scalbert

I knew Jeff Gordon was in Spain for the race but also knew that it was as a spectator. But did I just hear it right on Wind Tunnel, as I am sitting in a hotel in Greenville, SC, that there are serious hints at a possible offer being made?? They alluded to Bernie possibly funding it to gain the additional revenue from increased US viewing; he certainly has the $$.

I am on a fence with this. I can think of pros and cons of this situation coming to fruition.

astro

what team was he being linked to Steve?

I haven't heard this, but it could be what F1 needs in the States.

Red Rider

It would be nice, but highly doubtful. Jeff has a lifetime deal with Hendrick and doubtful he'd let him go off to Europe.

Chief F1 Fan

I wonder how many North Americans would flock to F1 all of a sudden, never having had an interest until a good ol' boy joins the ranks?! Going out on a limb here but doesn't seem like it would be enough. Didn't we try this experiment w/ Michael Andretti once? I don't remember the outcome viewerwise but an open wheel fan in CART seems more likely to become an open wheel fan of F1 than one from NASCAR.

I guess I just don't know but it would be kinda cool to see him in F1.

scalbert

Williams.

Dave on WindTunnel said that if someone made the claim 72 hours earlier he would have laughed at them. But after everything was said and done there are indicators that more was going on than just being a spectator.

This would all be under Bernie's infinite control of the media rights.

scalbert

That is what I would think too. But then again, Bernie does have the $$ to make it happen.

scalbert

I was just surprised by this statement and will watch out for more information. I doubt it would ever happen but it would be interesting to see occur.

They will certainly need to replace that helmet though.

soopa

Theres was rumours that BAR had made him an offer some time ago. And he tested with Williams last year.

soopa

http://www.foxsports.com/content/view?contentId=2387554

Chief F1 Fan

Ya mean open face helmets aren't allowed???? Can you say bugs in the teeth??!

Red Rider

1997. By the way, he didn't test, just swapped with JPM for a publicity stunt. He did a hell of a job though, many said he would have been a natural. Instead we got Whining Michael Andretti who couldn't keep the car started !!

yi_yi

dude i freaking hate nascar

scalbert

I don't hate NASCAR as a automotive competition. It is fiercely competitive and the drivers are very skilled while coming from a varied background. It ain't easy running nearly 200 MPH with five cars within feet of you.

I hate much of the fan base; not the people, but the culture (or lack there of) that surrounds this sport.

Starter

The fans are just fans. I'm not thrilled with the way the France family has a death grip on American racing. They just don't want any competition at all. They've formed alliances with TG to try and sink CART/OWRS; started the GrandAm series when it looked like ALMS would be successful and done all they can to control every major track in the US.

Red Rider

Grand Am is a joke.

How about all the Dale fans throwing Beer at Jeff Gordons car at Talladega, real class

Starter

True, but that wasn't my point.

Racer5M3

Hey Chief,
Didn't I mention Gordon as a possible driver for Williams? If anyone can pull this off, its Bernie. He makes Hendrick, Roush, and all those other good 'ol boys in NASCAR look like the true rednecks that they are. It would be awesome to finally see an American in F1. It will be the thing to raise its profile in the States.
Bernie has made it no secret that with the impending ban on tobacco advertising in Europe, he would shift the focus of the F1 circus to Asia and the Americas. Could we see the return of USGP West?

BTW, I'll be goin' to Indy.

Red Rider

Don't give Tony your $$

Where you been ? We're gonna hook up on June 12th, bring the Vette

Chief F1 Fan

I don't give Tony $$$- I am getting free suite seats!

Red Rider

O.K. that's better