Renault V6 star Matsuura to test for SAFR.

[speedy badger]

Looks like a possible two car team next year!

Link

[stan]

I'm just so happy that a bunch of really good seasoned drivers are still unsigned and our new XCART team decides to hire an unproven driver from Japan. Should really help Fernandez racing with their South American sponsors.

[99moore]

well, Im thrilled the team wants to expand. The more the merrier. I dont think the guy will be in the way as much as DeVires or Mayer but he certainly wont put any fans in the stands.

[vegasduo]

Its only a test but Matsura could be bringing additional sponsorship for an additional car. Can't be anything bad about that. He also appears to be an experienced driver who could be a nice addition to the IndyCar driver roster. Time will tell on both items.

[BSJracing]

I've heard that Aguri want's 1 Japaneese driver and one top driver. I doubt a second car would exist if not for the driver being Japaneese.(kind of like #23 probably wouldn't exist if not for Sarah)

Neither seem to bode well for Yasukawa.

[step33T]

If he's half as personable and accomodating as Roger Yasukawa, I'll welcome this 2nd car with open arms.

[rabbit17m]

Originally posted by stan
I'm just so happy that a bunch of really good seasoned drivers are still unsigned and our new XCART team decides to hire an unproven driver from Japan. Should really help Fernandez racing with their South American sponsors.

[cough]Honda[/cough]

[speedy badger]

Originally posted by stan
I'm just so happy that a bunch of really good seasoned drivers are still unsigned and our new XCART team decides to hire an unproven driver from Japan. Should really help Fernandez racing with their South American sponsors.

Well-in this case the owners are Mexican and Japanese so it would make sense. While I have not researched the driver, it appears that he has an extensive racing background. The article explains the choice pretty clearly:

Matsuura, a protégé of team co-owner Aguri Suzuki

I think this is great news for the IRL.

[indyracer56]

A relationship with a manufacturer is a good thing to have to advance your racing career nowadays.

Heck, Darren Manning said as much when he signed with Team Target and Toyota.

Besides, I would like to see more than 19 or 20 cars at the IndyCar races in 2004, wouldn't you?

[wbalzwbalz1]

If it equals one more car in the field next year, its gotta be good news! So much for Honda cutting back.

[Shadow101]

Originally posted by stan
I'm just so happy that a bunch of really good seasoned drivers are still unsigned and our new XCART team decides to hire an unproven driver from Japan.

If you followed this line of thinking and continually recycled the same batch of drivers ala NASCAR (until recently), then we probably would not have ever seen, oh say: Sam Hornish Jr, Jaques Lazier, Sarah Fisher, Tomas Scheckter, Dan Wheldon, Buddy Rice, etc. Their original rides would have gone to some journeyman because it was the "safe" pick.

[ovalfan01]

Originally posted by Shadow101
If you followed this line of thinking and continually recycled the same batch of drivers ala NASCAR (until recently), then we probably would not have ever seen, oh say: Sam Hornish Jr, Jaques Lazier, Sarah Fisher, Tomas Scheckter, Dan Wheldon, Buddy Rice, etc. Their original rides would have gone to some journeyman because it was the "safe" pick.

Do you not find it disturbing that half of the drivers you listed are likely out of a full time ride next season?

[grogg]

OK so some of you know who Matsuura is and I sort of know who he is thanks to the links provided. But will he put butts in the seats and will he help at all with the paltry 0.8 TV rating.

Frankly this sounds a little like the Hiro Matushita situation all over again. King Hiro some impressive moments in feeder series, went to Indy Cars and you know the rest.

[Shadow101]

Originally posted by ovalfan01
Do you not find it disturbing that half of the drivers you listed are likely out of a full time ride next season?

Not disturbing, perhaps disappointing for a few in that list. But that is the nature of things when you hit the top level of OW racing. Not everyone gets the breaks that they deserve. And some don't take advantage of the opportunities that do come their way.

I know zero about the guy, but if Matsuura gets this opportunity, and lights it up, who am I to say that this is wrong? But to not give him (or anyone for that matter) the chance because it is safer or more convenient to pick a known entity is short sighted IMHO. That's all I'm saying. If the guy flops during the test, you still have a talent pool to pick from.

[IndyMJH]

Never heard of him...

Hope I never hear of him again...

How is this guy good for the IRL?