Saturday, January 19, 2008

Champ Car Flames Out


I Fell Into A Burning Ring Of Fire

I Went Down, Down, DownAnd The Flames Went Higher

And It Burns, Burns, Burns
The Ring Of Fire

The Ring Of Fire…

(Johnny Cash; The Ring of Fire)

Why does the picture above make me flash back to that cheesy “Bud-Light” commercial of several years ago when they light the miniature hoop on fire for the little poodles to jump thru and the voice sez; “It’s Showtime” as they start the whole thing over again…

And what in the HELL is going on with Champ Car… As I’ve just read Robin Miller’s glowing assessment of the DOOFUSES in charge ‘O Chump Carzs, who’ve brilliantly let Tony Cotman; Executive vice president and race director Resign. As Miller notes;

It’s Titanic time for Champ Car!”

Apparently, many inside the paddock had expected Cotman to fail in his new post as the four “Mooseketeers” were unwilling to let him run the show productively. As Miller notes;

”But he (Cotman) still couldn't overcome the fact his series is run by a couple rich guys who really don't understand television, marketing, driver continuity, people and the nuts and bolts of auto racing.Kalkhoven and Forsythe didn't become wealthy running their businesses like they do Champ Car and why they continue to let Gentilozzi influence their decisions is a mystery to anyone with a brain.

This announcement, which was made on a Friday, when nobody reads the news comes at a time when Champ Car has only three signed drivers for the 2008 season, along with a pathetic car count.

On top of Cotman’s resignation, reigning Champ Car Atlantic’s champion Rafael Matos has forgone his $2 million check for winning last year’s title in favour of signing a multi-year contract with Andretti Green Racing, where Matos will contest the Indy Pro Series next season.

And adding insult to injury, Dan “Speedy Dry” Clarke, who drove for Team Minardi USA in Champ Car last season is now pursuing the second Panther Racing seat in the IRL…

And I never thought I’d say this, but I hope Cotman’ gets hired by Tony George and becomes their new Chief Steward.

Turn out the lights, the party’s over as I think I hear the Fat Lady warming up her vocal chords… SHEISA!!! Perhaps Robosoarus will come visit Champ Cars headquarters in Indiana, eh?