KK On Windbag

[nrc]

No big surprises from KK on Windtunnel tonight, but certainly plenty of stuff that Champ car fans will be pleased to hear.

KK is keen to get someone fans know for his second or possibly a third seat. Possibly someone from Atlantics. Robin evidently reported that Dazial was faster than Wirdheim in testing.

He wants to continue to maintain half the series events in the US.

He said that the Cosworth deal is not connected with his Champ car ownership and does not indicate that there will never be other suppliers. They will consider other engine packages for the future, but he admits a certain affection for the turbo V8 formula.

KK wants to maintain the diversity of the series. He wants a somewhat smaller, lighter chasis but the requirements of the series will keep it heavier than a pure road racing formula.

Kevin & Co. aren't interested in talking about unification. They have a business plan and they will execute it.

[Robstar]

Thanks boss - great summary :thumbup:

Rob

[Kiwifan]

It's all music to my ears. :)

Thanks for the heads up for us Downunders that don't get the show. Appreciate it it Boss. :thumbup:

Rusty.

[Sean O'Gorman]

:thumbup: on the Dalziel test. I rank him as high or higher than Allmendinger.

[cart7]

Yep, just what I heard. He is really positive sounding and you can tell he's got a plan in place that he thinks will work but is also open for change if need be. Good interview. :thumbup:

[Don Quixote]

He also stressed the importance of promotion for these races, and I get the feeling that he really means it. This is starting out to be a great off season. :cool:

[oddlycalm]

Music to my ears nrc. All we ever wanted was owners that "get it" in the same way that all of us do. The most important thing he said is that as a turnaround specialist he always looks for where the solid footing is and builds it from there up; in champcar the solid footing is the fan base. Right answer. :thumbup:

On the other side of the coin when that idiot Despain asked him if the reason he bought Cosworth was to secure the engine supply for CCWS and KK got that twinkle in his eye and said something like "well it's Cosworth isn't it, it's an icon" I totally got it. Were I in a position to do it, I would have been there in a NY second. Regardless of who you are, how many chances come around in a lifetime like to do something like buy Cosworth? It's not only an icon, but a good profitable business with a lot of potential that hasn't been realized. Oh, and it's also Cosworth. I'm just as happy that someone that "gets it" bought Cosworth as I am that they formed CCWS. Under Ford's stodgy and risk adverse management Cosworth has stagnated for too long. Companies the size of Ford are not the right owners for Cosworth. They may make a good customer on a project or two, but it's been years since Ford was the kind of outfit that should own Cosworth.

oc

[Dirty Sanchez]

Some positives, I guess... but I'm not as sold on their "plan" as some people. Perhaps he's just being ambiguous and playing his cards close to his chest... but when asked direct questions like about the future engine formula... he gave a disappointing non answer like "we're open minded about the future"... to me that means "we have no takers and no plan". He couldn't even give any specific answers about his own team.

One real oval... one earl race... one mickey mouse US road course while Road America and Laguna Seca get the axe and then a whole lotta street racin'. Yeah... real diverse. :gomer: The identity of the series is in serious jeapordy. I wish Dave or someone could have focused on this aspect a bit more.
I think KK is a smart businessman. I think KK is committed to making Champ Car financially successful. I don't think KK is committed to preserving Champ Car's identity. Disappointing. Of all his responses... I think he tried to make the strongest case for racing in Korea. Whoopty-doo. :thumdown:

I have no issues with his purchase of Cosworth... and I'm excited for the future of that company in motorsports. This gives him the access to F1 that he wanted from the very beginning anyway when he was sniffing around the F1 paddock several years back.

[G.]

He got that same twinkle in his eye when talking about no need for unification. He he he :cool:

[RacinM3]

Good post oc.

[Gary]

I was suprised to hear in the interview that he races his own car. He mentioned that he drives a "Radical". This is a motorcycle-engined (200 hp) Sports Racer from the UK that can also be made street-legal. It's a pretty awsome car.

http://www.radicalmotorsport.com/

I just can't understand it. This guy's living my life! ;^)

[RichK]

I was suprised to hear in the interview that he races his own car. He mentioned that he drives a "Radical". This is a motorcycle-engined (200 hp) Sports Racer from the UK that can also be made street-legal. It's a pretty awsome car.

http://www.radicalmotorsport.com/

I just can't understand it. This guy's living my life! ;^)

Those are very nice cars. A couple of them were at Laguna 2 years ago in tech line beside me. One of their crew gave me coffee on a very cold day, too. Nice guys!

[edit] Welcome, Gary!

[Sean O'Gorman]

Radicals are awesome, I know several IT and Spec Miata type club racers are looking at them because of the relatively low cost of tires and brakes. A 1,000 lb car goes through those alot less often than a 2300 lb Civic or Miata.

[southernchampfan]

I agree with you Crapus. And the identity does need fast improvement. And everyone "knew" Vancouver would eventually be lost from the schedule, BUT, it is just another thing that looks bad.

Does anyone know if they are looking at Barber Motorsports Park? Beautiful facility.

[Sean O'Gorman]

Does anyone know if they are looking at Barber Motorsports Park? Beautiful facility.

I doubt it. Alabama fits the Champ Car requirement for expansion of being a third world country, but unfortunately they are disqualified since it is actually a race track. ;)

[southernchampfan]

Nice... :rofl:

[racer2c]

I doubt it. Alabama fits the Champ Car requirement for expansion of being a third world country, but unfortunately they are disqualified since it is actually a race track. ;)

You still hatin' on F1 Sean?

[oddlycalm]

Those are very nice cars. Absolutely. You seen the pics of the new SR8? Only 1320lbs but over 360hp from the 2.6L V8. I imagine that will by one fun ride. No idea what the price will be...

oc