No WoO or NST at Knoxville in 2007?/ WoO at the Ditch/ Schatz on Wind Tunnel/ IRL Silly Season/ Red Hott Ronnie Indy Bound/ Nicole Manske
No WoO or NST at Knoxville in 2007?
According to SPEED, Knoxville Raceway Director of Racing Ralph Capitani said during the annual press luncheon that Knoxville Raceway that he told the leaders of the National Sprint Tour and the World of Outlaws that he will not book either series for 2007 unless they work to get back together. What Cappy says at Knoxville goes but will we see a full season of racing at Knoxville without the NST or WoO? Another member of the media that covers Knoxville on a regular basis told me today that he thinks it is political posturing. Yes Ralph Capitani would like to see the two series merge but there are others out there that would also like to see a merger.
SPEED’s Ralph Sheheen also reported that Eldora owner Tony Stewart feels the same way and will not have the two series back unless they get together. That report was busted when the World of Outlaws released their 2007 schedule which featured several visits to Eldora. Knoxville was not on the 2007 schedule but the journalist who covers Knoxville pointed out, there are several dates empty that will probably go to Knoxville. The WoO said that they will add more dates to their 2007 schedule in the coming days.
WoO Schedule
This is the earliest that the WoO has released their schedule. There is no bigger place to make a bang than Knoxville. The early release also makes a statement that the series is going full throttle into 2007. This should make it easier for teams to find sponsorship.
WoO at the Ditch
You can run through the names of some of the best drivers in the history of the World of Outlaws and chances are they are from the Memphis area and have at one time or another raced at Riverside more commonly known as the “Ditch.” Riverside International Speedway now has new owners and a new fresh coat of paint on the buildings. With the demise of the Memphis Motorsports Park dirt track, area racers have had to either drive a good distance or sit home. Saturday nights have been their refuge. Riverside’s new owners are working on more improvements and landing a World of Outlaws race is a sure sign that the track is headed in the right direction.
Schatz on Wind Tunnel
Donny Schatz was a guest on Wind Tunnel with Dave Despain Sunday night. The new Knoxville Nationals champ talked about why Knoxville is more of a challenge to win than any other date on his schedule.
He added that the easiest part is the feature race. Schatz said he is looking forward to the Minot, ND stop where he will race in the same town that he went to high school in but this time Schatz will be a Knoxville Nationals Champion.
Fisher at Chicagoland
Ryan Briscoe will return to the DRR car for Sonoma but Sarah Fisher will run the season finale at Chicago.
The IRL at Daytona?
Yes we could see IndyCars at Daytona International Raceway in the future but it will only be for off season testing on the infield road course.
Open Wheelers Gone NASCAR
Now to the silly season, two IRL drivers could bolt for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. SPEED reported over the weekend at Buddy Lazier as well as Buddy Rice could be in a truck in 2007.
I have not been able to confirm those two stories. Buddy Rice is scheduled to drive the Red Bull-sponsored Brumos Porsche entry at the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series race at Miller Motorsports Park in September.
New Home for Sharp?
Our friends at www.tracksideonline.com are reporting that Scott Sharp could race for Rahal Letterman Racing or Panther Racing. Track Side Online also reports that Arie Luyendyk Sr.’s team may run the full 2007 IndyCar Series season with Luyendyk Jr. behind the wheel. TSO has some news on USAC Western Midget Series driver Ben Petter but you will have to read their website for more. (Dude I can’t give all my friends stories away.)
Red Hott Ronnie Indy Bound
One of the hottest (as in beautifull) female drivers in Australia could be headed for the States. www.tracksideonline.com reports that Veronica McCann could drive in the Indy Pro Series as soon as Chicagoland.
I had the pleasure of meeting McCann in Indianapolis during Kroger Speedfest. The awesome Aussie was with Lynn St. James at ORP for the Silver Crown race meeting with folks. (Editors note: Veronica McCann did finish very high in the race babe poll that this website conducted this past spring.)
Nicole Manske Rants and Rumors
And finally today we wrapup with a story we brought you last week about Nicole Manske’s collumns on SPEED.com. It seems our story has gotten some attention at Fort Wayne Observed. http://indiana.typepad.com/fwob/2006/08/manske_spouts_o.html There was also some debate at FWO over rumors of who she has dated or is currently dated.
I have heard all of them but will not publish them unlike the Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicole_Manske because I do not know (or care to know) if they are fact or not. The only thing I wrote was something that was published in the Indianapolis Star and I referenced the Star as my source for my information.
I am waiting for Manske’s next column to see if she goes after another female or makes solid commentary based on her experience she gained while covering the IRL for the two media oulets she worked for in Indy.
Coming Later this Week
My take on the recycled version of SPEED News. A preview to the USAC Silver Crown race at Springfield. CCWS vs the IRL in a TV street/water fight. My college football preview and anything else that falls out of my brain and onto the keypad.
For images related to these stories, please visit our sister website, http://openwheeler.blogspot.com
Images appearing in this blog courtesy of Veronica McCann’s website, SPEED, and R.E. Technologies.
According to SPEED, Knoxville Raceway Director of Racing Ralph Capitani said during the annual press luncheon that Knoxville Raceway that he told the leaders of the National Sprint Tour and the World of Outlaws that he will not book either series for 2007 unless they work to get back together. What Cappy says at Knoxville goes but will we see a full season of racing at Knoxville without the NST or WoO? Another member of the media that covers Knoxville on a regular basis told me today that he thinks it is political posturing. Yes Ralph Capitani would like to see the two series merge but there are others out there that would also like to see a merger.
SPEED’s Ralph Sheheen also reported that Eldora owner Tony Stewart feels the same way and will not have the two series back unless they get together. That report was busted when the World of Outlaws released their 2007 schedule which featured several visits to Eldora. Knoxville was not on the 2007 schedule but the journalist who covers Knoxville pointed out, there are several dates empty that will probably go to Knoxville. The WoO said that they will add more dates to their 2007 schedule in the coming days.
WoO Schedule
This is the earliest that the WoO has released their schedule. There is no bigger place to make a bang than Knoxville. The early release also makes a statement that the series is going full throttle into 2007. This should make it easier for teams to find sponsorship.
WoO at the Ditch
You can run through the names of some of the best drivers in the history of the World of Outlaws and chances are they are from the Memphis area and have at one time or another raced at Riverside more commonly known as the “Ditch.” Riverside International Speedway now has new owners and a new fresh coat of paint on the buildings. With the demise of the Memphis Motorsports Park dirt track, area racers have had to either drive a good distance or sit home. Saturday nights have been their refuge. Riverside’s new owners are working on more improvements and landing a World of Outlaws race is a sure sign that the track is headed in the right direction.
Schatz on Wind Tunnel
Donny Schatz was a guest on Wind Tunnel with Dave Despain Sunday night. The new Knoxville Nationals champ talked about why Knoxville is more of a challenge to win than any other date on his schedule.
He added that the easiest part is the feature race. Schatz said he is looking forward to the Minot, ND stop where he will race in the same town that he went to high school in but this time Schatz will be a Knoxville Nationals Champion.
Fisher at Chicagoland
Ryan Briscoe will return to the DRR car for Sonoma but Sarah Fisher will run the season finale at Chicago.
The IRL at Daytona?
Yes we could see IndyCars at Daytona International Raceway in the future but it will only be for off season testing on the infield road course.
Open Wheelers Gone NASCAR
Now to the silly season, two IRL drivers could bolt for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. SPEED reported over the weekend at Buddy Lazier as well as Buddy Rice could be in a truck in 2007.
I have not been able to confirm those two stories. Buddy Rice is scheduled to drive the Red Bull-sponsored Brumos Porsche entry at the Grand American Rolex Sports Car Series race at Miller Motorsports Park in September.
New Home for Sharp?
Our friends at www.tracksideonline.com are reporting that Scott Sharp could race for Rahal Letterman Racing or Panther Racing. Track Side Online also reports that Arie Luyendyk Sr.’s team may run the full 2007 IndyCar Series season with Luyendyk Jr. behind the wheel. TSO has some news on USAC Western Midget Series driver Ben Petter but you will have to read their website for more. (Dude I can’t give all my friends stories away.)
Red Hott Ronnie Indy Bound
One of the hottest (as in beautifull) female drivers in Australia could be headed for the States. www.tracksideonline.com reports that Veronica McCann could drive in the Indy Pro Series as soon as Chicagoland.
I had the pleasure of meeting McCann in Indianapolis during Kroger Speedfest. The awesome Aussie was with Lynn St. James at ORP for the Silver Crown race meeting with folks. (Editors note: Veronica McCann did finish very high in the race babe poll that this website conducted this past spring.)
Nicole Manske Rants and Rumors
And finally today we wrapup with a story we brought you last week about Nicole Manske’s collumns on SPEED.com. It seems our story has gotten some attention at Fort Wayne Observed. http://indiana.typepad.com/fwob/2006/08/manske_spouts_o.html There was also some debate at FWO over rumors of who she has dated or is currently dated.
I have heard all of them but will not publish them unlike the Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicole_Manske because I do not know (or care to know) if they are fact or not. The only thing I wrote was something that was published in the Indianapolis Star and I referenced the Star as my source for my information.
I am waiting for Manske’s next column to see if she goes after another female or makes solid commentary based on her experience she gained while covering the IRL for the two media oulets she worked for in Indy.
Coming Later this Week
My take on the recycled version of SPEED News. A preview to the USAC Silver Crown race at Springfield. CCWS vs the IRL in a TV street/water fight. My college football preview and anything else that falls out of my brain and onto the keypad.
For images related to these stories, please visit our sister website, http://openwheeler.blogspot.com
Images appearing in this blog courtesy of Veronica McCann’s website, SPEED, and R.E. Technologies.
posted by Blake Johnson at 11:33 PM
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