Allmendinger Replaced!

[Michaelhatesfans]

Discuss...
http://www.champcarworldseries.com/News/Article.asp?ID=10357

[Opposite Lock]

unbuckinfelievable. :flame:

[IlliniRacer]

From Paddock Talk (http://www.paddocktalk.com/news/html/modules.php?op=modload&name=News&file=article&sid=34673&mode=thread&order=0&thold=0)

Please tell me this isn't true.

:shakehead :shakehead

[cameraman]

Replaced by daMatta?

So what is the real story here?

:saywhat: :flame:

[KLang]

WOW. It will be interesting to find out what happened between AJ and Carl. :confused:

[Al Czervik]

WTF?

Something tells me there is more to this story than is told in the article.

Somebody screwed somebody else over something pretty major, IMHO.

[tllips]

WOW! :mad: :eek: :flame:

Where did that come from? Someone has got to pick AJ up. What sponsorship does daMatta bring? This just doesn't make sense to me.

[saxwithmatt]

They gotta be kidding me! I'm gonna have trouble getting my head around this one.

[NismoZ]

Gives new meaning to "Didn't see THIS one coming!" Coyne must be getting used to sending replacements on short (or is that "no") notice.

[KLang]

I really don't think it has anything to do with $. Carl has been funding the team with pocket change.

[NismoZ]

Bet FTG is sorry he filled that 3rd seat at Vision already. ;) AJ will be picked up alright but something tells me it won't be in CC.

[Andrew Longman]

This absolutely sucks.

What's going on?

[Wheel-Nut]

This is freakin crazy!! :shakehead

[Opposite Lock]

Just speculating, but if NASCAB really wanted to cheese off CCWS, it would be hard to imagine a more effective way than to drive up to AJ's house with a boatload of money.

If CCWS really does lose him, I would hope it would only be to F1.

[Willam]

unbuckinfelievable. :flame:

DITTO :flame:

[Wheel-Nut]

Could Red Bull be playing in the background? AJ to F1??

[KLang]

One possibility:

From a post race quote by Andrew Longman here (http://www.offcamber.net/forums/showpost.php?p=152911&postcount=20)



I also was keyed to AJ radio for the race. Boy was he unhappy about his car. Late in the race he told his crew to just quit trying to fix it.


I caught quite a bit of scanner traffic between AJ and Carl at Houston. AJ wanted to pack it in early there. Carl was on the radio constantly trying to calm him down.

Confidence problem perhaps?

[Andrew Longman]

FWIW I listened to AJs radio for the entire Milwaukee race and he was very frustrated with the car. Could not get the push out and eventually told them to just give up trying to fix it.

Maybe it was him who wanted out? Maybe Dominguez to Coyne and AJ to Forsythe to be with his buddy PT?

Coyne needs someone who is already under contract or who brings cash. Dominguez fits the bill.

Hey I can hope. AJ needs to be in the series and KK et al have to know that.

[extramundane]

Could Red Bull be playing in the background? AJ to F1??

I'd bet Red Bull's in the picture, but not for F1. Red Bull's NASCAR team is supposed to run some races this year to get set for the full Toyota campaign next year. Let your imaginations run wild.

[Racing Truth]

Could Red Bull be playing in the background? AJ to F1??

I like AJ, really I do. But he has ZERO CC wins. That strike you as F1 material?

So, NO full-time American? :shakehead :mad:

[Opposite Lock]

I like AJ, really I do. But he has ZERO CC wins. That strike you as F1 material?



good point.

[Wheel-Nut]

I like AJ, really I do. But he has ZERO CC wins. That strike you as F1 material?

So, NO full-time American? :shakehead :mad:

And what does Scott Speed's resume look like?

[KLang]

Nascar doesn't really make sense either. Didn't AJ comment before Milwaukee that he doesn't like ovals?

[Racing Truth]

And what does Scott Speed's resume look like?

Valid point, but Scott never ran CC, he went through the Red Bull Program.

And if you're an F1 team, you would expect AJ would have won once against, frankly, shallow fields (SeaBass notwithstanding).

[Wally]

WTF of the year award so far......... :shakehead

[Warlock!]

KK and GF know how much Dinger means to this series... I can't imagine they'd just let him get away. I'm guessing there is a swap somewhere.

[KLang]

AJ to Forsythe and Mario to Coyne?

[trauma1]

IMO AJ will be with PT i think Mario is about to get canned after taking out PT twice already, wonder who gets shorty's ride

[Andrew Longman]

Valid point, but Scott never ran CC, he went through the Red Bull Program.

And if you're an F1 team, you would expect AJ would have won once against, frankly, shallow fields (SeaBass notwithstanding).

Or at least consistently out perform his F1 reject teammate. Don't get me wrong I love AJ and he has consistently impressed me.

[Willam]

AJ to Forsythe and Mario to Coyne?

Wouldn't be surprised and I think it makes sense.

[Racing Truth]

IMO AJ will be with PT i think Mario is about to get canned after taking out PT twice already, wonder who gets shorty's ride

Would indeed make sense. Hope its been arranged in advance, otherwise "AJ, Bobby Rahal's on line one, Rahal on line one." :flame:

As for Coyne, Mr. $$$$$$ will get that ride, IMHO.

[nrc]

Wow. I thought Russo was tight with AJ. AJ clearly has the talent even if he needs work on the details.

Maybe I'm too much of an AJ fan, but I find it hard to believe that he's not being pulled in somewhere else. I'm hoping for a follow-up announcement.

[oddlycalm]

Typical cryptic comments from the team. This certainly makes the situation clear as mud...

"However, as RuSPORT and A.J. have progressed, we believe a different environment will help A.J. to grow even faster, and so we have made this very difficult decision."
Unless something happens like he's getting Stoopid Mario's seat at Forsythe in time for Portland this isn't going to be a good thing. And, if that were happening I would have expected an announcement from Forsythe first.

One thing for sure, a grid of 16 cars with more than a third of them rookies is going to be a tough sell. While we all hope that 2007 with the new car will be a better year, we have to get there first.

oc

[Anteater]

:eek: I'm waiting to hear more on this story. In the meantime, I'm delighted that da Matta is in a competitive ride now (and just in time for the scene of his last win).

[extramundane]

KK and GF know how much Dinger means to this series... I can't imagine they'd just let him get away. I'm guessing there is a swap somewhere.

Everyone thought they knew how much RHR meant to the series too.

[Easy]

AJ will be the new STR third driver and contest the road course events this year for Red Bull's NASCAR team. He will also be flying to LeMans this weekend to drive the R10 (Red Bull sponsors Audi in DTM so naturally AJ will be in the R10). Next year, AJ will be the first man ever to win the F1 World Championship and NASCAR's top level in the same year.

Also, Mario Dominguez will be banished to the Corona Cup series for Ford Mustangs in Old Mexico and Jack Newtown, with immediate effect is taking over the 7 car at Forsythe where Player's will once again be the title sponsor thanks to the "Villeneuve-Tracy teammates" clause in the Master Settlement.

With a prime seat now open in F1, Sebastien Bourdais will finally be given a proper shot at the Formula One. The McDonalds #1 car now vacant will be given to Bruno so that he can prove that nothing is his fault.

The Newman-Haas TBA #2 now vacant (and clearly not as good as the #1) will go to Scott Dixon since he never really had bad words for ChampCar and will thus be acceptable to certain fans. Dixon will mop up Bruno in the #1 and not even whine while doing so.

Ryan Hunter-Reay will take over the Target car and be fired before the seasons end and replaced by Tomas Enge. Enge's seat in the Prodrive Aston Martins will then be filled by Eddie Cheever who strongly believes in the American LeMans Series vision for sporty car racing.

Coyne will receive Kalkho bucks and a Sperafico to be named later.


IMHO. :gomer:

[Chief]

This kid (AJ) has had lots invested in him this year....been a victim for the most parts everywhere he's raced. While shocking, I have a feeling he's staying just based on the severity of this announcement and how much publicity it's generated....and there hasn't even been a press conference yet.

Speculating here, but, if NASCAR got to him I'm gonna be real pissed, especially with this Phoenix BS going on. :shakehead

[extramundane]

Nascar doesn't really make sense either. Didn't AJ comment before Milwaukee that he doesn't like ovals?

It's amazing how a paycheck can change one's mind though.

[KLang]

Post from PT's Mom at crapwagon

I hear from "reliable sources" that the reason AJ has been let go is bad attitude.

I can't say this is the absolute truth, only it's what I heard - Enquiring minds want to know

[Chief]

A primadonna being taught a lesson? Say it ain't so...

[Andrew Longman]

Russo is big on team chemistry. AJ is clearly a hyper competitive, hyperactive driver.When he was winning that was fine. When he was beating his teammate that was fine. When his teammate is winning and doing better than him (and has full sidepds) maybe it was too hard to take.

They both have the attitude of #1 drivers. I suspect AJ was not happy in the #2 role. Would he be happy in essentially the #2 car at Forsythe?

[trauma1]

Post from PT's Mom at crapwagon
some of digs at justin have been kinda of smart ass, lately wonder if there was some friction starting between the 2

[Wally]

I can think of about six other teams in the paddock that would like to be having the problems that Rusport is alleged to be having.

[JoeBob]

Some sort of major falling out with the team sounds about right to me too.

Veeeery interesting.

[G.]

:flame: :flame:

I've been telling g. that he's my favorite, and maybe we'll meet him in Cleveland (if I can swing it).

It's all I got to say.

[RHR_Fan]

Everything seemed fine at Milwaukee! He didn't seem unhappy. He was jokin' around at the autograph session. Weird indeed...

~Nicole

[Dirty Sanchez]

everything seemed fine until I woke up and saw the big pile of poop on my chest :laugh:

[trauma1]

it's does sound like a falling out occured, and may have been convienant, i have a feeling that GF has let mario go and aj was on the outs with russo, coyne gets $$ russo gets shorty , aj to GF and mario gets the axe, coyne will put a sperifico to be named later in the car, just Mo how this shakes out.

[Lux Interior]

I hear he can be quite a hot head at times. Maybe that was it, or maybe it was a combination of that and sponsorship or something like that. I hope he gets a seat, because I was hoping that he would be a big player in the sport in the years to come. He certainly has the talent.

[KLang]

some of digs at justin have been kinda of smart ass, lately wonder if there was some friction starting between the 2

I think Andrew might have it right. Wilson seems to be the #1 driver right now. AJ has a long history with Carl. Perhaps he just can't take being the #2 guy on the team? Of course Wilson won the #1 spot by his perfomance.

[cameraman]

it's does sound like a falling out occured, and may have been convienant, i have a feeling that GF has let mario go and aj was on the outs with russo, coyne gets $$ russo gets shorty , aj to GF and mario gets the axe, coyne will put a sperifico to be named later in the car, just Mo how this shakes out.

If AJ was going somewhere they would not have lead with an "AJ out" announcement. It would have been a Mario out - AJ in - Shorty in announcement. I don't think Mario is going anywhere at the moment and I think AJ is unemployed.

[Racing Truth]

If AJ was going somewhere they would not have lead with an "AJ out" announcement. It would have been a Mario out - AJ in - Shorty in announcement. I don't think Mario is going anywhere at the moment and I think AJ is unemployed.

I'd agree, sadly.

[Dr. Corkski]

It's all Toyota's fault. :gomer:

[Fio1]

WTF of the year award so far......... :shakehead

Ya, no kidding! Rusport has been funding his career for a long time. Why are they replacing him?

BTW, AJ has always stated that he wanted to stay stateside, that's why he declined an invite to the Red Bull F1 search.

[cart7]

We expect that A.J. will be a winner in any category he competes in.

Category he competes in?

This sounds like he isn't coming back and Russo knows it.

[Racing Truth]

Category he competes in?

This sounds like he isn't coming back and Russo knows it.

"Bobby Rahal's on line one for you AJ."

Hope not, but its that or CABS. :shakehead

[oddlycalm]

Speculating here, but, if NASCAR got to him I'm gonna be real pissed, especially with this Phoenix BS going on. Same thought occurred to me. CCWS pokes them in the eye with their legal team over Phoenix and the next day this...

oc

[KLang]

Teleconference transcript isn't up yet but apparently Russo said the team let AJ go.

[TKGAngel]

Holy cow. I'm stunned. :eek:

I'm awaiting the Robin Miller column. That could make for some good reading.

[Dr. Corkski]

CdM is just keeping the seat warm for GP2 stud Jason Tahinci. Petrol Olfisi ruSPORT in 07.

[KLang]

Perhaps Carl Russo decided to try this change of personel rather then kissing Paul Newman on the lips? ;)

[cameraman]

Your "GP2 stud" just qualified DFL at Silverstone...

[trauma1]

just why is russo and cc the villians in this, if AJ f'ed upo he desearves to take the hit, hold him accountable for his behavior that lead to this, it had to be bad for carl to do this :shakehead

[Ankf00]

Your "GP2 stud" just qualified DFL at Silverstone...
I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that the good doctor said that tongue in cheek ;)

[theunions]

Having just seen the teleconference transcript, I'm more bewildered than ever...

[Easy]

Your "GP2 stud" just qualified DFL at Silverstone...

He's no Can Artam, thats fo sho.

[nrc]

Having just seen the teleconference transcript, I'm more bewildered than ever...

Is it up somewhere?

[cameraman]

Part1

CHAMP CAR MEDIA TELECONFERENCE TRANSCRIPT WITH CARL RUSSO AND CRISTIANO DA MATTA

ERIC MAUK: Thank you very much. I'd like to welcome everyone to today's Champ Car media teleconference.

As the majority of you know already from the release that was put out by RuSPORT this morning, we are here to discuss the driver situation at RuSPORT. They have announced today that 2002 Champ Car World Series Champion Cristiano da Matta is taking over the #10 RuSPORT Ford-Cosworth/Lola/Bridgestone effective immediately, which will begin with the GI Joe's Presents The Champ Car Grand Prix of Portland, where Cristiano is the defending champion, taking his 12th career win there one year ago.

We are joined today by the owner of RuSPORT, Carl Russo, as well as Cristiano da Matta. Thank you for joining us today. First question for Mr. Russo. Tell us a little bit about the developments surrounding this announcement.

CARL RUSSO: Well, I guess the question that's on everybody's mind is what happened with AJ. If I can just sort of take everybody back there, I think as everybody's aware, we formed the team at the end of 2002 to go compete in the 2003 Atlantic season. We did a driver runoff and chose AJ. AJ has been with us ever since.

With the state of open-wheel motorsport at the time, I guess it's possible that if not for RuSPORT, AJ might not be where he is today. But I can tell you for certain that if not for AJ, we wouldn't be where we are today. His talent, his efforts, his drive has certainly helped the team get to this point, and I consider him to be and still consider him to be amongst the most talented racers I have ever seen.

Having said that, there are times as you grow a business and grow a team where perhaps the growth curves of both the driver and team might be better suited to a change in environment. We came to that decision basically a couple of days ago and decided to move forward. Obviously, I'm looking forward to AJ getting into an environment that enables him to continue to grow. We will do the same here at RuSPORT.

ERIC MAUK: Cristiano has made the first four starts of the Bridgestone Presents The Champ Car World Series Powered by Ford season with Dale Coyne Racing, earned a top five right out of the box at Long Beach, is ninth in the championship points, but just 14 points out of the top five. Cristiano, tell us a little about your feelings on today's announcement. Obviously, a big step for you.

CRISTIANO da MATTA: Yeah, it's obviously a big step for me. Was actually a big surprise, too. Everything happened so quickly. It was just a great opportunity. You know, I'm on my sixth year on Champ Car racing, and I've only really had a chance to win and to go after the championship in two of my years. I feel like with RuSPORT now, I'm going to be able to go on and be a contender for the race win every weekend. I think it's just a great opportunity for me.

ERIC MAUK: Congratulations to both of you. We look forward to seeing you on the racetrack at Portland International Raceway next weekend. We'll go ahead and open it up for questions.

Q. Obviously nothing against Cristiano's talent. AJ was the only American in the series. Those of us who write for primarily American publications can rely on him for some kind of perspective there. Certainly that had to be part of your decision, they were going to lose that.

CARL RUSSO: Well, there's no question that that's the case. When we founded the Atlantic team, we started with two American drivers, Aaron Justus and AJ Allmendinger. We are an American team. Our goal is to be the best open-wheel motorsport team in North America. Having said that, I believe you're going to find AJ is going to probably be in the paddock. He's far too great a talent to not be in the paddock. I suspect he's going to be in a competitive ride. I don't know that, but I suspect that will be the case. Part of this decision was do we think we lose AJ to the paddock. I think the answer there is no.

By the way, you could always rely on AJ for a perspective, because that's AJ. I think he's going to continue to do that. You know, let me state clearly, AJ has been a winner in every series he's ever been in. He's going to win in this one, too. I have no doubt.

Q. You're confident he'll stay in Champ Car?

CARL RUSSO: Am I confident? I would be surprised if he does not, so I would certainly give odds on that he will.

Q. Carl, again going back to the theme here about focusing somewhat on AJ's departure, we are to understand that this was a decision that was made by the team, not by AJ?

CARL RUSSO: This was a decision that was made by the leadership cadre of the team. We are going to do what we think is in the best interest to move to the front of the field, try to go and compete with Sebastien, because it's getting annoying (laughs).

Q. If you could just talk about some of the things obviously that Cristiano brings to the team. Again, if we can all put aside the circumstances surrounding AJ, obviously, you're bringing a former champion and a guy who has a lot of experience and talent to the team. If you could talk about what he brings to the team.

CARL RUSSO: Well, I think you framed it correctly. Both AJ and Cristiano are multiple champions at multiple levels. The difference is at the margins. Cristiano, as you know, is a former champion. He's both a great person in and out of the car. But one of the things that we think we're going to benefit from is the wealth of technical expertise, the background, the Formula One experience, et cetera, to help us continue to drive the technical side of the equation forward.

We have we think a very strong technical staff. We're looking forward to benefitting from Cristiano's experience there. Having said that, you know, make no mistake about it, we think Cristiano is a great racer, a great qualifier, and somebody that's great speed, and showed a lot fighting his way back into the paddock at the beginning of this year. So we're looking forward to him to go to the front immediately.

Q. If last year is any indication, what happened with Oriol Servia going from Dale Coyne Racing, this means you'll finish no worse than second in the championship this year, correct?

CRISTIANO da MATTA: Okay, I'll be on the case.

Q. Carl, a lot of times RuSPORT talks about trying to develop a culture around the team. Would you say at this point that AJ was no longer fitting into the culture or vision that you had for the team?

CARL RUSSO: So the answer is no, I don't think it was a cultural statement. By the way, we appreciate your pointing that out. It is very much a focus of what we're trying to do. It really came down to our perception of the growth rate of the team, the growth rate that AJ was on. There are times in any cultural dynamic when a change in the scenery will allow someone to break out and continue to grow at a fast rate. We felt that growth rate was slowing down, and we wanted to give both the team and AJ an opportunity to do it.

It was not a cultural mismatch. I mean, it would be hard for that to happen, AJ having been here since the founding of the team. But very good question.

Q. Cristiano, I know we talked earlier this year and you said you went to drive for Dale because you wanted to stay in the Champ Car series and keep your face out there. I'm sure you couldn't have imagined an opportunity like this would have come along so quickly. Can you talk about your hopes of working with RuSPORT and Justin Wilson?

CRISTIANO da MATTA: In all my years, I only had really a chance to fight for a race win every weekend the two years I was in Newman/Haas before. I mean, all the other years I was running in teams that were not as competitive that would maybe give me a chance to win a race here and there, but not be a consistent race winner. Having a chance to win every weekend, I think it's just a great opportunity. I think RuSPORT is the team to be in at this moment in Champ Car.

I really -- what I really appreciate on them looking at the outside is the fire, how hard they try just going after, you know, Newman/Haas and Sebastien. I like this. We'll do whatever it takes to go after these guys and maybe, you know, one day we're going to obviously eventually beat them. I think that's the type of mentality I have, too, so I think we'll fit very well together.

With Justin, I don't know Justin extremely well, but I know him a bit. We've been always good friends. We've been always very respectful in the racetrack, out of the racetrack. I'm sure from what I know from his personality and I know from my personality, we're going to have a very good time working together.

CARL RUSSO: I think we have now found the tallest and shortest driver in the paddock. I don't know how you market it, but there you have it.

Q. Carl, when this team made the decision, and it was presented to AJ, you said this was a move that was good for both the team and AJ, did AJ think it was a good move for him? The second question is, AJ is outspoken, always has been. Was that part of the reasoning for parting of the ways?

CARL RUSSO: On the first one, obviously, I can't tell you what AJ thinks. But, you know, in my conversations with AJ, look, AJ is a professional. He understands what we're doing and why. I think he's going to go about a deliberate process of making his decision for his next career move. I think he'll make a very good decision.

As far as being outspoken, you know, AJ has been outspoken since the first minute we tested him. If that was going to be an issue, it would have been an issue from that day. I don't think I'm known for being particularly shy either. Absolutely not. We expect all the members of the team to express themselves in ways that they're comfortable with. AJ does that, as does Justin. They're two different styles, but absolutely not, we want them to be complete people.

Q. Was there an issue that brought this to a head? I'm also curious about AJ's reaction to the news.

CARL RUSSO: There was no incident, any instance. It was a team that was, again, a unanimous decision by the leadership team of the team. It was made some 48 hours, 72 hours ago. So, no, there's no one thing that I would point to and say, Look, there it is.

Your second question was?

Q. How did AJ react to this?

CARL RUSSO: As a professional athlete. Understood, disappointed. But, you know, on a personal note, I have a lot of mixed emotions about this. You know, he and I started something way back when together at some level. I obviously only wish him well and very much want him to succeed.

I think he probably feels the same way, but you'll have to ask him.

Q. Carl, I know you've answered this question already kind of, but was it entirely a results-driven decision? Were there any other factors involved in this at all?

CARL RUSSO: Yeah, it's a great question. Most of our decisions are rarely results based. They're more looking at how the person is developing in the role. If you want to look at results, AJ is either I think tied for fourth or fifth in the points, I don't remember which. One could argue that he's on the points and coming up.

It's not a results issue. It's a growth curve issue. We want AJ to grow as fast as he can. We want the team to grow as fast as we can. It's a whole set of little subtle points.

Q. Cristiano, this is the second year in a row that Dale Coyne has lost a big-name driver during the season. What was his reaction when all this started to come about?

CRISTIANO da MATTA: Well, Dale obviously wasn't excited about it. It's a difficult situation for him, too. But I think he understands my situation and he knows very well where his team is at, you know, in the paddock and where RuSPORT is at in the paddock. He's been a driver before. He recognizes that it's just a hell of an opportunity for me and I just couldn't let it slip. Obviously, he wasn't happy by the time it happened. But I'm sure when he puts his head on the pillow at night, he understands my side, too.

Q. Carl, if a driver of Cristiano's caliber and perhaps even Cristiano specifically not been available, would a change have happened?

CARL RUSSO: Well, that's a great question. I don't even know how to answer it. I don't know. Great question. I guess my answer for you is I actually don't know.

Q. Is there any other driver you considered?

CARL RUSSO: Oh, we considered many, sure. We always keep an eye on drivers all the time, just as we always keep our eyes on mechanics and engineers and talent. We're trying to build a performance business. I think the leadership of any business like that has the responsibility to constantly be looked at people, talent, cultural fits, et cetera. That's an ongoing process, much like you may remember, we had an eye on Justin last year, the previous year, when he was at Mi-Jack. We would often tune into his radio, listen to what he was doing.

It's just what you do automatically. But we obviously rate Cristiano highly. I mean, to be clear, he was the unanimous choice on each of the leadership members of the team's list. There was never a question of who was first. He was available, and so we went forward. But I don't know how to answer your question. I really don't know.

Q. I think you made a hell of a choice. If anybody had any doubts, it shows you are thoroughly serious about this business.

CARL RUSSO: We're thoroughly serious and we're certainly looking forward to Cristiano getting accustomed to the team and going and performing. We wanted to try and maybe right a wrong because we thought that Justin should have won at Portland -- never mind, I shouldn't say that (laughter).

Q. Carl, was this decision maybe sped along by the fact that it has become obvious with Paul Tracy's faltering here with Forsythe, that now Justin and the RuSPORT team has become the lead attack unit to try to stop that hamburger car?

CARL RUSSO: Well, we don't refer to it as 'the hamburger car'. We have other invectives that we use. Look, at the end of the day, let's put a frame around this. Sebastien is driving extraordinarily well. As we have said, Newman/Haas is the standard bearer for the series. That's not to discount Forsythe, Mi-Jack, HVM, PKV, Team Australia. All the other teams in the paddock, every team is trying to get to the front.

Having said that, it's very clear that Sebastien has come back over the winter, he got married, and he's making it clear that he's not giving it up. What does that require us to do? I mean, believe me, down to every person that's a member of RuSPORT, we are working night oil to go figure out a way to get in front of them and compete in this championship. Justin sits second. We believe that Cristiano, with his background, his talent, anybody that knows Cristiano knows that he's a fair and upfront competitor, competes in everything he does, we think that's going to help continuous technically forward to do that. Somebody's got to do it, so I'm getting tired of it, how about you?

Q. Cristiano, what do you think you and Justin have to do to stop that #1 car? They already talked to this guy about running the table. What do you think you and Wilson are going to have to do in your position to try and stop Sebastien?

CRISTIANO da MATTA: Well, I think what we have over there, Sebastien and Newman/Haas, they just have probably a little bit more continuity. They're older in the business than what we are right now. I think we have to do what I've seen so far from RuSPORT, which is I haven't had much time, but from what I've seen so far, what I can see from the outside, I think it's just a matter of we don't have to do anything, we just have to keep working the way we are working right now. I think the results will come. It's just a matter of a little bit of time.

I think it's more than fair to say that the gap has closed quite a bit from last year to this year. We'll try to keep on closing this gap more and more. We are aware of that in many types of racetracks, we are actually a little bit better than Newman/Haas are probably. I've seen Justin driving some really good races, mostly on the road courses. Looks like we are in very, very similar levels at Newman/Haas. Some of them we just need a little bit more consistency. That comes with time. We just have to keep on working. It's nothing different than what we're doing here. We just have to keep doing the same and be a little bit patient, of course, but it will come.

Q. Carl, you've been asked this a couple times. I guess I want to ask it again. AJ hasn't won. Did that have any bearing at all on you maybe looking into the horizon and saying that maybe I need him to win sooner than I think he's going to win?

CARL RUSSO: Zero. Not a bit.

Q. It was all a growth issue, where he stood in his driving career and his personal development?

CARL RUSSO: Yeah, it's just like anything else in life and business. If you start managing to results in a business, truthfully I think you're following a fool's folly. What you're trying to manage to are causes, not results. That's all about personal growth, the team growth. You know, to Cristiano's point, we say the same thing. Our goal this year is to put both gentlemen in a position where they can qualify up front and be in a position to compete for the win. If we do that, we're going to get wins. You don't go home and stomp your feet if you don't win. You go home and say, Okay, what happened? Let's postmortem this, figure out what we can improve and go forward. It's not just that way in the team.

Q. You have two drivers now with Formula One experience. Does that indicate where you'd like to build your team maybe with a kind of Formula One attitude maybe, maybe even a Formula One growth pattern out in the horizon somewhere?

CARL RUSSO: Actually, we'd rather go for a professional wrestling sort of approach. For those of you who remember Woody Hayes going off the end zone and tackling, I'm going to go off the end zone and tackle Sebastien if this stuff keeps up.

No, I mean, all kidding aside, clearly we believe that Champ Car is amongst the most technical forms of motorsport in the world. What makes it more challenging is you can't go hire a rocket scientist car designer. You're all starting with the same material. It comes down to these very subtle things you're trying to sort through. Very clearly we are rooted in being a technically oriented team. Having said that, we're not trying to emulate a Formula One team, per se. We're trying to build our own team.

[cameraman]

Part 2


Q. How much time you think is necessary to be accustomed with the new RuSPORT team?

CRISTIANO da MATTA: That's a difficult question. You know, changing teams, it's something that you can either quickly right away or sometimes it takes a little bit. But the way I think I see everybody working here, how hard everybody's pushing, I'm obviously going to be pushing very hard myself to get used to everything as quick as I can. I don't think it's going to take too long, you know. I even have a feeling that it's going to happen probably sooner than everybody expects.

CARL RUSSO: Next Friday afternoon (laughter).

Q. Can you predict the results of next race in Portland where you already won?

CRISTIANO da MATTA: Last two times I was there, I won. It's a pretty good place to start with a new team. I have very good memories from Portland. I know quite a bit about the track. Obviously, starting from everything from not mid-season, but from not having tested in the off-season, it's a little bit more difficult. I'm going to have a little bit more homework to do throughout this week. During Portland, probably I'm going to have a little bit more work to do than the other guys.

I couldn't choose a better place to start for me. It's a track I really like. The team -- RuSPORT had a dominant performance there. Although I won the race, the team was running very good. Justin looked unbeatable in the race. I think everything's clicking for us to have a very good start.

Q. I hear you invited the whole press, Carl, to consume a dozen bottles of champagne?

CARL RUSSO: You know, you shouldn't believe everything you read on the Internet.

All kidding aside, to make sure I set all expectations, Cristiano -- I don't think the record and reputation needs to be discussed. We're going to go about doing what we do. We're going to go about being our own culture and processes. I would encourage Cristiano to go about working into the team at the rate he's comfortable, not overpush or under (indiscernible). I know if he does that, the speed will come and he'll be fine. Whatever rate he gets there, I'm certainly comfortable going forward.

Q. Carl, the team has gone forward. It's now clearly the No. 2 team in the Champ Car paddock. I want to get away from the track for a second. On the side of the car, sponsorship is an important factor in keeping these teams together. How is the future of sponsorship with the team now and going into the future with a possible merger of the IRL and Champ Car?

CARL RUSSO: Well, I can't speak to the latter. But I will tell you in the former, we started the team based on the following belief: don't try and sell a product until you have a product to sell. We focused on the performance of the team and tried to build it accordingly. We will continue to do that today and invest in the team to go build the very best product that we can market.

Having said that, we do find doors open to us today in a way unlike they were closed some two years ago. As you know, CDW is a major partner of the team. That relationship continues to grow and bear fruit both on and off the racetrack. We continue to find, frankly, great - how shall I say this - great interest in what's going on in Champ Car and what we're doing.

The merger discussions are whatever they are. They're somewhat distracting at times because just focused on the Champ Car business model, we find people are quite willing to engage and go forward. That's the best way I can answer your question.

Q. Two years ago you came into Toronto, there was a Canadian involvement in the sense that you had the money people.

CARL RUSSO: Western Union. Still a good partner of the team. Thank you for bringing that up.

Q. There's been some question about Canadian corporate support for Champ Car. Do you see opportunities in Canada for you as a businessman as well as a race team owner?

CARL RUSSO: Sure. I mean, you know, in my day job, Calix, we continue to find great opportunities in Canada as we've moved to market there. With RuSPORT, the same thing.

The whole notion of Mexican support or Canadian support or American support, to me it comes down to a very simple thing. Champ Car addresses basically the NAFTA marketplace for a set of very technically astute, high-tech oriented race fans. That's an audience that a whole set of folks would like to get at, whether they're based in Canada, the US, Mexico, frankly whether they're European or Asian. It's up to us to go market it. That's the best way I look at it. You go out and market it. I like to think we are as competitive off the racetrack as we're trying to be on the racetrack

Q. I may be asking a question I should know the answer to. Was there ever a thought given to a third car to make room for both AJ and Cristiano?

CARL RUSSO: That's a great question. As a matter of fact, we have each year looked at the notion of third and fourth cars just to test our own assumptions. Each time we do it, we come back to we feel most comfortable in a two-car symmetrical team with the two very best drivers and crews and equipment that we can to go after it. We had looked at it in the past. We did not look at it in the middle of the season. We've been through the add a car thing on a late notice, and it's not a pretty thing. We'll not be doing that again.

Q. Is it possible that Cristiano could have brought some sponsorship to the team, and that made it easier to select him to replace AJ?

CARL RUSSO: So the answer is, it's possible, but I will tell you the ethic that is RuSPORT, the drivers -- we really don't look to the drivers to do that. We prefer that they don't. We would prefer our drivers to be focused on competing and getting to the front. The team has its own marketing organization that takes care of that. In this case, no. Cristiano, are there any 10 or 15 million dollar sponsors you didn't tell me about?

CRISTIANO da MATTA: Not that I know.

CARL RUSSO: Apparently not. It's not an issue here.

Q. I was wondering if in this process, which looks to benefit all parties concerned, if there was an actual contract buyout from Dale Coyne?

CARL RUSSO: I'll be up front with you and say there is not a contract buyout in the way you are phrasing it.

Q. That leaves open the possibility of some remuneration for taking his driver away. Was that part of the program?

CARL RUSSO: So the answer is, no comment. Let me answer it as best I can. Let me put it to you this way: I appreciate what Dale has done with Cristiano. Dale and I are chatting about a whole set of things as we go forward.

Q. Carl, this contract that you did with Cristiano, is that just for the rest of this year or a possible multi-year contract?

CARL RUSSO: The answer is, Cristiano is here through the end of the year. We will look at follow-on years as appropriate.

Q. Cristiano, when you got the phone call, how long did it take you to say yes?

CRISTIANO da MATTA: It was funny, because first I only got a message on my phone because I was out. I was even wondering, Man, what does Carl Russo want with me? I thought of everything. Seriously, I never thought it was going to be something for Portland, you know. I thought maybe something for next year, it would be great. When he told me Portland, it was very exciting. Obviously, didn't take too long for me to say yes. I mean, it's the opportunity I was looking for basically. It's like if I had a plan at the beginning of this year when I was almost out of a ride, all of a sudden last-minute deal with Dale, my plan was obviously to come back to a top team one day, charge for race wins and the championship hopefully again. I mean, my plan, without I know much about it, it just happened a lot quicker than I expected. It was great. I mean, I can't believe how fortunate I am to get an offer like that right at this point in the season.

ERIC MAUK: That will bring an end to today's Champ Car media teleconference. Again, congratulations to Carl Russo, the entire RuSPORT team, and Cristiano da Matta. We'll see you on track at Portland International Raceway from the 16th through the 18th of June. Thank you for participating in today's call.

CARL RUSSO: Appreciate it.

CRISTIANO da MATTA: Thank you.

[nrc]

I believe you're going to find AJ is going to probably be in the paddock. He's far too great a talent to not be in the paddock. I suspect he's going to be in a competitive ride. I don't know that, but I suspect that will be the case. Part of this decision was do we think we lose AJ to the paddock. I think the answer there is no.I hope this is good news that confirms that something was already in the works for AJ. Um. Not Coyne.

[KLang]

Carl just wants to win. And he is doing what he thinks he needs to do. :thumbup:

[Dr. Corkski]

Carl just wants to win. And he is doing what he thinks he needs to do. :thumbup:With da Matta? I think you forgot the commas. :rofl:

[trauma1]

He wants CDm for the technical part, setups ect, seems he wants to win now with justin, and he's setting up a F1 like team

[cameraman]

I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that the good doctor said that tongue in cheek ;)
Gee, ya think?

[Lux Interior]

I think DaMatta will do very well in that car. Perhaps they can now seriously take the fight to Newman Haas.

[Racing Truth]

With da Matta? I think you forgot the commas. :rofl:

I dunno, he's still good. That said, and it is a D. Coyne sled, he's done absolutely nothing this yr.

WTF is a "growth curve?" Bewildering indeed.

[Accipiter]

Russo's reasons in that Teleconference are as clear as mud. I feel like throwing mu RuSport hat in the trash.

da Matta will have his ass handed to him by Wilson.

[KLang]

WTF is a "growth curve?" Bewildering indeed.

I'm guessing that AJ's feedback on setups isn't very good and hasn't improved.

I also think there is some more going on here as well that Carl doesn't want to air in public. IMO.

[coolhand]

I am surprised everyone is acting like Da Matta is a wanker filling in A.J.'s spot. I am excited to see what Cdm, JW and RuSport can do now. I am surprised A.J. was let go as much as anyone, considering how much Russo has invested in him. It sounds like he has given up on A.J. and if you put aside the fact that A.J. is an American this really is not that surprising considering hwo much RuSport wants to win.

Back to CdM, PKV made some good strides around Millwaukee and Protland last year then quit developing their car, the team went down hill from there. I don't think the rest of that season was a true barometer for CdM's abilities. I think he will do well a RuSport.

[Andrew Longman]

I'm guessing that AJ's feedback on setups isn't very good and hasn't improved.

I also think there is some more going on here as well that Carl doesn't want to air in public. IMO.

First part I think is definitely true, based on what I've heard on the radio. I think Russo is saying the team is has gotten as good as it will with AJs feedback. To get better they need someone with more experience and "maturity" to give them feedback. CdM fits. Sounds like Russo is trying something more likely to work than kissing Newman in order to beat him.

As for the second part you may be right. I think he is trying to say nicely that AJ wasn't able to accept feedback from the team and needs it from someone else if he is going to get better. Which might be exactly right. But what other crewchief in the paddock will he listen to?

[Fio1]

Russo's reasons in that Teleconference are as clear as mud. I feel like throwing mu RuSport hat in the trash.

da Matta will have his ass handed to him by Wilson.

I think when Russo said that DaMatta brings 'technical' know how and experience from F1 and is a former champion of the series. I read from that, that Russo arogantly believes that his team is NH/BOURDAIS GOOD and that AJ wasn't at that level! Probably from a technical aspect. If Wilson doesn't win by the end of the year, he'll probably be gone as well.

[coolhand]

I think when Russo said that DaMatta brings 'technical' know how and experience from F1 and is a former champion of the series. I read from that, that Russo arogantly believes that his team is NH/BOURDAIS GOOD and that AJ wasn't at that level! Probably from a technical aspect. If Wilson doesn't win by the end of the year, he'll probably be gone as well.

Fio1 is right, RuSport is Penske serious about winning.

[nrc]

First part I think is definitely true, based on what I've heard on the radio. I think Russo is saying the team is has gotten as good as it will with AJs feedback. To get better they need someone with more experience and "maturity" to give them feedback. CdM fits. Sounds like Russo is trying something more likely to work than kissing Newman in order to beat him.

Unfortunately that's why there are no Americans left in Champ Car. The feeders evidently don't prepare them well enough in that area and the top teams don't have the patience to work with them long enough to get them through it. The rest of the teams need a check for a ride so that's not usually an option.

[KLang]

First part I think is definitely true, based on what I've heard on the radio. I think Russo is saying the team is has gotten as good as it will with AJs feedback. To get better they need someone with more experience and "maturity" to give them feedback. CdM fits. Sounds like Russo is trying something more likely to work than kissing Newman in order to beat him.

As for the second part you may be right. I think he is trying to say nicely that AJ wasn't able to accept feedback from the team and needs it from someone else if he is going to get better. Which might be exactly right. But what other crewchief in the paddock will he listen to?

As an extra bonus, CdM used to work at Newman-Haas. Suppose he might know a think or two about their operation?

[Racing Truth]

Russo's reasons in that Teleconference are as clear as mud. I feel like throwing mu RuSport hat in the trash.

da Matta will have his ass handed to him by Wilson.

Yep. He (da Matta) won one race, thanks largely to Jim McGee, in 2 yrs. Color me uninspired.

[Accipiter]

da Matta is a cruiser. Hand him the best car, and he'll start up front and run away. Hand him a mid-pack car and he'll folllow the guy in front of him and hope the team strategizes him past.

[Gnam]

He was leading at Cleveland when a backmarker ruined his day.

DaMatta will benefit by qualifying in the top third of the field every race. Although I think he will be more of a problem for Bruno, PT, and Mario not Seabass.

[Dr. Corkski]

CdM will bring his "technical knowledge" ruSPORT by bitching and throwing a tantrum until the engineers figure out how to set up the cruise control N/H had for him. :laugh:

[RichK]

Unfortunately that's why there are no Americans left in Champ Car. The feeders evidently don't prepare them well enough in that area and the top teams don't have the patience to work with them long enough to get them through it. The rest of the teams need a check for a ride so that's not usually an option.

Very insightful post.

[jonovision_man]

I think DaMatta will do very well in that car. Perhaps they can now seriously take the fight to Newman Haas.

Sounds like that's the intetion, I tend to take them at their word on this one. AJ has had flashes of brilliance in between a lot of teething pains, and Wilson has been the better driver.

Hopefully da Matta gets back his mojo, failing in F1 was a big blow to the ego, but we all saw what he did before he left... he's a quick driver. Just needs to get his head back into the right space and stop being such a wanker.

jono

[coolhand]

CdM will bring his "technical knowledge" ruSPORT by bitching and throwing a tantrum until the engineers figure out how to set up the cruise control N/H had for him. :laugh:

When has CdM ever thown a tantrum or got pissed off at his Team? You have not seen the same driver I have over the past few years.

When his car flat out failed in edmonton I thought he was going to riot but he calmly got out and did nothing showing signs of anger.

[Trevor Longman]

AJ has always been my favorite driver and I'm really mad about him being fired. However, I think that CdM is a good replacement. Why can't RuSport field a third car? If AJ is having trouble with the technical aspect of the sport, CdM could teach him a lot.

[cameraman]

After two years with Toyota, CdM is used to walking away from "done blow'd up" cars.

[L1P1]

I don't really want to pile on Mario D, but pile on I will. I think PT seemed to've about had it with his teammate. Given that PT and AJ are buds, I'm hoping against hope that AJ will wind up at Forsythe. It could be the best case for everyone but Mario.

But it would be ironic if PT would come to be partly responsible for settling AJ down.

[Insomniac]

Wow...haven't read through the thread yet, but I watch WC and this happens while I'm gone...

[Insomniac]

Unfortunately that's why there are no Americans left in Champ Car. The feeders evidently don't prepare them well enough in that area and the top teams don't have the patience to work with them long enough to get them through it. The rest of the teams need a check for a ride so that's not usually an option.

I would add a severe lack of money and testing as well. How much are you going to learn about setting up a car and giving feedback in a couple test sessions? Especially when you go test at tracks you're going to run on later. You're trying to get the car better there, not learn what the changes will do to the car overall.

[Rob]

What do Formula One, Euro F3, British F3, and the Formula Renault World Series have in common? They each have more Americans than Champ Car. Ridiculous. :thumdown:

[nrc]

Phillips doesn't have much to add except "WTF?"
http://www.champcarworldseries.com/News/Article.asp?ID=10360

[Dr. Corkski]

When has CdM ever thown a tantrum or got pissed off at his Team? You have not seen the same driver I have over the past few years.Oh only everytime he got his ass handed to him by his teammate. :laugh:

[Spicoli]

http://www.oregonlitho.com/site_grafix/product_capabilities/newspapers.jpg