1772 replies to this topic

[intelligentsia]

So how well did Piquet do in his first truck race?

[pingu666]

pretty well if i remmber. so did kathakain too

form fluctuates alot in nascar, so you might run really well in your first race, then be struggling in your 4th. i think it happens less in the lower series, but in the cup series it is really tough.

[SPBHM]

So how well did Piquet do in his first truck race?

he finished in 6th position

[Desdirodeabike]

They are getting excited about Kimi on the other side of the pond: Raikkonen Faster Than You Thought: Inside Scoop
This is why Kimi is the epitome of awesome. Once in a while we get a reminder of his incredible natural talent and this is one.

That being said, he is not going to win races out of the box like the pundit says he could do. That is too far a stretch - even for a fan like me.

[Hairpin]

They are getting excited about Kimi on the other side of the pond: Raikkonen Faster Than You Thought: Inside Scoop
This is why Kimi is the epitome of awesome. Once in a while we get a reminder of his incredible natural talent and this is one.

That being said, he is not going to win races out of the box like the pundit says he could do. That is too far a stretch - even for a fan like me.

Interesting. Although I am not surprised.

[Taxi]

 Am I the only one who thinks Kimi is going to crash heavily in his first race?

[Hairpin]

 Am I the only one who thinks Kimi is going to crash heavily in his first race?

That is your fears, not your thoughts ;)

[Desdirodeabike]

 Am I the only one who thinks Kimi is going to crash heavily in his first race?

Lol. The thought has indeed crossed my mind..

Edit: Ok Hairpin, the fear has crossed my mind

Edited by Desdirodeabike, 28 April 2011 - 12:34.

[cilurnum]

Yep, the penny is beginning to drop that what Raikkonen did at that test was exceptionally impressive. I think Busch even toned down his comments slightly out of embarrassment. They really want him because if a driver can gain as much of an advantage on an oval as he appears to be able to do, in his first go no less, they simply have to go for him.

EDIT: They do say that the response was 'metered' in that video above and they were 'stunned' - quote, unquote. It wouldn't have been the first time people have used that word about him. The big, big money NASCAR offers that seem to be floating around are not a big surprise.

If you want to know why everyone continues to talk about Raikkonen even now that he isn't in Formula 1 this is a very good example. For those in the know the guy is simply a massive driving talent. He gets into any car, is instinctive and gets up to speed with everything quicker than anyone else, and that ties up with previous comments made about him coming out of McLaren in previous years and when his race engineer at Ferrari compared him to Schumacher and said there were certain things you needed to tell Schumacher that you didn't need to tell Raikkonen.

Edited by cilurnum, 28 April 2011 - 12:47.

[OSX]

They are getting excited about Kimi on the other side of the pond: Raikkonen Faster Than You Thought: Inside Scoop
This is why Kimi is the epitome of awesome. Once in a while we get a reminder of his incredible natural talent and this is one.

Thanks for posting that!

[Desdirodeabike]

Yep, the penny is beginning to drop that what Raikkonen did at that test was exceptionally impressive. I think Busch even toned down his comments slightly out of embarrassment. They really want him because if a driver can gain as much of an advantage on an oval as he appears to be able to do, in his first go no less, they simply have to go for him.

If you want to know why everyone continues to talk about Raikkonen even now that he isn't in Formula 1 this is a very good example. For those in the know the guy is simply a massive driving talent. He gets into any car, is instinctive and gets up to speed with everything quicker than anyone else, and that ties up with previous comments made about him coming out of McLaren in previous years and when his race engineer at Ferrari compared him to Schumacher and said there were certain things you needed to tell Schumacher that you didn't need to tell Raikkonen.

Yea, I remember those comments by the race engineer. It was before the 07 season started IIRC.
The thing with rally is that you really have to be in the know of the sport to really see what kind of performance Kimi is laying down there. He labeled his last rally his best ever and its still "only" a 6th place. But the gap pacewise to the furious 5 in front is getting smaller.
Circuit racing on tarmac such as for instance NASCAR is still what Kimi does best and I can understand his interest to mix it up with his rallying campaign. Heck, it might even be good practice for the asphalt rallies.

[jonpollak]

 Am I the only one who thinks Kimi is going to crash heavily in his first race?

Well... Those of us in Europe with a Sky dish can see for ourselves.
For free.


From Premier Sports Facebook page...

Quote:
Premier Sports is delighted to announce it will broadcast Kimi Raikkonen's first NASCAR Truck race live and free to all to view. Spread the word and let's get more people interested in this great sport!
Premier Sports is on Sky 433.

May 21st at 1am


Jp

[OSX]

Manager Outlines Raikkonen’s Racing Plans
27 April 2011

"Kimi Raikkonen’s current racing agenda has been outlined to GPUpdate.net this week by the Finn’s long-term manager, Steve Robertson. The 18-time Grand Prix winner is currently contesting the World Rally Championship (WRC) with ICE 1 Racing and will continue to do so while embarking on his new NASCAR ambitions.

The ex-Sauber, McLaren and Ferrari Formula 1 driver signed a deal with Kyle Busch Motorsports earlier in April to compete in the NASCAR Truck Series and Robertson has explained that, if Raikkonen’s selected races prove enjoyable throughout the season, the 31-year-old could commit himself to the sport.

"He’s got a plan for this year, so he’s doing some races this year in the trucks and also the Nationwide cars," Robertson told GPUpdate.net.

"That’s happening very, very soon. Obviously he’s got a pretty heavy programme with WRC as well and he’s going to combine the both, which is not so easy to do, but that’s what he wants to do.

"But (his move to NASCAR is) with a view for possibly 2012 and 2013, but he wants to see if he enjoys it first before he makes a decision as to what he does.""

http://www.gpupdate....s-racing-plans/

[Callisto]

Manager Outlines Raikkonen’s Racing Plans
27 April 2011

"Kimi Raikkonen’s current racing agenda has been outlined to GPUpdate.net this week by the Finn’s long-term manager, Steve Robertson. The 18-time Grand Prix winner is currently contesting the World Rally Championship (WRC) with ICE 1 Racing and will continue to do so while embarking on his new NASCAR ambitions.

The ex-Sauber, McLaren and Ferrari Formula 1 driver signed a deal with Kyle Busch Motorsports earlier in April to compete in the NASCAR Truck Series and Robertson has explained that, if Raikkonen’s selected races prove enjoyable throughout the season, the 31-year-old could commit himself to the sport.

"He’s got a plan for this year, so he’s doing some races this year in the trucks and also the Nationwide cars," Robertson told GPUpdate.net.

"That’s happening very, very soon. Obviously he’s got a pretty heavy programme with WRC as well and he’s going to combine the both, which is not so easy to do, but that’s what he wants to do.

"But (his move to NASCAR is) with a view for possibly 2012 and 2013, but he wants to see if he enjoys it first before he makes a decision as to what he does.""

http://www.gpupdate....s-racing-plans/

Go for it kimi,variety is the spice of life

[cilurnum]

I'm still not convinced he'll do NASCAR full-time because he'll have to move to the US and commit himself completely to it. However, if his test is anything to go by and he goes anything like as well in the race next month then he's going to be offered a great deal of money to go there. The interest he's already generated has made NASCAR sit up and take notice.

[Hairpin]

I'm still not convinced he'll do NASCAR full-time because he'll have to move to the US and commit himself completely to it. However, if his test is anything to go by and he goes anything like as well in the race next month then he's going to be offered a great deal of money to go there. The interest he's already generated has made NASCAR sit up and take notice.

One thing is certain - winning is... fun. If Kimi feels he can win races and has a chance of even winning a title, then I think he will go NASCAR. WRC is maybe too big a challenge, in no motor sport is experience so important. Sebastien Loeb did a Hamilton/Vettel like debut, but before WRC that he had some solid years of experience in Junior WRC and other series, but apart from him, rally drivers evolve quite slowly compared to track racers. Maybe Kimi does not want to wait three years for a win.

[loki]

I'm still not convinced he'll do NASCAR full-time because he'll have to move to the US and commit himself completely to it. However, if his test is anything to go by and he goes anything like as well in the race next month then he's going to be offered a great deal of money to go there. The interest he's already generated has made NASCAR sit up and take notice.

Not necessarily. I think Kim Bob will do well but I wouldn't expect him to get top level offers for any of the touring series based on track performance alone. Unlike most of the rest of motorsport the ability activate the sponsorship has a great deal to do with it. If he can find some non US backing with big bucks that might work but anyone in the US putting 20 mil or so into a Kim Bob Cup effort is going to want more than just the Iceman strapping in and driving the car. Even at the truck level he's going to need to say "the Perky Jerky Toyota Tundra" at every available opportunity.

[goldenboy]

They are getting excited about Kimi on the other side of the pond: Raikkonen Faster Than You Thought: Inside Scoop
This is why Kimi is the epitome of awesome. Once in a while we get a reminder of his incredible natural talent and this is one.

That being said, he is not going to win races out of the box like the pundit says he could do. That is too far a stretch - even for a fan like me.

haha holy crap that has made me excited!

[OSX]

Kimi Could Have Driven the Whole NASCAR Season
29 April 2011

- I could have driven the whole series this year if I would have wanted but there's too many races now to do that. Let's drive what's scheduled and see what happens next year, Raikkonen tells MTV3.

- It's going to be interesting to drive with others. I assume it will take time to get used to not being able to see to your sides, Kimi says.

- America is quite different. The going can even be a bit funny at times because their view to motorsports is so different. All in all it's pretty relaxed even though I've only seen it now. The experience was fun, Kimi says.

http://www.mtv3.fi/u...-alusta-loppuun

[OfficeLinebacker]

This is really gaining traction. Neat.

[artista]

Kimi Could Have Driven the Whole NASCAR Season
29 April 2011

- I could have driven the whole series this year if I would have wanted but there's too many races now to do that. Let's drive what's scheduled and see what happens next year, Raikkonen tells MTV3.

- It's going to be interesting to drive with others. I assume it will take time to get used to not being able to see to your sides, Kimi says.

- America is quite different. The going can even be a bit funny at times because their view to motorsports is so different. All in all it's pretty relaxed even though I've only seen it now. The experience was fun, Kimi says.

http://www.mtv3.fi/u...-alusta-loppuun

Thanks!

[loki]

- America is quite different. The going can even be a bit funny at times because their view to motorsports is so different. All in all it's pretty relaxed even though I've only seen it now. The experience was fun, Kimi says.

The hell you say... We like to think we're normal and y'alls are different.

Kim Bob could have done a full season trucks or even Nationwide if he desired. It's quite a bit less to run competitively compared to Cup. Running well in Cup takes stacks of cash these days.

[DarthRonzo]

Kimi Ray Cihrrosis

[bourbon]

The hell you say... We like to think we're normal and y'alls are different.

Yeah but y'alls apply that to 3/4 of America too.

[Yolandy]

According to SpeedTV, Kyle says that Kimi's truck number is still to be decided, yet it's maybe #15.

[Wolfie]

http://www.mtv3.fi/u...-alusta-loppuun

Kimi could have drove the whole Nascar-season



Kimi Räikkönen told that he could have drove the whole Nascar-serie already this season.

He starts from the Truck-serie and will see after a couple of races if he will go to Nationwide- or Sprint Cup -series in the future. Räikkönen has agreed upon driving 3-5 races with the team owned by Kyle Busch.

- I could have raced the whole serie this year also if I would have wanted but there are unnecessarily many races for that. Let's just drive what we have agreed upon and see what happens next year, Räikkönen tells MTV3.

- It will become interesting when you start racing with others. I guess it will take it's own time before getting used to not really seeing anything at all to the sides, Kimi says.

- America is quite different. The going is at times quite funny too because they have a completely different approach to the whole motorsport. It's quite laidback in the final games although I've just seen it. It was a funny experience already in the beginning, Kimi smiles.

MTV3 - Antti Rämänen, Anette Latva-Piikkilä

[whitewaterMkII]

According to SpeedTV, Kyle says that Kimi's truck number is still to be decided, yet it's maybe #15.

I can't wait for him to get stuck on the bottom at Charlotte.
He'll be putting all his rally skills into being a tad sideways and holding on at a 150mph...
Should be a buncha fun.
JPM came out of his first race in NASCAR saying he passed more guys in one race than he had in his F-1 career.
I hope Kimi likes it and decides to see where it goes for a couple of years.

[OfficeLinebacker]

JPM came out of his first race in NASCAR saying he passed more guys in one race than he had in his F-1 career.

Somehow he failed to mention he got passed by twice as many as he passed...

[loki]

According to SpeedTV, Kyle says that Kimi's truck number is still to be decided, yet it's maybe #15.

Nope. the 15 belongs to Billy Ballew and he's using it on the Vision Aviation entry of Dusty Davis. The 51 is not available either. They are using it on Justin Johnson's truck.

[artista]

Nope. the 15 belongs to Billy Ballew and he's using it on the Vision Aviation entry of Dusty Davis. The 51 is not available either. They are using it on Justin Johnson's truck.

I’m talking by memory, and maybe I'm wrong, but didn’t Busch say about a week ago that they had some kind of agreement/relationship with Vision Aviation, or something like that? I think that’s why people begun to talk about #15.

[OSX]

Steve Hallam's Analysis On Kimi Raikkonen's Transition To Truck Series (Video Link)
5 May 2011

"Here's a clip from Episode 19 of 'The Flying Lap with Peter Windsor'. Steve's [former head of race operations at McLaren] in-depth analysis on Raikkonen's ability to adapt to different racing conditions is a must hear."

http://www.theracedr...uck-series-vid/

[jonpollak]

http://www.motorspor...car-and-racers/

The world's best analyst on the whole deal.

The podcasts he does are great.
http://www.motorspor...-audio-podcast/
Jp

[loki]

I’m talking by memory, and maybe I'm wrong, but didn’t Busch say about a week ago that they had some kind of agreement/relationship with Vision Aviation, or something like that? I think that’s why people begun to talk about #15.

You bet they could do a deal. Bellew and Busch are still friends and they could broker a deal with them to use it. Particularly when Davis is only running a limited season and does not rely on the locked in spot. I'd think if they were going to do a number deal they'd rent one that was already locked in though I don't think Kim Bob would have a hard time getting in on time.

[marleneq]

Thanks for posting the MotorSport link. Very interesting.

I've been getting emails from the Charlotte Motor Speedway with different promotions and advertisements for the races next weekend. They've started mentioning Kimi..."Come see F1 World Champion make his NASCAR debut...". Excited to see how he will do and how he will be received.

[boomer1]

probably some polite applause to start. If he does well and makes some funny interviews with some choice Kimi quotes then I could see him becoming quite popular quite quickly.

[OSX]

http://www.motorspor...car-and-racers/

The world's best analyst on the whole deal.

The podcasts he does are great.
http://www.motorspor...-audio-podcast/
Jp

You can also download this and the other Motor Sport Magazine podcasts from iTunes. Or subscribe and you'll get the podacasts automatically.



[url="http://itunes.apple.com/podcast/motor-sport-magazine-podcast/id328064082""]http://itunes.apple....or...328064082"[/url]

[OfficeLinebacker]

If I were his sponsors I'd say you damn well are going to use a number that is high enough in owner's points to guarantee a starting spot.

[loki]

You bet they could do a deal. Bellew and Busch are still friends and they could broker a deal with them to use it. Particularly when Davis is only running a limited season and does not rely on the locked in spot. I'd think if they were going to do a number deal they'd rent one that was already locked in though I don't think Kim Bob would have a hard time getting in on time.

Apparently Vision Aviation Racing has shut down. Chris Fontaine is in the 51 right now at Dover but only with the car and hauler. The crew and equipment is from Glendon Enterprises. Vision has told employees they will try to regroup in the next 90 days.

[Myrvold]

I can't wait for Mika Salo...

[artista]

So, definitively, Räikkönen is in the entry list for Charlotte in car #15. He will have to qualify on speed.

[jonpollak]

He will have to qualify on speed.

And qualifying on SPEED is at 10PM €uro time.
Appearing on your favourite stream....most likely.

Jp

Edited by jonpollak, 16 May 2011 - 21:54.

[Yolandy]

http://twitter.com/jameypricephoto is to cover Kimi's photos in Truck races.

[OfficeLinebacker]

So, definitively, Räikkönen is in the entry list for Charlotte in car #15. He will have to qualify on speed.

Oh, geez. I'm sure he'll do fine, it's a KBM truck after all, but still. If I were a sponsor, I'd be biting my nails raw.

[pingu666]

how many entries are there?

[pingu666]

http://jayski.com/ct...lotte-entry.htm

43, with 5 TBA sponsors, so even if he fails to qualify (43 starting spots right? so real unlikely) theres a good chance he could buy his way in

[artista]

Oh, geez. I'm sure he'll do fine, it's a KBM truck after all, but still. If I were a sponsor, I'd be biting my nails raw.

Does anybody know how many spots there're for non pre-qualyfied cars in the trucks series? (I don't have the smallest clue )
I just hope he stays away from walls during qualfying.

http://jayski.com/ct...lotte-entry.htm

43, with 5 TBA sponsors, so even if he fails to qualify (43 starting spots right? so real unlikely) theres a good chance he could buy his way in

Isn't it 36 starting spots?

EDIT: spelling

Edited by artista, 17 May 2011 - 14:53.

[pingu666]

yep , just looked at daytona and 36 started there (45-6 attempted to qualify)

[flyer121]

When is the race ? And are they showing it in the UK? Thanks in advance !
Kimi has some super human abilities - he made me watch Nascar's lower series

[pingu666]

17 drivers going for 11 spots, if all the top 25 pointers turn up