tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-362305267503238198.post7147071712905750332..comments2016-03-05T05:58:37.341-08:00Comments on OPEN WHEEL AMERICA: Opinion: Is There Shame in Being a "Ride Buyer"?Christopher Leonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03212121677462996872noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-362305267503238198.post-32934537295498059402010-10-27T13:42:24.997-07:002010-10-27T13:42:24.997-07:00Let's clarify a couple of things. I didn't...Let's clarify a couple of things. I didn't say that all of the ride buyers were foreign drivers that people can't identify with, I said that the number was increasing. Read further down the article, where I list a good amount of drivers who are technically ride buyers, but are well-known and well-respected within the garage.<br /><br />Meanwhile, a bunch of drivers who have earned the opportunity to compete in the 500 based on driving merit sit on the sidelines. As an example, do you want to tell me that the Indy Lights champion from 2009, J.R. Hildebrand, is less deserving of a ride than Francesco Dracone was? What did Dracone do in this country to earn that IndyCar ride?<br /><br />The point of the article wasn't to whine. The implicit point was that the series needs more American drivers. If it takes ride buying, so be it. But the series is never going to re-establish itself as a major competitor to NASCAR until a greater base of American drivers - or, at the very least, the best and most talented possible base of drivers - is competing in its 17 events. And that isn't happening right now.<br /><br />In other words, you've missed the point of the article completely.Christopher Leonehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03212121677462996872noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-362305267503238198.post-46582784791556029812010-10-05T18:18:09.946-07:002010-10-05T18:18:09.946-07:00Decent points made, except for 2 points which need...Decent points made, except for 2 points which need clarification.<br /><br />Paragraph 5-regarding ride buyers as foreign drivers people can't identify with. This is somewhat of a bogus argument. Perhaps you've heard of a little thing called the internet, where you can look up these people and find out about other series if you actually get off your ass and make the effort. Oh, I forgot. You don't want to make the effort. Second, regarding American drivers who have "earned the right to be in the Indianapolis 500." The only way to earn the right to be in the 500 IS TO QUALIFY! Being born in the U.S. DOES NOT entitle someone to be in the 500. <br /><br />Graham Rahal did exactly what he had to do. Rather than sitting around and whining like you are about things, he busted his ass, took rides in less than stellar equipment to stay relevant and now has a sponsor to take to teams. THAT is how you get things done in today's IndyCar. Unfortunately, you and your ilk don't actually want to work. You want someone to come to you and kiss your ass and give you things. Grow up, get with the program and be like Graham. You don't have the guts or intelligence to do that, though.Blue Falconhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15974262890935355638noreply@blogger.com