(from autosport) Seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher will defend his title at the International Challenge of Go-Kart Champs in Brazil later this year, it was announced on Friday. Schumacher will lead a strong field of 26-27 drivers in the November 30 event, organised by Ferrari's Felipe Massa. "To be honest, I didn't even have to invite him to come back," said Massa of Schumacher. "He told me recently in Hockenheim that he wished to race again because loved the town and the relaxed atmosphere he found here." Massa expects Robert Kubica, Sebastien Vettel and Sebastien Bourdais to also attend the event. "It was almost everything set to Kubica attend the race in 2007, but a last- minute commitment prevented him from coming," he added. "He watched the International Challenge on TV and knows what the race is about. Now I'm confident that he will be able to take part for the first time." Massa has also approached four-time NASCAR Cup champion Jeff Gordon. "I met him at Indianapolis GP some years ago and then we raced together at the Champions Race in Paris. He seemed to be a nice guy and said that always wanted to visit my country. That is his chance and I think he will not miss it," Massa added.
Jeez, now Massa's all around nice guy and (go-cart)ambassador for Brazil. This guy really seems to be maturing well.
You cant be serious? 1980 - At nine, he moved on to racing go-karts, which were powered by larger ten-horespower engines. He raced in twenty-five races, against teenagers who were twice his age, and WON every race he entered!!! (Some parents were so upset about how he was beating their children, that some thought, that he had to be a midget, or was just not telling the truth about his age.) When Jeff Gordon started racing against adults in go-karts, the results didn't change, he still came out victorious!!! After his second quarter-midget championship, it was obvious, to his step-father and to Jeff Gordon, that he needed bigger and better challenges.
Although I find NASCAR as boring as watching paint dry, I will never ever make the mistake of thinking that these guys cannot drive. I would love to see someone like Jeff Gordon (or another driver with lots of talent, like I said, I don't follow NASCAR so I don't know who the #1 driver is) join the F1 party.
IMO I think it will be awesome to see Jeff Gordon race against the F1 guys, he certainly has the talent.
+1. My dad used to flag at a local kart track, and he got to see Tony Stewart and Gordon race when they were young. Pretty cool to think about IMO. Wonder how he'll do?
I also read the title and got all exited for a moment. I thought they have let the maestro out of the box and i will see him race LH in my life time
I remember him coming out to New Zealand when he was about a 15 year old racing Sprintcars. He absolutely blitzed the field. I still remember him not lifting off the throttle for anymore than a micro second. He just threw it into the corner. I am sure he carries them around in a bucket. Straight after the race a limo took him to the airport to fly back to the States. School was due to start that week. I was only a few years older than him at the time so you can imagine how I felt seeing this 15 year old being so successful. He is an absolute legend in my mind and I felt honoured to have seen such a champion at a young age. His results in Nascar speak for themself. He is also a very down to earth bloke.
