20 replies to this topic

[ghinzani]

So thinking about some of the F3000/F2 die hards of the 80s and 90s and where their dosh came from I naturally came to the conclusion that many on here could enlighten us to the source of drivers funds. Lets face it nobody gets anywhere in racing without funds self made or a rich Daddy, affluent benefactor or monied boyfriend/girlfriend.

Heres a few I recall and some I wondered about..

Aldo Bertuzzi - What was Aldos money source?
Jean Pierre Freys was construction.
Fulvio Maria Ballabio's was his Dads Topolino disney franchise.
Andrea de Cesaris was his Dads Marlboro/ciggie import business.
David Coulthard - Hayton Coulthard transport (rumoured to have spent 4.5 million getting him to F1, or at least to the end of his F3000 career).
Gregor Foitek - Ferrari dealership ran by pops? I also heard his Dad owned a hospital in Switzerland, which was handy for those Gregor raced against...
Iraj Alexander David's Dad also owned a hospital in Switzerland.
I can also remember a Scandinavian dentist in Spanish FF in the early 90's who used to run his boyfriend with no expense spared in the category - I can remember they intended going F3000 in 93 but I cant remember the name.

[David McKinney]

The answer to the question posed in your heading is
"It went to fund their racing"
Or did you mean Whence?

[ghinzani]

Originally posted by David McKinney
The answer to the question posed in your heading is
"It went to fund their racing"
Or did you mean Whence?

It was early...

[kayemod]

Originally posted by David McKinney
The answer to the question posed in your heading is
"It went to fund their racing"
Or did you mean Whence?

Or at least, it would have meant that if you hadn't left the first 'h' out of 'whither'. As it stands, I thought it was a reference to the current state of F1 finances in the wake of Honda's withdrawal.

[Twin Window]

Re-titled accordingly.

;)

[ghinzani]

Its obviously 'national pick up on grammar and spelling day' then... Thanks Stuart for addressing my issues - now tell us where the money came from! You should know some stories, not necessarily illegal ;) For instance Id like to know where Guido Dacco came up with the lire to keep him in F2/F3000 for so long?

[Option1]

I have no answers to any of the questions posed, but would like to say this must be in the running for "Best Titled Thread Ever - After Editing".

Neil

[kayemod]

Originally posted by Option1
I have no answers to any of the questions posed, but would like to say this must be in the running for "Best Titled Thread Ever - After Editing".

Neil

As what appeared to be a topical comment, I did wonder why the original version "Wither the Wonga" hadn't been moved to Racing Comments, but we all know where we are now. I imagine that the full-blown recession that much of the world seems to be heading for is going to have a pretty devastating effect on all forms of racing from grass roots right to the very top. It will certainly eliminate most of the "Feel the size of my wad" pushy dads whose motorhomes have been so much in evidence in many UK paddocks in recent years.

[David McKinney]

Originally posted by Twin Window
Re-titled accordingly.
;)

Makes me look a right berk then, doesn't it

[ghinzani]

Originally posted by kayemod


It will certainly eliminate most of the "Feel the size of my wad" pushy dads whose motorhomes have been so much in evidence in many UK paddocks in recent years.

Be nice to get them out of the karting paddocks too, nip it in the bud early on.

Anyway one I can think of was Phil Andrews, whose Dad David was something to do with Lucas and bankrolled his journey up to F3000. Similarly Gary Evans Dad was involved with British Car Auctions I believe?

[ensign14]

Gary Evans' dad owned Luton Town as well. One F3k retirement was put down to "handling" or some such nonsense when the real reason was that the Hatters were on telly in the League Cup final.

[ghinzani]

Originally posted by ensign14
Gary Evans' dad owned Luton Town as well. One F3k retirement was put down to "handling" or some such nonsense when the real reason was that the Hatters were on telly in the League Cup final.

Crikey how times change - they are sunk now I fear..

[Geoff E]

Originally posted by ensign14
Gary Evans' dad owned Luton Town as well.

David Evans died about 6 weeks ago. His obituary http://www.timesonli...icle4995325.ece

[Derwent Motorsport]

Hayton Coulthard transport was not and isn't a huge organisation.

[ghinzani]

Originally posted by Derwent Motorsport
Hayton Coulthard transport was not and isn't a huge organisation.

In transport terms they are a fairly big haulier though - but yes teh reputed 4.5 million would be a lot to take out of their business, however they had good links with some of Davids sponsors 9like the springwater producer whose name escapes me) so I suspect deals were done, no?

[Peter Morley]

Originally posted by Derwent Motorsport
Hayton Coulthard transport was not and isn't a huge organisation.

True, they own around 120 trucks which is about a tenth the size of Stobarts!
A large company but not huge.

But owning all the cars your son raced upto (& including some) F1 is usually a sign that someone is fairly well off.

Presumably DC had other sponsors in addition to his father but it certainly sounds like his father spent a fair bit getting him to F1 - a pretty good investment which I'm sure was paid back many times over.

Back to the subject one of the 1986 F3000 cars featured in a porn movie, but that was a one night stand rather than a sponsorship deal - but Porn did return later on as a sponsor with Private.

Presumably Jean Paul Belmondo had family money and contacts - certainly some of his fellow Winfield competitors felt that he was allowed a different rev-limit when he beat them!

[bradbury west]

[i]Originally posted by ghinzani the springwater producer whose name escapes me) so I suspect deals were done, no? [/B]

Highland Spring IIRC, and JYS used them as a sponsor/partner/reciprocal synergy in his stairway to talent thing IIRC.
Roger Lund

[bradbury west]

[i]Originally posted by ghinzani
David Coulthard - Hayton Coulthard transport (rumoured to have spent 4.5 million getting him to F1, or at least to the end of his F3000 career).
Gregor Foitek - Ferrari dealership ran by pops?
]

ISTR some story about DC being funded by Mark McCormack's Sports Management Group, some sort of loan against future earnings.

I recall Karl Foitek as quite a useful driver in Alfas in the late 50s/early 60s.
Roger Lund

[ian senior]

Originally posted by ghinzani


Crikey how times change - they are sunk now I fear..

Not yet. If they hadn't started on minus 30 points, they'd be halfway up the table right now. What really peed me off was the attitude of the League, who imposed the 20 points deduction and said there was no right of appeal. Jeez, even if you're found guilty of murder, you're normally allowed to appeal against the convinction.

[Mallory Dan]

Yes agree Ian, however, isn't strong leadership from a Governing Body to be applauded. Otherwise the Lawyers get involved and we know where that leads.

Fwiw, I hope they stay up, you've a number of ex-and current Canaries playing there. It would also look great on Mick H's CV wouldn't it if he could rescue them - a good bloke I've always thought.

[Andrew Kitson]

Hasn't some time BTCC racer Dave Pinkney had something to do with Luton FC recently? Chairman?
Former BTCC team owner/driver John Batchelor ( aka 'John B&Q' whilst sponsored by said DIY store) was chairman of York FC a few years back.