Life after F1

I think of the three, Monaco is definitely the most difficult simply because of the very exclusive club that is a competitive F1 team. This year there were two cars capable of winning, maybe four if you count Ferrari.

Lemans would be the next because again of exclusivity in competitive cars. Audi or Porsche or go home without winning it seems these days. But I think with enough money or name recognition, you could have a car from one of these two.

While it sounds crazy, Indy is probably the win that is most-easily achieved these days. Not to imply it is easy at all, just easier than the other two. With comparatively less money requirements a driver could build a team and buy a car that would make him competitive. Luck probably plays a role in an Indy win more so than the other two as well.

Who knows, if Webber wins Lemans this year maybe he will get the itch for the superspeedway. He would be a welcome addition to the field. I know he has an enthusiasm for the history of motor racing, so is no doubt aware of his opportunity.

 

Well, I'm sure that anyone having already collected two of the three is fully aware that there is a last one missing...

Rgds

 

Even in the very highly unlikely event that someone else could score the triple crown, Graham Hill would still have trumped them: the triple crown plus world driving champion.

 

What really matters at the end of the day is that Juan is one hell of a racer. I will be a fan of his until he hangs up his helmet.

 

You're right, and I got somewhat mixed-up in examining the potential candidates: Jacques Villeneuve would have qualified as a winner of the Indy 500 and the 1997 World Champion... but he didn't win the Monaco Grand Prix, so it does not work...JPM never was world champion, so...

Nice to think that some achievements are unlikely to be beaten; like Jack Brabham being crowned driving a car he build (well, Ron Tauranac helped...) and for which engine he gave some input, too...

Rgds

 

Well, even after that, as for myself...

Rgds

 

Jim Clark was a proud Scot...........

Only two drivers have been in with a chance of emulating Graham Hill's so-far unique triple of WDC, Indy and Le Mans, Mario and Jacques; and both did try pretty hard to get the last one, Le Mans. Mario drove his last LM at age 60 and should have won in 1995, while Jacques joined Peugeot for '06 and '07. Both of them got a best of 2nd at LM.

Paul M

 

Yes sir you are correct, they never really leave us. Hopefully he will be as feisty as Moss or Watson in his commentary one day.

One can dream!

 

I worked on one of the marketing teams that sponsored JPM.

He IS a head case. I can think of other adjectives also, but I'll remain professional.

 

Today drivers are hired for PR skills as much as for driving chops. Many teams have them sign separate promotional contracts to avoid this sort of peevishness.

Given the scarcity of sponsorship bucks the sport can't afford such Prima donnas.

 

Nice to know others saw the same thing.

 

He's a prick. I couldn't wait for him to get lost from F1 and I don't miss him now in the slightest bit. Too bad he didn't stay in nascar.

 

Could be the reason why we see other drivers interviewed more often than him? Quite sad in the fact that other drivers who have accomplished more than him in every series he has raced in are from Earth and more personable.

 

Newman never gave a **** and rejoiced in taking pics with fans.

When one truly thinks about the state of racing these days the "gentleman racer" is just a memory. John Force excluded.

 

Any courtesy can be abused and limits are needed but a driver is a public figure and must be accessible. Within reason.

 

Seems that bolshy doesn't mean what I thought it did.

Unless of course you're a Leninist.

 

I've learned something.
Thanks. I always thought that it had to do with Bolshevism.

 

me to......

 

I was in the Penske pits during long beach. I was very impressed with how jpm conducted himself and interacted w/ his fans. before qualifying, he literally took photos and signed autographs until each fan was satisfied. he did not rush and shun anyone. his attitude was as good as you could have asked of anyone. a big change from the old days.

 

see my previous post.

 

Did his wife ever make it, to the Podium??

I thought that was an interesting absence, as he was asking for her (of his children, in Spanish) and seemed to be expecting her??