Very interesting debate with many well-made points, guys.
Being from Down Under I can't comment with much authority on the USA scene, especially the higher levels, although I must agree that the two drivers mentioned from here don't promote themselves very well. Our culture doesn't take kindly to prople who 'blow their own trumpet', unlike the USA. Also their personalities aren't particularly outgoing. Also many racing drivers, like many other sports stars, don't have great personalities.
Marcos Ambrose is different. He copped some resentment locally for 'deserting' V8 Supercars to try his hand at NASCAR, but he's achieved a lot for someone who'd never raced on ovals before.
Put simply, success in top level motorsport requires talent, determination and opportunity. Two of the three won't cut it.
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