Ford Ends Champ Car Association

Ford Ends Champ Car Association

http :// www .speedtv,com /articles/auto/champcar/34990/

Champ Car lost three more words from its official logo but, more
importantly, a major ally on Wednesday when Ford Motor Company announced
its withdrawal from participation in the series.

Aligned with CART and Champ Car for the past three decades, Ford had
been a presenting sponsor, official vehicle and source of power for much
of its association. In 2003, after Honda and Toyota bolted for the Indy
Racing League, Ford came to the rescue and its Cosworth became the sole
engine supplier for the open wheel series.

The past three years the series had been called “Bridgestone Presents
the Champ Car World Series powered by Ford” with Ford fielding cars for
the pace car team, as well as courtesy vehicles for the Champ Car staff
and other associate sponsorships. In addition, Ford of Mexico and Ford
of Canada had served as title sponsors for races in those countries.

But, with Champ Car opting to drop the pace car program in favor of
Minardi boss Paul Stoddart’s two-seat Formula 1 cars, Ford decided it
was time to move on.

“We were surprised they chose to torpedo the pace car program and even
more surprised they decided to go with the F1 two-seaters,” said Dan
Davis, director of racing for Ford. “And we’re not leaving on bad terms,
it’s just that Champ Car doesn’t align with our current business objectives.

“We’re not bitter, just very disappointed.”

The pace car program had been a staple of Champ Car since 1982, when the
late Jim Chapman introduced a way for series sponsor PPG Industries to
bring customers closer to the action.

It’s believed Ford had offered to increase its support and involvement
this season, most notably in taking over the pace car program and
expanding the on-track activities for its customers and dealers with the
Hot Lap Program.

“Today’s decision was made from a business standpoint on both sides and
in no way should tarnish the long legacy of success that the Ford Motor
Company has established in Champ Car competition,” Champ Car President
Steve Johnson said in a prepared statement. “We thank Ford for what it
has done for the series, but we are continuing building a bright future
for the series and are exploring a number of other options for a
manufacturer partner.”

Champ Car is thought to be talking with Hyundai, Cadillac and Mazda
about replacing Ford.


--
forty

“To embrace an extreme, one must first let go of reason.”

Re: Ford Ends Champ Car Association


"forty" <cforteNO@SPAMgmail,com > wrote in message
news:51q03uF1hpuhuU1@mid.individual,net ...
> http :// www .speedtv,com /articles/auto/champcar/34990/

> Champ Car is thought to be talking with Hyundai, Cadillac and Mazda about
> replacing Ford.

Two of those would be just okay, the third however,... *groan*

I'd be surprised about Cadillac though,... that doesnt seem like a real good
ROI for them. How many cadis would the sell because of their champcar
association?

Re: Ford Ends Champ Car Association

Jason Hoehn <jason.hoehnnospamplease@shaw.ca> wrote:
>
> "forty" <cforteNO@SPAMgmail,com > wrote in message
> news:51q03uF1hpuhuU1@mid.individual,net ...
>> http :// www .speedtv,com /articles/auto/champcar/34990/
>
>> Champ Car is thought to be talking with Hyundai, Cadillac and Mazda about
>> replacing Ford.
>
> Two of those would be just okay, the third however,... *groan*

Given that Mazda's Ford anyway these days... and it's already in LMP2
and Atlantics... what's *wrong* with that?

pete
--
pete@fenelon,com "it made about as much sense as a polythene sandwich"

Re: Ford Ends Champ Car Association

Pete Fenelon wrote:
> Jason Hoehn <jason.hoehnnospamplease@shaw.ca> wrote:
>> "forty" <cforteNO@SPAMgmail,com > wrote in message
>> news:51q03uF1hpuhuU1@mid.individual,net ...
>>> http :// www .speedtv,com /articles/auto/champcar/34990/
>>> Champ Car is thought to be talking with Hyundai, Cadillac and Mazda about
>>> replacing Ford.
>> Two of those would be just okay, the third however,... *groan*
>
> Given that Mazda's Ford anyway these days... and it's already in LMP2
> and Atlantics... what's *wrong* with that?
>
> pete

Indeed, Mazda has been very good to motorsport in the USA. Along with
Atlantics and ALMS they are very active in SCCA racing on Club and Pro
levels, as well as the Star Mazda formula car championship.

--
forty

“To embrace an extreme, one must first let go of reason.”

Re: Ford Ends Champ Car Association

Jason Hoehn wrote:
> "forty" <cforteNO@SPAMgmail,com > wrote in message
> news:51q03uF1hpuhuU1@mid.individual,net ...
>
>> http :// www .speedtv,com /articles/auto/champcar/34990/
>
>
>>Champ Car is thought to be talking with Hyundai, Cadillac and Mazda about
>>replacing Ford.
>
>
> Two of those would be just okay, the third however,... *groan*
>
> I'd be surprised about Cadillac though,... that doesnt seem like a real good
> ROI for them. How many cadis would the sell because of their champcar
> association?

Losing Ford isn't good. Fortunately they weren't supplying engines
anymore and Cosworth broke free of Ford a long time ago. Its not going
to be as easy for CC to get a "series presented by" sponsor as it was
when Winston departed from NASCAR. But there are some interesting
possibilities.

Cadillac seems to be changing their image from battleships of the road
to luxury performance cars and SUVs. There might be a fit.

There are also some other cash flush corporations that could use some
exposure and might be good possibilities.

Re: Ford Ends Champ Car Association


"forty" <cforteNO@SPAMgmail,com > wrote in message
news:51q03uF1hpuhuU1@mid.individual,net ...
> http :// www .speedtv,com /articles/auto/champcar/34990/
>
> Champ Car lost three more words from its official logo but, more
> importantly, a major ally on Wednesday when Ford Motor Company announced
> its withdrawal from participation in the series.
>
> Aligned with CART and Champ Car for the past three decades, Ford had been
> a presenting sponsor, official vehicle and source of power for much of its
> association. In 2003, after Honda and Toyota bolted for the Indy Racing
> League, Ford came to the rescue and its Cosworth became the sole engine
> supplier for the open wheel series.
>
> The past three years the series had been called “Bridgestone Presents the
> Champ Car World Series powered by Ford” with Ford fielding cars for the
> pace car team, as well as courtesy vehicles for the Champ Car staff and
> other associate sponsorships. In addition, Ford of Mexico and Ford of
> Canada had served as title sponsors for races in those countries.
>
> But, with Champ Car opting to drop the pace car program in favor of
> Minardi boss Paul Stoddart’s two-seat Formula 1 cars, Ford decided it was
> time to move on.
>
> “We were surprised they chose to torpedo the pace car program and even
> more surprised they decided to go with the F1 two-seaters,” said Dan
> Davis, director of racing for Ford. “And we’re not leaving on bad terms,
> it’s just that Champ Car doesn’t align with our current business
> objectives.
>
> “We’re not bitter, just very disappointed.”
>
> The pace car program had been a staple of Champ Car since 1982, when the
> late Jim Chapman introduced a way for series sponsor PPG Industries to
> bring customers closer to the action.
>
> It’s believed Ford had offered to increase its support and involvement
> this season, most notably in taking over the pace car program and
> expanding the on-track activities for its customers and dealers with the
> Hot Lap Program.
>
> “Today’s decision was made from a business standpoint on both sides and in
> no way should tarnish the long legacy of success that the Ford Motor
> Company has established in Champ Car competition,” Champ Car President
> Steve Johnson said in a prepared statement. “We thank Ford for what it has
> done for the series, but we are continuing building a bright future for
> the series and are exploring a number of other options for a manufacturer
> partner.”
>
> Champ Car is thought to be talking with Hyundai, Cadillac and Mazda about
> replacing Ford.
>
>
>
tick..tock...tick...tock...

Re: Ford Ends Champ Car Association

On Jan 25, 1:48 am, "RickyBobby" <nasca...@cox,net > wrote:

>
> tick..tock...tick...tock...

Bring on the bet, boldly-shit-talker-boy. You're in Nevada; back your
twaddle with cash, or STFU.

Need a reference to the wager proffer? If you're certain of the
imminent demise, making money would just be gravy to you, eh? Then
again, you always were a shit talking nobody with out any substance, as
your posts clearly reflect.

Re: Ford Ends Champ Car Association

Low Rider wrote:
> On Jan 25, 1:48 am, "RickyBobby" <nasca...@cox,net > wrote:
>
>> tick..tock...tick...tock...
>
> Bring on the bet, boldly-shit-talker-boy. You're in Nevada; back your
> twaddle with cash, or STFU.
>
> Need a reference to the wager proffer? If you're certain of the
> imminent demise, making money would just be gravy to you, eh? Then
> again, you always were a shit talking nobody with out any substance, as
> your posts clearly reflect.
>

The wager I proposed still stands. The thread was started Dec 6, 2006
with the subject line "Wager." Not many of the rabid anti-CCWS folks
showed up, save for an occasional X-no-archive:yes cowardly cop-out. If
anyone from the IRL camp wants to assert that statements of CCWS'
imminent doom are not frivolous, they have a fine opportunity here. A
proper Roman wager is open to all.

--
forty

“To embrace an extreme, one must first let go of reason.”

Re: Ford Ends Champ Car Association

On Jan 25, 9:52 am, forty <cfort...@SPAMgmail,com > wrote:
> Low Rider wrote:
> > On Jan 25, 1:48 am, "RickyBobby" <nasca...@cox,net > wrote:
>
> >> tick..tock...tick...tock...
>
> > Bring on the bet, boldly-shit-talker-boy. You're in Nevada; back your
> > twaddle with cash, or STFU.
>
> > Need a reference to the wager proffer? If you're certain of the
> > imminent demise, making money would just be gravy to you, eh? Then
> > again, you always were a shit talking nobody with out any substance, as
> > your posts clearly reflect.

>The wager I proposed still stands. The thread was started Dec 6, 2006
> with the subject line "Wager." Not many of the rabid anti-CCWS folks
> showed up, save for an occasional X-no-archive:yes cowardly cop-out. If
> anyone from the IRL camp wants to assert that statements of CCWS'
> imminent doom are not frivolous, they have a fine opportunity here. A
> proper Roman wager is open to all.


For anybody with an actual set of minerals:

"I'll go one box of ziti. That is $1000.00 (US). And, I mean one box
of ziti against each and every EARL that has the courage to bet either
of the two propositions, mentioned.

So each EARL can bet that: 1) CC doesn't make it to the end of the
2007 season;
2) CC doesn't start the 2008
season;
3) or both.

I'll am willing to put the money in an escrow account (at my expense),
to be held in a bank in Reno, NV until the conclusion of the wagers. A
third party can be appointed to referee the wager and dispense my
winnings to me upon the conclusion of the wagers.

Of course, 'Memphis Rick' pulled some decency clause last time wagering
came up, concerning the immorality of betting; even though his home
state of Mississippi has many casinos adding revenue to that state's
coffers and employing many of the good folks there. He speaks of
wagers, 'All in,' antes, and other terms common to that milieu, but
then runs away in full retreat when his money are part of the equation.
He's all braggadocio, and absolutely no action.

Carey also pulled some of usual duplicitous bullshit concerning
wagering in the past about not betting. I believe the direct quote
was, 'I don't bet.' That is, despite his numerous indictments
affirming Sweeney's abject cowardice for not wagering with Pagan
concerning the Indy flat-foot challenge, and his numerous meddling and
pronouncements concerning the MAC/ Doug Ashford wager. Carey's just a
portly coward who engages in hypocrisy the same way other people
urinate.

KKKen? I'm certain he's more intelligent than to bet a sure loser.
Although, I also suspect he doesn't engage in any games of chance.

Von Douche? He's a just a loud mouth. I doubt that he has the
minerals, or the monies to enter into low stakes wagers, let alone
those of any sort of consequence. "

Re: Ford Ends Champ Car Association

Low Rider wrote:
>
> Of course, 'Memphis Rick' pulled some decency clause last time wagering
> came up, concerning the immorality of betting; even though his home
> state of Mississippi has many casinos adding revenue to that state's
> coffers and employing many of the good folks there. He speaks of
> wagers, 'All in,' antes, and other terms common to that milieu, but
> then runs away in full retreat when his money are part of the equation.
> He's all braggadocio, and absolutely no action.
>
> Carey also pulled some of usual duplicitous bullshit concerning
> wagering in the past about not betting. I believe the direct quote
> was, 'I don't bet.' That is, despite his numerous indictments
> affirming Sweeney's abject cowardice for not wagering with Pagan
> concerning the Indy flat-foot challenge, and his numerous meddling and
> pronouncements concerning the MAC/ Doug Ashford wager. Carey's just a
> portly coward who engages in hypocrisy the same way other people
> urinate.
>
> KKKen? I'm certain he's more intelligent than to bet a sure loser.
> Although, I also suspect he doesn't engage in any games of chance.
>
> Von Douche? He's a just a loud mouth. I doubt that he has the
> minerals, or the monies to enter into low stakes wagers, let alone
> those of any sort of consequence. "
>

Maybe they're jsut waiting for the same money source as the rest of the
IRL - Tony George.

But RickyBobby isn't quite as smart as his show biz character namesake.
He does, however, have a much bigger mouth even though nothing of
value emerges. If he keeps his mouth open too long, the EPA will catch
up with him and fines will be dished out for violating air quality
standards.

Re: Ford Ends Champ Car Association


"Low Rider" <merdetta@yahoo,com > wrote in message
news:1169745475.193771.321830@j27g2000cwj.googlegroups,com ...
> On Jan 25, 1:48 am, "RickyBobby" <nasca...@cox,net > wrote:
>
>>
>> tick..tock...tick...tock...
>
> Bring on the bet, boldly-shit-talker-boy. You're in Nevada; back your
> twaddle with cash, or STFU.
>
> Need a reference to the wager proffer? If you're certain of the
> imminent demise, making money would just be gravy to you, eh? Then
> again, you always were a shit talking nobody with out any substance, as
> your posts clearly reflect.
>

I do not wish to make any wager. It is a lot of fun watching this
slow-motion train wreck. I would have no idea how long these two captains
of industry intend to fund their series out of their pockets. Rich people
have expensive hobbies, more power to them. And we still have Bridgestone so
all is not lost.

If only we had the Indianapolis 500. But they burned that bridge a very
long time ago. The tick..toc... probably started then for all practical
purposes and it is just taking longer than anyone expected to wind down
completely.

Re: Ford Ends Champ Car Association



On Jan 26, 2:16 am, "RickyBobby" <nasca...@cox,net > wrote:
>I do not wish to make any wager.


So you're a shit-talking cowardly nobody. Thanks, for the
confirmation.

Next!

Re: Ford Ends Champ Car Association


"Low Rider" <merdetta@yahoo,com > wrote in message
news:1169855773.348877.7560@q2g2000cwa.googlegroups,com ...
>
>
> On Jan 26, 2:16 am, "RickyBobby" <nasca...@cox,net > wrote:
>>I do not wish to make any wager.
>
>
> So you're a shit-talking cowardly nobody. Thanks, for the
> confirmation.
>
> Next!
>

Are you completely nuts? I never said I wanted to bet anyone anything.

I just want everyone to know that I am enjoying this slow motion train wreck
of what was once a great racing series before CART stole it from USAC.

As long as there is life there is hope. Since every automaker on Earth
would be ashamed to be associated with this mess the principals can form
there own solution.

Cosworth can crank out some spec engines with "push to pass" features and
call some of them Gentilozzis and others can be called Forsythes and the
rest could be named Kalkovens. When there is no real competition to be had
there is always the opportunity for make believe competiton.

Re: Ford Ends Champ Car Association

RickyBobby wrote:
> "Low Rider" <merdetta@yahoo,com > wrote in message
> news:1169855773.348877.7560@q2g2000cwa.googlegroups,com ...
>
>>
>>On Jan 26, 2:16 am, "RickyBobby" <nasca...@cox,net > wrote:
>>
>>>I do not wish to make any wager.
>>
>>
>>So you're a shit-talking cowardly nobody. Thanks, for the
>>confirmation.
>>
>>Next!
>>
>
>
> Are you completely nuts? I never said I wanted to bet anyone anything.


That's because you're not firm in your convictions, just trolling. If
you really believed what you say, you'd back it up. This is just your
way of running away to hide.


>
> I just want everyone to know that I am enjoying this slow motion train wreck
> of what was once a great racing series before CART stole it from USAC.


You've just exposed youself as a bitter old USAC (USUC) fan rather than
a racing fan. You obviously (obliviously) never let go and hold a grudge.


>
> As long as there is life there is hope. Since every automaker on Earth
> would be ashamed to be associated with this mess the principals can form
> there own solution.


And this mess started with the formation of the IRL, not with the
life-saving split from USAC.


>
> Cosworth can crank out some spec engines with "push to pass" features and
> call some of them Gentilozzis and others can be called Forsythes and the
> rest could be named Kalkovens. When there is no real competition to be had
> there is always the opportunity for make believe competiton.
>

And Honda can hit the road leaving the IRL with Briggs and Stratton.

Re: Ford Ends Champ Car Association


"RickyBobby" <nascar42@cox,net > wrote in message
news:b2%th.2298$4W5.434@newsfe10.phx...
>
> "forty" <cforteNO@SPAMgmail,com > wrote in message
> news:51q03uF1hpuhuU1@mid.individual,net ...
>> http :// www .speedtv,com /articles/auto/champcar/34990/
>>
>> Champ Car lost three more words from its official logo but, more
>> importantly, a major ally on Wednesday when Ford Motor Company announced
>> its withdrawal from participation in the series.
>>
>> Aligned with CART and Champ Car for the past three decades, Ford had been
>> a presenting sponsor, official vehicle and source of power for much of
>> its association. In 2003, after Honda and Toyota bolted for the Indy
>> Racing League, Ford came to the rescue and its Cosworth became the sole
>> engine supplier for the open wheel series.
>>
>> The past three years the series had been called "Bridgestone Presents the
>> Champ Car World Series powered by Ford" with Ford fielding cars for the
>> pace car team, as well as courtesy vehicles for the Champ Car staff and
>> other associate sponsorships. In addition, Ford of Mexico and Ford of
>> Canada had served as title sponsors for races in those countries.
>>
>> But, with Champ Car opting to drop the pace car program in favor of
>> Minardi boss Paul Stoddart's two-seat Formula 1 cars, Ford decided it was
>> time to move on.
>>
>> "We were surprised they chose to torpedo the pace car program and even
>> more surprised they decided to go with the F1 two-seaters," said Dan
>> Davis, director of racing for Ford. "And we're not leaving on bad terms,
>> it's just that Champ Car doesn't align with our current business
>> objectives.
>>
>> "We're not bitter, just very disappointed."
>>
>> The pace car program had been a staple of Champ Car since 1982, when the
>> late Jim Chapman introduced a way for series sponsor PPG Industries to
>> bring customers closer to the action.
>>
>> It's believed Ford had offered to increase its support and involvement
>> this season, most notably in taking over the pace car program and
>> expanding the on-track activities for its customers and dealers with the
>> Hot Lap Program.
>>
>> "Today's decision was made from a business standpoint on both sides and
>> in no way should tarnish the long legacy of success that the Ford Motor
>> Company has established in Champ Car competition," Champ Car President
>> Steve Johnson said in a prepared statement. "We thank Ford for what it
>> has done for the series, but we are continuing building a bright future
>> for the series and are exploring a number of other options for a
>> manufacturer partner."
>>
>> Champ Car is thought to be talking with Hyundai, Cadillac and Mazda about
>> replacing Ford.
>>
>>
>>
> tick..tock...tick...tock...



In November and December I predicted that ChampCar would not even make
it to the 2007 season. I still stand my prediction. Even if they do race,
it's clear no one considers them a top tier racing series any more, not even
themselves. Not racing and racing as a second tier 'support' series is the
same thing so - I win.