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US
Edited Date/Time
1/24/2012 5:24pm
How would he do?
Below is from autoracing1.com
Jimmie Johnson looking at new open-wheel challenge?
Jimmie Johnson was recently quoted talking about getting into an IndyCar or F1 car. Jimmie even states that his background and aspirations were to be in IndyCar racing, just like his teammate Jeff Gordon. The unfortunate part is that the world of open wheel racing in the USA has it's compass and values all wrong. Even though it looks like it's growing and doing better these days, it's not. 17 cars in this year IRL field are buy-a-rides. That is not what a professional sport is about.
“The way I grew up, IndyCar racing was really the only outside exposure I had. I dreamt of racing in the Indy 500 and would go to the Long Beach Grand Prix and hope that I could be on that circuit racing at some point. So I’d love to try an IndyCar or an F1 car. My path has taken me a different way and I think it would be very difficult to get an F1 test. But maybe by putting it out there it could happen.
“To experience driving an IndyCar or F1 car on a road course would be really good for me. Running the Grand-Am car has helped me be a better road course driver, and it would be another step in an F1 or IndyCar to see things at a faster speed in the braking zones and the capabilities of the car, how it turns in.”
Below is from autoracing1.com
Jimmie Johnson looking at new open-wheel challenge?
Jimmie Johnson was recently quoted talking about getting into an IndyCar or F1 car. Jimmie even states that his background and aspirations were to be in IndyCar racing, just like his teammate Jeff Gordon. The unfortunate part is that the world of open wheel racing in the USA has it's compass and values all wrong. Even though it looks like it's growing and doing better these days, it's not. 17 cars in this year IRL field are buy-a-rides. That is not what a professional sport is about.
“The way I grew up, IndyCar racing was really the only outside exposure I had. I dreamt of racing in the Indy 500 and would go to the Long Beach Grand Prix and hope that I could be on that circuit racing at some point. So I’d love to try an IndyCar or an F1 car. My path has taken me a different way and I think it would be very difficult to get an F1 test. But maybe by putting it out there it could happen.
“To experience driving an IndyCar or F1 car on a road course would be really good for me. Running the Grand-Am car has helped me be a better road course driver, and it would be another step in an F1 or IndyCar to see things at a faster speed in the braking zones and the capabilities of the car, how it turns in.”
The Shop
Im no fan of that NASCAB stuff, but the top guys in that stuff have serious skill. You are flirting with kissing the wall the entire time and walking the thin line of traction vs no traction . Especially in those huge rolling billboards.
He doesn't bully his way around or through the pack.
He has a distinct ability to both push hard but drive careful and exacting, not a talent many have.
The biggest difference between one top driver and team is their ability to set up the car, the driver being able to have the "feel" and being able to communicate that feel effectively to the team.
Johnson does that very well, and Chad Knaus understands everything he says, and doesn't say (through the tone of his voice).
Do I think JJ could do well in Indy or F1?
Yes.
BTW, it's a lot bigger difference going from a lightweight nimble super rev'ing HP monster, to a bathtub on wheels than it is to go from the slug to the nimble hand-made works machine
but im no nascar fan either, never been to an event.
They are not like open wheel cars where you have long straightaways to hold the car in place. They are super touchy. It is not as easy as they make it look.
Just my thoughts from following F1.
But it is a BIG stretch to go from that to an Indycar, let alone an F1 car.
With a team like Ganassi or Penske in Indycar, he might have a chance at being consistently in the top 10, maybe even sneak into the top 5.
F1 is another story.
Alex Zanardi was one of the most talented Indycar drivers I have known, but he couldn't compete in F1 when he tried to go back.
I have a hard time believing any American driver who has been driving late models around some dirt at 80mph would even understand the braking and transmission of F1 cars. Again, I haven't driven an F1 car - so if anyone wants to provide me one to generate an opinion I am open to that.
Except for Sprint Cars where you need talent and skill anyone can go left in a good car.
As long as you trust the car will stick, there isnt a whole lot of talent needed.
You ever see these guys on a road coarse?
Its like watching bumper cars at the fair, comedy.
They either slow down too soon, too late, and rear end the guy in front of them, or they overshoot the corner and run off the track.
I'd guesstimate it takes more skill to drive the 405 during rush hour, especially for women, while talking on the phone, doing their hair, makeup, reaching in the backseat and smacking the kids, picking up a spilled coke, lighting a cigarrette and never knowing what the other drivers are going to do, EVER, all while going 5 wide at 80 MPH bumper to bumper in a hurry to go nowhere.
Nascar, compared to that is a cakewalk.
Blake wrote: As long as you trust the car will stick, there isnt a whole lot of talent needed.
Mmmm-kay. Youre the expert.
Schueys!
Longer "set-up" and feel. Solid brakes. Very well planted...
Oh Meeeeeeercedes!
Take note: The Demographics over here make it look like a good idea to put JJ in a car for a Test...at the VERY LEAST!
Racer, I have enough seat time to have an opinion.
As far as JJ goes, plenty have went from F1/Indy to Nascar and done well in sub par rides.
Not so sure anyone has ever went the other way with any success.
I'd love to see it and I think someone should do it. Just to see.
Personally I think no one does for fear of results and hurting their pride.
Kinda like a Family Cessna Pilot trying to fly in the Redbull air races.
Pit Row
VS
Blake wrote: Racer, I have enough seat time to have an opinion.
Cool! What kinda rides have you raced?
Johnson has shown some serious skills in DP.
He's got skills...
Given a lil' bit of time and input...I think he'd do jus' fine.
Id still like a spin in a post 2000 car to make a solid assessment
A one-off at Indy could be possible though. Supposedly Johnson and Kahne have expressed interest for next year. If he got in with a good team like Ganassi or Penske, and dedicated himself to the whole month I'm sure he'd make the show. Who knows, maybe he could poke into the top 10 if he was comfortable.
It would probably be pretty easy for Hendrick to throw to gather a small IRL program if they wanted to try it.
Why would JJ want to race there?
Otherwise, you wouldn't be hearing anything from the taxi drivers down south!
Why do you hate America?
(Asked for Nacho's benefit)
She must suck because she has great equipment.
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