Ford to IRL??

[Defender]

I think it's more of that negative karma thing. They turned their back on Indy, now look at the shape they're in.

Seriously, the mismanagement of that company has become apparent. It was almost as if Nasser was a Troy-based series CEO.

More seriously, my company has a corporate account with Hertz, who at one time was partially owned by Ford, along with Budget. The majority of the Hertz fleet is Ford products, but I always ensure they have a GM, Toyota or Subaru available for me.

They were all out a couple of months ago in Toronto, and I had to settle for one of those new semi-pickup, SUV thingies. Pretty cool vehicle. It's a shame Ford has screwed itself so badly. If they'd get smart and return to open wheel in the only U.S. series with a future, they'd help their marketing efforts in a large way. I might even consider such a purchase. But no way at present.

[Railbird]

AdamM nailed it.

William Clay Ford is more interested in green trees than green flags.

[ForzaFerrari]

I can say with almost absolute cetantity that Ferrari will not begin a factory effort into any racing series other than Formula 1.

The almost went to Le Mans with the F-50 GT, but at the last minute pulled out with no explanation. Rumor is the Bernie E had something to do with that. Ferrari's envolvent in series other than F1 is stricly customer only.

[Dr. austin]

Ford is just plain throwing their money in the lake with their F-1 program. And billions of it at that. Just so they can occupy the back of the grid and keep Eddie Irvine out of touring cars.

No one is going to topple Schumacher as long as he doesn't get bored and go away. If they are really serious about F-1, just drag out the 94 Benneton Ford and spend the money on the Weltmiester instead. He would cricify them all even with that old car.

And on top of that, they are going to give Chevrolet an uncontested run at the big prize. So Ford stinks up F-1 and looks bad, but Chevy brings Mom and apple pie to victory lane at Indy. And sell cars on Monday.


If these are the giant minds running Ford, it is little wonder they are having trouble with their earnings. Ford's new CEO wanted to know who Eddie Irvine was and why was he Ford's top earning employee. Whoopie! Pass the apple pie, please.

[AdamM]

Ford is doing massive cutbacks, not looking to add expenses, so forget about any new racing program, it won't happen. Plus, even if the company wasn't in trouble, with Bill Ford at the helm, odds are that the motorsports budgets would be clipped anyway.

[Dr. austin]

Hey, Mackie, check your PM's. Who do you think Dr. Austin really is, anyway? If you didn't race at fastracks, you are the wrong Miles Nelson and i'm sorry for the confusion.

[Mackie]

Originally posted by BADGER:
<STRONG>

So you wrote Ford and told them you would no longer buy from them unless they support the IRL and then you go out and buy a Rodeo? I hope you threw in the last part to at least give them a good laugh.

That sort of "logic" is pretty hard to understand.</STRONG>

Yes "badger," I did write them, and got a letter of explanation in return, about their investment in technology in both F1 and CART. That coupled with their involvement with NASCAR prevented them from building engines for the IRL at this time. They also pointed out their "history" at Indy. They said they regretted that I chose not to buy a Ford product and hoped I would reconsider in the future.

As for the Rodeo, it would be easy to forget the Explorer, except that my son still has one that I drive from time to time, the Rodeo out-performs it in every category but acceleration yet it is more then adequate in that area. I especially like 22 mpg rather then 16.

[Roadrage]

Originally posted by indyracer56:
<STRONG>With the financial trouble Ford is in, I wouldn't be suprised to see them pull out of all racing, except NASCAR.

When you are letting over 30,000 workers go, closing at least 4 plants, dropping car lines, etc. I would think millions and millions spent on racing would be the next to go.</STRONG>

Exactly my thoughts. Plus Ford was never interested in the IRL as far as I can remember.

[Mackie]

Originally posted by Joe in LA:
<STRONG>

Not only are the few remaing 333's private, but the entire program always was. Ferrari did that project purely as a customer car, and even farmed out the construction to Dallara.</STRONG>

Yes they did, and I never saw a finer "package." The design and workmanship on that car led my to believe that the building of at least one of the first generation cars was in good hands, we wern't disappointed.

[Joe in LA]

Originally posted by Jakester:
<STRONG>A technical point regarding Ferrari. Currently the only directly factory supported racing effort at Ferrari is Formula 1.

The few remaining 333SP 'prototypes' are independently campaigned. Same for the ProDrive cars and the other 550, 360 and Maranello efforts in the GT classes. They may receive some back door support.

Thus, add sports car racing back into the arena of possibilities for Maserati.</STRONG>

Not only are the few remaing 333's private, but the entire program always was. Ferrari did that project purely as a customer car, and even farmed out the construction to Dallara.

[Dr. austin]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by BADGER:
[QB]

"So you wrote Ford and told them you would no longer buy from them unless they support the IRL and then you go out and buy a Rodeo?"

I believe Isuzu is partly owned by GM. If Ford isn't conserned that they have lost a lifelong customer to GM, well, they aren't thinking too much, are they?

"I hope you threw in the last part to at least give them a good laugh."

I bought a Nissan Altima, SE (of course), because I couldn't afford an Infinity like Eddie's, but it is all in the same family. It is such a wonderful car that i bought an identical one for my wife. and i am getting ready to buy another one for my mother. And my son is turning 16, so guess what he is going to get. And when the Z comes out,
everything gets traded back in.

Yes, they are rolling on the floor now. Funny how I don't much miss my Ford.

"That sort of "logic" is pretty hard to understand."

Say, you must be a CART fan if logic escapes you.

[2wheelshortacar]

Wouldn't it be easier and cheaper for Ford to take out another 2 page ad bragging about their rich,long and varied history at Indy?

[Jakester]

A technical point regarding Ferrari. Currently the only directly factory supported racing effort at Ferrari is Formula 1.

The few remaining 333SP 'prototypes' are independently campaigned. Same for the ProDrive cars and the other 550, 360 and Maranello efforts in the GT classes. They may receive some back door support.

Thus, add sports car racing back into the arena of possibilities for Maserati.

[BADGER]

Originally posted by Mackie:
[QB]

Me too, and I wrote and told them so, and detailed the number of Fords bought by me and members of my family in the last twenty years, fifteen of them, all top of the line cars. I love my new Isuzu Rodeo, it is easy to forget the two Explorers.

QB]

So you wrote Ford and told them you would no longer buy from them unless they support the IRL and then you go out and buy a Rodeo? I hope you threw in the last part to at least give them a good laugh.

That sort of "logic" is pretty hard to understand.

[Mackie]

Racewriter, my son-in-law works for Lou at Evernham Motorsports, where he is now, and I met him the weekend before Christmas at the shop, he has confirmed twice now that Dodge isn't coming to the IRL.