The Debate: Michael Waltrip vs Peter Windsor

I found the debate between Michael Waltrip and Peter Windsor, on SPEED TV’s episode of Tradin’ Paint to be very interesting. Some strong viewpoints by both people. I’m both a huge Formula 1 & NASCAR fan, but did find Michael Waltrip to be the WRONG person to debate whether/what/how on the issue of “Which is better, Formula 1 or NASCAR?”

I do enjoy that NASCAR is about the driver, as well as Formula 1 being about the teams. I love Forumla 1 for the technology, but I love NASCAR for the stiff feild of competition.

I found some of Peter Windsor’s views/points were in more of a “What NASCAR should do” format, but Michael Waltrip did not counter very well. For Michale Waltrip to say the reason we don’t turn right is because “were not that smart” (just one of his dumb phrases he used) is just b.s., for once Michael Waltrip should’ve threw away his comedian act, and been stronger in this debate.

I’m not too sure that John Roberts saw this debate coming on his show, which he could’ve been a better mediator between the two. I’d love to see a more formal debate (ex: Mike Joy vs Peter Windsor).

The Question: Can Montoya survive in NASCAR?

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that he lacks talent, but when your a successful open wheel driver, who was competitive in the Indy Racing League and Formula 1, it leaves me to question how he will do in NASCAR.

Money & Engineering:
NASCAR teams don’t have the luxury of spending the $100 million + that the Formula 1 teams spend every year. Yes, NASCAR is becoming a strong series based upon engineering, but it is nowhere near the level that Formula 1 has reached.

Seem like the majority of Formula 1 race team employees are engineers. Tire engineering and traction control you see in Formula 1, is not in NASCAR.

Rubbin’s Racin’:
There’s more contact in NASCAR, with more beating and banging especially in the closing stages of the race, which at many tracks the drivers have to use their bumper to help make the pass throughout the event. Along with that, a lot of the cars going a lap down don’t give way to the leader. Simply put, you have to earn every spot in NASCAR.

In Closing:
Montoya finished 11th in his Busch Series debut, dispite being involved in a wreck. He’s got a lot to learn, until he can challenge for wins. But I think he’ll make it in time.

I would love to see your comments & opinions on how Montoya will do in NASCAR.

Update (Nov 6, 2006):
I just got some new information on Montoya. Through my contacts in the sport, I can tell you that he (Montoya) is going to receive a lot of sponsorship money (est $25m) from Texaco/Havoline for his Chip Ganassi race team.

Chip Ganassi received a phone call from the top man at Texaco, which the man basically said “I don’t care what it cost to make him (Montoya) successful in NASCAR”.”

Chip then basically responded saying, “We’ll it will take at least $25 million ($25,000,000) to do the job”

So this will bring a interesting spin on how things will go for Montoya.

Rumor: Schumacher to drive in two NASCAR road races in 2007, a $10 million dollar deal?

With Michael Schumacher retiring from Formula 1,  the rumor is out that he may compete in two NASCAR road course events in 2007, one at Sears Point (Infineon) and the other at Watkins Glen.

When you look at Schumacher’s Formula 1 record (91 victories in 250 Grand Prix starts, 68 pole positions & 7 World Championships) you can’t help but say “Why Not?”  Now that he’s no longer going to compete in Formula 1, he should try to see how he would do in the NASCAR world.

He’s still a fairly young driver (37 years old), with a strong potential to show us his stock car ability.

I find the $10 million claim hard to believe, since I’ve never known any NASCAR team to spend $10 million dollars on a driver for 2 road course events.

Yes, Michael Schumacher did make $30 million dollars a year driving for the Ferrari Formula 1 team (thank God for that Marlboro sponsorship that flipped that bill), but I don’t think he’d make a third of that for just 2 NASCAR road course events.

In closing, I hope to see Michael Schumacher compete in NASCAR’s top divisions. I know it will bring a unique aspect to the sport.