Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Doornbos out at Newman Haas Lanigan




Educated citizens are aware that not every former Formula 1 driver is cut out for Indy cars. To say that the jury is still out on Robert Doornbos is to be kind.

Doornbos confirmed today (link to Curt Cavin's article is in title above) that his association with Newman Haas Lanigan Racing has ended following 12 mediocre performances. Commonly believed to receive funding from his father, Doornbos plans to resume his racing career elsewhere, perhaps with HVM Racing.

The man known as Bobby D gave his most impressive performance at the Indianapolis 500 Festival Parade, where he thrilled the locals with a riotous Ivan Drago impersonation. While the other 32 starters, many accompanied by family and friends, waved to an appreciative crowd, Doornbos offered nary a wink, sitting fully erect in his stoic pomposity.

Lighten up, Bobby D, or risk being branded a counterrevolutionary.

The presence of an F1 veteran is not cause for delirium in Indianapolis, for we have seen your kind before. They include World Driving Champions and Grand Prix winners. Some (Jim Clark) adapted seamlessly. Others (Jochen Rindt) did not. The Committee on Public Safety suggests that you not only learn to drive ovals without crashing, but also that you do so with humility. It seemed to work for Emerson Fittipaldi.

Roggespierre

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