Interim Driver for Rahal?

[SFracer]

From Indystar:
Team Rahal owner Bobby Rahal said Brack will remain his driver until Brack tells him he doesn't want to drive. Rahal said a search for an interim driver has not taken place, but will be done with input from the 1998 Indy Racing League champion.

Who do you think Kenny and Rahal will pick? If there isn't scheduling conflicts, then I would think Vasser would be a front runner.

[Matt Hughes]

I reckon he might go for Max Papis or Jimmy. Both a re former employees and both have a fair turn of speed in them.

[Jimmy Hendricks]

If Kenny is indeed part of the decision process, than I would think someone like Buddy Lazier would make a lot of sense.

Who knows what the Honda situation is, but I also think that Rahal is/was serious about being a full-time 2 car team next year. Ed Carpenter is someone that I know was talking to Rahal about being Kenny's teammate next year. After the accident, that could have changed.

[dog-ring]

A.J. Bullard...........lord knows his daddy drinks enough of the sponsors product

[SFracer]

Originally posted by Matt Hughes
I reckon he might go for Max Papis or Jimmy. Both a re former employees and both have a fair turn of speed in them.

I don't think Papis is high on Rahal's list. Remember the 2001 CART season when Papis and Brack had some run-ins that possibly caused Brack's chances of a CART championship?

[Matt Hughes]

Now you mention it....

.

[FenderFree]

The interim lead ride (and hopefully 2nd full-time ride) will probably go to Jimmy Vasser.

He ran the 2002 Indy 500 and the 2002 CART season with Rahal
He ran the 2003 Indy 500 for Rahal as a teammate to Brack
He won the fastest ever 500-mile race last year at Fontana
He's made it quite clear that he would like an IRL ride if one came up

His oval-racing credentials are impressive, and he is in Bobby Rahal's good graces, so logic would suggest that Kenny and Bobby would give him the ride.

And there may not be a schedule to conflict with next year if things fall apart on the CART side.

[Cygni]

Rahal has said many times that he wished he could have kept Jimmy on board with his CART team, but couldnt find the money needed to do it for 03. If Jimmys out of a ride and Rahal needs a stand in, hes a safe bet to get the call.

[Jim Wilke]

Strong rumors a year ago had CART paying most of Vasser's $1 million salary to keep a past CART champion and a recognizable name in the field. I don't believe CART/OWRS will be able to afford this next year.

[Jimbo77]

Danica Patrick. I'm partial, though.

I don't think JV will be leaving CART. At least not for now.

[FenderFree]

What if CART leaves?

[numrounofan]

Originally posted by Cygni
Rahal has said many times that he wished he could have kept Jimmy on board with his CART team, but couldnt find the money needed to do it for 03. If Jimmys out of a ride and Rahal needs a stand in, hes a safe bet to get the call.

agreed....

[Jim Wilke]

Fine by me. A lot of things have changed since "who needs milk?"

[BSJracing]

Here's a thought, Drivers beat the recovery times set by doctors 99.9% of the time. Who's to say Rahal will need an interim driver?

[FenderFree]

I like your thinking, BSJ.

Of course the best scenario out of all of this is that Brack does return in time for Homestead, and Rahal expands to 2 cars and gives Jimmy the second ride.