, well, who is next up for a failed assault on NASCAR?

[Cynic]

Danica with a bit of luck! I can't think of anyone more deserving of a reality check.

[mattcat]

Originally Posted by Cynic

Danica with a bit of luck! I can't think of anyone more deserving of a reality check.

[Mystery]

To be fair on Dario he's doing alright in Nationwide and appears to have a budget. So if he's happy to race on there I suspect he will. Sabates seems to bear this out too.

[Jimmy Magnusson]

Originally Posted by Hazard

He's done DTM already - over 10 years ago. He won't be back there. WTCC's not his bag either, he'd be in Sportscars first - I don't see him leaving America at all though so that'd be ALMS.

Only problem with the DTM argument is that Dario himself has said he wouldn't mind racing it again, and that was towards the end of 07.

[captain crunch]

I notice many are mentioning alms as a destination for Dario, but in the short term, what about grand-am? After all, Chip Ganassi fields a car there as well. Combine that with a Nationwide program and wait for a cup opportunity to present itself would be the most likely option, surely?

[Mystery]

Originally Posted by captain crunch

I notice many are mentioning alms as a destination for Dario, but in the short term, what about grand-am? After all, Chip Ganassi fields a car there as well. Combine that with a Nationwide program and wait for a cup opportunity to present itself would be the most likely option, surely?

Sounds like a good shout, but is there a slot in the DP car?

[mattcat]

Originally Posted by Mystery

Sounds like a good shout, but is there a slot in the DP car?

Not unless Ganassi gets rid of Pruett (not going to happen) or Rojas (slightly more realistic, but still highly unlikely). Or maybe he brings back the 02 car (also unlikely).

[Mystery]

Curt Cavin has made the observation that slots just happen to have come up in the AGR ALMS car this week. Interesting, but I don't see it to be honest. Marino F departing the AGR team happened to coincide with Dario leaving their IRL car, implying there had been something of a parting of the ways of all concerned. Obviously, a seat there would still be convenient for all parties, but I'm yet to be convinced there's a will to make it happen.


(Mods: can I pls suggest a title change to "#40 team shuts down / Franchitti's future)

[Knowlesy]

Sound plan Mystery.

Yes, a lot of us rushed into suggesting the ALMS route, but thinking back his last few months under Michael Andretti weren't the happiest of times were they? A reunion is perhaps a step too far.

[mattcat]

I really hope he doesn't end up riding around mid-pack in a Busch car. That would be a disservice to both him and Chip. Especially as there are a lot of drivers who could probably win in the car.

[mountainstar]

Originally Posted by Hazard

Anyway - all round bad news. NASCAR again becomes an all american, xenophobic little series. A shame.

An absolutely ridiculous statement. Would it be any different if an American turned up from the USA all the sudden to race F1? No. Nascar is it's own system. Like baseball or football or rugby or any other sport. As an interloper you can't expect to drop right in and bang everything clicks.

[R59]

Originally Posted by mountainstar

An absolutely ridiculous statement. Would it be any different if an American turned up from the USA all the sudden to race F1? No. Nascar is it's own system. Like baseball or football or rugby or any other sport. As an interloper you can't expect to drop right in and bang everything clicks.

That's exactly it. StockCar racing is totally alien to single seater, or sportscar racing. You're working with something that is very agricultural in terms of setup, but needs a good setup to qualify (you have to be on the pace, or you're out with 45 or so cars aiming for 43 slots - plus champions provisionals in the mix!), you have to build the experience to reach the top, and although Dario understands fast, and understands setup, he relies on his crewchief's experience to learn how to work his car. And there, I feel, may be the issue.

Add the fact his team's chosen mount is a Dog, errr I mean Dodge, he was always going to be on an uphill struggle.

When he got the car right in qualifying, it'd often fall back in the race, and that comes from two things - lack of experience, and lack of understanding between the driver, the crewchief, and the car.

Look at the Ganassi cars at Infineon. Everyone expect Dario to go well, but the car was extra-loose and they couldn't hook up a lap. They say that JPM used every last ounce of his skill to qualify his mount as high as he did, and the difference between his time and Dario's wasn't a country mile.

I personally hope that he sticks with StockCars, it's good for the soul, teaches you more about your own abilities than any hypertechnical sportscar/single seater ever will. My personal wish is that he gets a drive with a Chevy or Toyota powered car for the rest of the season, but I'd be happy to see him concentrate on learning the craft in Nationwide, and learning how to "bully" other cars into wreks in CTS!!

Then come 2009, back into Cup.

[Mystery]

Originally Posted by mattcat

I really hope he doesn't end up riding around mid-pack in a Busch car. That would be a disservice to both him and Chip. Especially as there are a lot of drivers who could probably win in the car.

A touch unfair I think. In several races this season Dario has been about the top non-Cup non-rookie runner so he's done about as much as could be expected there I think. Montoya has converted better sure, but Dario's been ok. Would have been interesting to have seen him run in Montreal in the NW car.

[VilleneuveTracy]

Originally Posted by Knowlesy

Penske are possibly switching to Toyota aren't they?

No. They re-signed with Dodge along with Ganassi before the Daytona 500. I have no idea why both of them are sticking with Dodge when Toyota is out there with an unlimited budget. Look at how much Toyota has done for JGR and Red Bull.

[Born Racer]

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/68812

Dario's declared his NASCAR plans. I hope he is able to stick it out as I think he could make it work given time.

[Hazard]

Originally Posted by Born Racer

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/68812

Dario's declared his NASCAR plans. I hope he is able to stick it out as I think he could make it work given time.

Well, those are more intentions then plans.