6 replies to this topic

[Lola5000]

Would AJ have been more suitable to Indy racing rather then returning to F1?
In a top team like Penske or Hass would he have cut it with the US stars of the day?

[E1pix]

To your first question, "probably" would be my answer — at least in the format of return he chose in F1.

To your second, I think Alan would have absolutely been competitive in Indy Cars. Partly as he was fast in everything else, to my knowledge.

[wagons46]

Would AJ have been more suitable to Indy racing rather then returning to F1?

The actual racing would have been an interesting experience but he belonged in F1 with all it's charisma, unique to F1.

[Dale Harvey]

If my memory serves me correctly, he had a go in an Indy car and didn't like it. He said the ovals spooked him.

Dale.

[B Squared]

I worked the Road America race with CART in 1985 when Alan Jones made his only (I think) Indy Car start, subbing for the injured Mario Andretti in the Newman-Haas Lola. He started 12th and finished third.

[Lola5000]

I always felt it would have been the way to go plus pick up some sports car enduro drives.Would have been a gun on the non oval tracks.

[RA Historian]

If my memory serves me correctly, he had a go in an Indy car and didn't like it. He said the ovals spooked him.

I have the same recollection. If memory serves me also, he had a test at the old Ontario Speedway and did not like the proximity of the walls at all.

I worked the Road America race with CART in 1985 when Alan Jones made his only (I think) Indy Car start, subbing for the injured Mario Andretti in the Newman-Haas Lola. He started 12th and finished third.

Right indeed. One race only, but a fine third place finish behind the March 85Cs of Jacques Villeneuve I and Michael Andretti. Part of the race was run in the rain.

Tom

Edited by RA Historian, 28 July 2012 - 14:10.