Joint NASCAR-F1 program called a possibility
Posted 7/2/2006 7:25 PM ET

By Steve Ballard, The Indianapolis Star

INDIANAPOLIS — Given Formula One's ability to develop cars and NASCAR's ability to sell them, DaimlerChrysler is counting on a union of German technology and good, old American know-how to improve both programs.
DaimlerChrysler CEO Dr. Dieter Zetsche attended Saturday's night's Nextel Cup race at Daytona Beach, Fla., where his likeness appeared on the hoods of the Dodges driven by Evernham Motorsports' Kasey Kahne and Jeremy Mayfield. Then Zetsche flew to Indianapolis to be with McLaren-Mercedes for what turned out to be a short day for the team in Sunday's U.S. Grand Prix.

At a news conference Sunday morning at the convention center, where he was joined by McLaren team principal Ron Dennis and NASCAR team owner Ray Evernham, among others, Zetsche said a joint NASCAR/F1 program isn't as farfetched as it might seem.

"The technology is very different, but the principles are the same," he said. "There is much to share. NASCAR has something to tell as far as the show is concerned. I saw Daytona and it's quite something."

Zetsche said DaimlerChrysler is committed long-term to both programs.

"It's our history and will be our future as well," he said. "NASCAR is as American as it can get. We are there to stay."

Dennis and Evernham agreed they are in the initial stages of developing their partnership, but both expect it to be fruitful.

"It takes time because they're two very different types of motor sports," Dennis said. "It's a learning curve for both of us. But we are blown away by their marketing machine."

Evernham acknowledged he has thought about one day being part of a U.S. team effort in F1 but not until his NASCAR program has produced a championship or two. He is counting on the union with McLaren and Mercedes to help him do that.

"It's not just the technology. Take what they're doing with their strategy and their software," he said. "It's great to have a big brother like McLaren. This is what we've been waiting for."

that would be interesting.........if anyone is gonna do it I see it being Dodge and Ray, they have the mindsets for that.

But I don't know.......I'm not sure if it would pay off really at first or not, it could be one of those things that hurts ya for awhile and then starts to pay off