Alonso at Indy (to Miss Monaco)... - Page 12

jimclark · 29 May 2017, 02:12 (Ref:3737003)

Quote:

Originally Posted by bjohnsonsmith

You've got to take your hat off too Alonso. I really hope he is back next year.

With all due respect, again, why? He was with the top team at the moment, was given a great setup and did exactly what a good professional should do. I find his Indy effort to be just what it was s'posed to be. Nothing more, nothing less.

**bjohnsonsmith** · 29 May 2017, 02:36 (Ref:3737009)

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimclark

With all due respect, again, why? He was with the top team at the moment, was given a great setup and did exactly what a good professional should do. I find his Indy effort to be just what it was s'posed to be. Nothing more, nothing less.

Why not? It didn't detract from the event and positively added something to it and generated a lot of interest. Just what motorsport needs.

jimclark · 29 May 2017, 03:11 (Ref:3737014)

Quote:

Originally Posted by bjohnsonsmith

(A)Why not? (B)It didn't detract from the event and positively added something to it and generated a lot of interest.

(A) Because he did nothing special.

(B) Detracted nothing. I agree.
Added something? I agree again. A lot of BS hype.

A lot of interest? Yeah; a bunch of know nothings..."He's gonna go to Indy and kick ass." or "He's out of his element, he'll crash."

Neither was true, as shouldn't have even been expected.

**GTRMagic** · 29 May 2017, 03:31 (Ref:3737018)

BS hype gets the sport into media locations it would otherwise not have managed

The local Aussie radio & teev media carried stories about the race because Mr Alonso was involved. Will Power has been there forever and they don't keep that attention up.

Even if Mr Alonso doesn't come back, he was noticed!

**bjohnsonsmith** · 29 May 2017, 03:36 (Ref:3737019)

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimclark

(A) Because he did nothing special.

Why do you think he did nothing special?

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimclark

(B) Detracted nothing. I agree.
Added something? I agree again. A lot of BS hype.

A lot of interest? Yeah; a bunch of know nothings..."He's gonna go to Indy and kick ass." or "He's out of his element, he'll crash."

Neither was true, as shouldn't have even been expected.

In the articles I read in the motor racing press, and various interviews, it never come across that, "He's gonna go to Indy and kick ass." or "He's out of his element, he'll crash.", there was a much more measured approach. The coverage and reporting of his ROP was a good example.

fieldodreams79 · 29 May 2017, 04:46 (Ref:3737030)

Alonso did exactly what he needed to do at one of the most difficult places to do it at the first time out. Yes, not heads above the rest, but I'd give some credit where due for his very first oval race at THE speedway and the first time out in a different car. I thought he'd struggle in the pack, but he was as smooth and cool as the other side of the pillow.

Not ROTY, but he was pretty damn impressive and 200.000 plus in person seemed to appreciate that, as do most here.

Akrapovic · 29 May 2017, 06:53 (Ref:3737049)

Why would he return? Because he said he wants to win the triple crown. Since he didn't win Indy, he'll have to keep trying until he does if that is still his aim.

He should go to the states full time for a few years. There's nothing left for him in F1.

**Adam43** · 29 May 2017, 07:12 (Ref:3737052)

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimclark

A lot of interest? Yeah; a bunch of know nothings..."He's gonna go to Indy and kick ass." or "He's out of his element, he'll crash."

This is obviously a different circles thing. I saw and read little of this. So what if some were unrealistic, either way, about his chances?

He was expected to do OK, probably better than average. We know he's good, but he was inexperienced at this dicipline. For me he got into it earlier than I thought, qualified higher than I thought, led some laps and was consistently higher through the race than I thought. Near the end he started putting in some good outside overtakes after people had become defensive.

Good job and I am more that happy to be enthusiastic about his performance, especially as he was so enthusiastic about the whole experience. That last part buys you a lot of credit.

Akrapovic · 29 May 2017, 07:15 (Ref:3737053)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adam43

This is obviously a different circles thing. I saw and read little of this. So what if some were unrealistic, either way, about his chances?

He was expected to do OK, probably better than average. We know he's good, but he was inexperienced at this dicipline. For me he got into it earlier than I thought, qualified higher than I thought, led some laps and was consistently higher through the race than I thought. Near the end he started putting in some good outside overtakes after people had become defensive.

Good job and I am more that happy to be enthusiastic about his performance, especially as he was so enthusiastic about the whole experience. That last part buys you a lot of credit.

Agreed. I think his performance was excellent and not really sure what else he could've done for people to have a higher praise. I think some people might be a bit upset that an outsider came in and didn't struggle like they hoped.

jimclark · 29 May 2017, 08:41 (Ref:3737068)

Quote:

Originally Posted by bjohnsonsmith

(A) Why do you think he did nothing special?

(B)In the articles I read in the motor racing press, and various interviews, it never come across that, "He's gonna go to Indy and kick ass." or "He's out of his element, he'll crash.", there was a much more measured approach. The coverage and reporting of his ROP was a good example.

I think you missed the intentions of my statements.

(A) Because he didn't. Being the great driver that I've always thought he is, he did exactly what I thought he would, as have many before him. He drove very professionally throughout his Indy adventure.

(B) I wasn't talking about the coverage. I thought you ("positively added something to it and generated a lot of interest") were referring to the many, many, many ignorant opines of supposed "fans" that read the articles.

Peat · 29 May 2017, 09:00 (Ref:3737072)

Everyone is a 'know-nothing' at some point, just sadly alot of them are mistaken and think they knew something about IndyCar - that it's easy and it's just turning left. They are the ones who make a noise, hopefully there were a legion of fresh eyes out there who went in without preconceptions and came out richer for it.

Alonso was a star. Legend status confirmed.

jimclark · 29 May 2017, 09:07 (Ref:3737074)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peat

Everyone is a 'know-nothing' at some point, just sadly alot of them are mistaken and think they knew something about IndyCar - that it's easy and it's just turning left. They are the ones who make a noise, hopefully there were a legion of fresh eyes out there who went in without preconceptions and came out richer for it.

Alonso was a star. Legend status confirmed.

Precisely. Agreed. Except for that last sentence "Legend status confirmed.".

I don't believe in "legends"; 'just very accomplished people.

His star status? Yes; due to the media coverage, not his driving which was right up to snuff.

**Aysedasi** · 29 May 2017, 09:27 (Ref:3737080)

'Legendary'? What exactly is that? Clark legendary? Senna legendary? Schumacher legendary? Possibly not. However I still rate him as one of the very best out there. Had he not totally screwed himself in F1 over the last few years, had he been in a Red Bull, a Mercedes or a Ferrari over the last few years (in that order), he would have won at least 2-3 more titles, IMO. Even in a dog of a car, he's still more exciting to watch race than virtually anyone else. So yeah, on this occasion I'll go with Peat's description.

**bjohnsonsmith** · 29 May 2017, 09:58 (Ref:3737088)

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimclark

I think you missed the intentions of my statements.

(A) Because he didn't. Being the great driver that I've always thought he is, he did exactly what I thought he would, as have many before him. He drove very professionally throughout his Indy adventure.

Possibly or maybe they weren't clear enough.

What was special, if that indeed is the word to use, was his Indy adventure, from the decision to not race at Monaco to when the green flags waved at the start of yesterday's race.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimclark

(B) I wasn't talking about the coverage. I thought you ("positively added something to it and generated a lot of interest") were referring to the many, many, many ignorant opines of supposed "fans" that read the articles.

I never referred to or mentioned the fans.

fieldodreams79 · 29 May 2017, 10:38 (Ref:3737095)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adam43

Near the end he started putting in some good outside overtakes after people had become defensive.

Thanks for bringing that up! As clean as he was all day (all month, really), he did seem to turn up the wick, as they say, near the end of his run and made some excellent passes, really coming into his own when it was going to count the most.

Again, quite impressive for the "rookie".

BSchneiderFan · 29 May 2017, 13:55 (Ref:3737129)

I am saying this through slightly gritted teeth, because I am very far from being a fan of the Spaniard, but I thought he was brilliant throughout the Month of May. Took to oval racing as if he'd been doing it for years, qualified brilliantly, led 27 laps, would have been in the hunt for the win had not Honda let him down yet again. Racing on ovals, let alone at the Brickyard, is a very specialised discipline, and some drivers never really master it. He made it look like second nature. I hope he's back next year; I'd also love to see him on a road or street course.

RWill2073 · 29 May 2017, 13:59 (Ref:3737130)

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimclark

With all due respect, again, why? He was with the top team at the moment, was given a great setup and did exactly what a good professional should do. I find his Indy effort to be just what it was s'posed to be. Nothing more, nothing less.

So why would we give any historical winner of Indy any credit? Some years they had the only team/car that didn't fail or blow up and lapped the field. Are we just crediting cars only now?

jimclark · 29 May 2017, 20:11 (Ref:3737216)

Quote:

Originally Posted by RWill2073

So why would we give any historical winner of Indy any credit? Some years they had the only team/car that didn't fail or blow up and lapped the field. Are we just crediting cars only now?

No. Coin toss.

littleman · 30 May 2017, 07:42 (Ref:3737311)

I thought Alonso was absolutely sensational. But for the engine failure, and possibly being caught out at the last restart, he had every chance of winning.
I think he's one of the all time great's, possibly the only modern day driver who could actually win the Triple Crown.

I also have to say that's the first time I've ever watched the entire Indy 500....and I'll be watching it every year from now on......stunning atmosphere,brilliant racing, ridiculous speeds! New found respect for ALL the Indy Car drivers too.....they're either genuine hero's or totally mental !

Well done to Sato too, he drove a really gutsy race.

champcarman · 30 May 2017, 10:13 (Ref:3737334)

But did Alonso deserve the Rookie of the Year award over the guy who finished third in the race?

I am not sure one way or the other but I would like to hear peoples opinions.

S griffin · 30 May 2017, 10:51 (Ref:3737341)

He deserved it, it wasn't his fault the engine let him down again. This was a voted award remember

AdrianM · 30 May 2017, 15:05 (Ref:3737399)

Quote:

Originally Posted by champcarman

But did Alonso deserve the Rookie of the Year award over the guy who finished third in the race?

I am not sure one way or the other but I would like to hear peoples opinions.

What did he do other than finish 3rd though? The award is based on three other criteria other than the finishing position all of which Alonso was the star.

jimclark · 30 May 2017, 15:15 (Ref:3737401)

Quote:

Originally Posted by champcarman

But did Alonso deserve the Rookie of the Year award over the guy who finished third in the race?

I am not sure one way or the other but I would like to hear peoples opinions.

Agreed. Ed Jones drove for the rinky dink Dale Coyne team. Alonso, Andretti. Duuuhhhh.... 'Hell of a finish for him. 'Taking nothing from Alonso, but...

gert · 30 May 2017, 15:21 (Ref:3737403)

Quote:

Originally Posted by littleman

I think he's one of the all time great's, possibly the only modern day driver who could actually win the Triple Crown.

Don't count out Montoya (yet). He "only" needs to win Le Mans.

jimclark · 30 May 2017, 15:39 (Ref:3737410)

Quote:

Originally Posted by gert

Don't count out Montoya (yet). He "only" needs to win Le Mans.

Maybe if he loses some weight....

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