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...how did John Menard ever get former F1 World Champion Nelson Piquet to drive his car at Indy. Not only in 1992 when Nelson had his horrendous practice accident in turn 4, but getting him to return the following year and make the '500' in 1993??
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a bad day at the race track beats a good day at work -
A guess, but it may be that Nelson just wanted to give Indy a shot without doing the whole schedule (and having Nigel Mansell show him upOriginally posted by indyracefan
), and at the time Menard's and their powerhouse Buick V6s gave him the best chance to run up front in a one-off Indy-only deal. There were a number of Indy-only teams but Menards was the only one at the time that could allow him to run at the pointy end of the Indy 500 with Penske, Newman-Haas, and the like.
"Only a fool fights in a burning house."-Kang
"If you listen to fools....The Maaahhhhb Ruuuules....."-Ronnie James Dio -
Don't forget that another Brazilian was stealing the headlines back home concerning his success up north - Emmo. Now jealousy enters the picture, and he wanted to steal some of Emmo's thunder by winning. The comeback is a feat accomplished by fighter pilots, race car drivers, rodeo cowboys, athletes etc., etc. for decades. Getting knocked down makes coming back enjoyable if others notice your toughness and mental determination. Don't forget that men in these occupations have very big egos. The K. Busch situation is an excellent example, why else would he have said all those dumb things ("Don't you know who I am?")?Comment
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Dude was FAST, too--before it all went real wrong...
"Everyone in front of you is cheatin', and everyone behind you sucks!"--Nonpareil wheelman T. KesterComment
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Piquet was one of my favorite F1 drivers and I was really looking forward towards his running at Indy in 1992. He was quite quick in practice up until that fateful moment in Turn 4.
At least I did see him qualify and run in 1993. He proved he could still do it.Comment
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Does anyone know WHY he crashed?Comment
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There were stories at the time that Nelson was a little irritated over the track going yellow during practice for inspections. We as fans of Indy know thats a standard practice to inspect the track at points during the session...Originally posted by TPExpress
Any way, Nelson was not too happy the track went yellow and as he was turning toward pit road at too high a speed , he lost it...
Impatience at Indy is never a good thing.Comment
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I do know Piquet wanted to one day race at the Speedway (from old interviews in print and television). As for how Menard got him to race?Originally posted by indyracefan
Well Mr. Menard is one of the richest men in the U.S. Money talks, and Nelson certainly never met a dollar sign he didn't like. But that's my guess.Comment
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It took a lot of guts (or money, or pride) to come back to Indy. After his crash, his feet were described as looking like two baggies full of jello.If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away.Comment
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Originally posted by Kurt Cobain
...Mr. Menard is also 'notorious' for being a little 'skimpy' when it comes to driver's salaries. 
a bad day at the race track beats a good day at workComment
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Here's a link to his crash and recovery photos. Just ignore the "'looses' control due to mechanical failure" line.
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Sheesh, check out photo #4-a face full of wall and tires.....Originally posted by RoadrageHere's a link to his crash and recovery photos. Just ignore the "'looses' control due to mechanical failure" line."Only a fool fights in a burning house."-Kang
"If you listen to fools....The Maaahhhhb Ruuuules....."-Ronnie James DioComment
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You are not kidding, his helmet is right up against the wall face first, it is a miracle he survived.
Wow is all I can think of. Can't imagine what shape his legs were in at the point of that photoComment
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