Auto racing: Former Formula One racer criticized
Jacques Villeneuve is a Formula One world champion with an Indianapolis 500 title on his resume. But his lofty credentials did little to earn him acceptance in the NASCAR garage.
The criticism continued to grow Friday over Villeneuve’s decision to attempt his Nextel Cup debut at Talladega Superspeedway in Talladega, Ala., a place that produces white-knuckled racing at nearly 200 mph.
“It has nothing to do with Jacques, I am a huge fan of his,” said Jeff Gordon, a five-time Talladega winner. “I think he’s a tremendous talent and he belongs in this series and I’m excited he’s here.
“But I don’t care if you are Michael Schumacher, Jacques Villeneuve, Dario Franchitti or the greatest driver on the planet – you should not be running your first race this weekend.”
Villeneuve must make the race on speed in today’s qualifying session, and there’s no guarantee he’ll be in the 43-car field on Sunday.
“It took Dario Franchitti less than a straightaway to know he was in foreign territory at Talladega Superspeedway.
The reigning IndyCar Series champion and Indianapolis 500 winner saw the green flag wave for the start of the ARCA RE/MAX 250, his stock car debut, and immediately ran out of room on the highbanked 2.66-mile oval.
Franchitti said, “That was my first learning experience and it continued all day.”
The 34-year-old Scot, driving his first race for new employer Chip Ganassi, managed to stay out of trouble throughout the 94-lap event and wound up 17th.
The race was won by Bill Davis Racing rookie Michael Annett.
Formula One
Formula One drivers’ championship leader Lewis Hamilton was spared a penalty after an investigation of his driving during last week’s Japanese Grand Prix.
Drivers claimed they crashed because Hamilton was speeding up and slowing down while the field was behind the safety car in wet conditions.
NASCAR Trucks
Reigning series champion Todd Bodine took the pole position for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck race at Talladega Superspeedway, beating out three-time champion Jack Sprague in qualifying. Bodine turned a fast lap of 181.811 mph.