Comments on: What Should Tony Kanaan Do?

By: Scott

Scott — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 23:53:37 +0000

TK needs to retire. He’s not driven as he used to be. When he resigned with AA, he was as interested in having a post-driving job as he was in a payday and a fast car.

The guy starts fights with everybody, including the families of other drivers. He’s a terrible teammate unless he’s ahead of everyone else. What is he giving back to the sport these days?

I was as big of a TK fan as anybody, but he’s worn out his welcome with me.

By: NaBUru38

NaBUru38 — Sun, 10 Oct 2010 04:13:17 +0000

“There is a long list of legendary drivers that drove way past their prime and lost their dignity along the way. Names like AJ Foyt, Al Unser, Jr., Johnny Rutherford and Gordon Johncock come to mind. I wish more drivers could take their cue from Rick Mears and walk away gracefully while still very competitive.”

Well, what they (let me add Michael Schumacher) wished was to race cars as long as they could, and they did. I admire drivers who think so and don’t care if their average finish or win ratio gets worse for doing a couple more seasons in non-top teams.

By: bickelmom

bickelmom — Sat, 09 Oct 2010 11:53:54 +0000

Good and thoughtful post, George. Once again, having all the history is helpful in understanding the issue. Thanks!

By: Splash And Go: Oct. 7 | The Official Blog of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway

Thu, 07 Oct 2010 23:16:35 +0000

[...] a few days after AA announced Tony Kanaan was free to look for a ride with another team because primary sponsor 7-Eleven wasn’t returning in 2011, Michael [...]

By: Steve K

Steve K — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 04:31:25 +0000

High car counts this coming year. The equipment is already bought. You might as well use it. While you will need some sponsorship to get by, I wouldn’t think you need as much. Drive em till they wreck. Anyone with a chasis and an engine will think hard about showing up at the track. Can’t use it in 2012. RHR back to Bobby Rahals team (Truesport-Rahal-Hogan-Letterman to continue the theme)?

Kanaan just needs to keep at it. Follow the sponsership money. He is still a winner.

Marshall Pruett on SpeedTVs site has a long artical on HighCroft Racing coming to CART-ChampCar-IRL-Indycar part time in 2011 and full in 2012. Going to be a great silly season.

By: Alan

Alan — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 22:17:21 +0000

Assuming TK gets sponsorship and can go where he chooses, what stops him from going to Ganassi – rumored around the interwebs to be the future home of Graham Rahal – and saying “I want to win a 500 and maybe another series title” while plunking a large briefcase of money on the table in front of Chip? If that happens, TCGR could have a line-up similar to that of AGR in the early IRL years with 3 vets and a young gun. Plus, lets not forget that in 2012 development again become critical and TCGR could have 3 past series champions who have all proven the ability to develop and improve a race car teamed with one of the best young talents in the series.

If that doesn’t happen, I think Tony goes to a program that can put him in contention for a win in May, so Panther would be a top choice with their results on ovals this year, including finishing second at Indy.

By: JohnMc

JohnMc — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 18:40:19 +0000

That is not that big a deal when regarding who the rest of the field consisted of. Even a “spiraling out of control” Andretti Racing trumps the rest. Danica, by the way, barely made it in the Top 10 and that was because she beat TK to the line last week. Wilson, who doesn’t have anywhere near the oval experience as she, nor the car, would have had the 10th spot if for that.

By: Ron Ford

Ron Ford — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 16:55:07 +0000

This team that George has “spiraling out of control” just had all four of its drivers finish in the top ten in points.

By: Travis R

Travis R — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 16:45:52 +0000

One thing that makes this all weird in my eyes is that 2011 is kind of a lame duck year as far as the chassis goes.

With the new chassis coming in 2012, I don’t know if that will change the sponsors or team bosses approach to 2011 or not, but I would think that getting in with a team with potential for 2012 would be something on the mind of a driver.

With Lotus having stated that they will build aero kits, perhaps a team like KV has potential with their Lotus connections. Lotus has been making some aggressive moves on the F1 side for next year, so they seem to be hungry to re-establish themselves in motorsports. They might take that approach to the 2012 IndyCar. They could certainly benefit from having a guy like TK on their team – he doesn’t wreck nearly as much stuff as Sato or Viso.

So, I vote that KV and Lotus go after TK to get ready for 2012. Put him alongside some young up-and-comer or two and start developing drivers with a long term strategy in mind. Of course, that might not be what TK wants…

Sorry, I’m just kind of thinking out loud here, so I apologize for the lack of direction my post has…

By: SkipinSC

SkipinSC — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 16:23:48 +0000

George,

I think the 800 lb. gorilla in the room is Apex Brasil. IF they commit to sponsorship of a car, you’d think TK would be the optimal choice. And, if you get past that hurdle, then almost anyone (other than Penske) could be a reality.

Personally, I’d like to see him at Panther, as I think they’re closer than anyone else to competitive against the “Death Star,” and I don’t believe DRR is that close. Talent in the seat is one thing, but to be truthful, engineering rules, and I think you have a bevy of wannabe teams that aren’t up to speed yet.

That being said, 2012 may change all that with the new specs, and Apex may be waiting to jump in until the new package is in place. I know if I were a potential sponsor, I would probably tread lightly for the upcoming season and see what shakes out going forward.