| runnah | 08-24-2006 11:59 AM |
Think Pastrana has what it takes to run in WRC?
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I'd say he has a good shot at it in a couple of years. He seems to be the type of guy who doesn't stop at something until he is the best at it. With the x-games win and a couple of rally america wins under his belt its only a matter of time IMHO. It'd be nice to have someone from the states in a WRC car! I think if he showed enough promise SWRT would pick him up.
Sorry slow day at work and I was just thinking about this.
Am I way off base here?
Sorry slow day at work and I was just thinking about this.
Am I way off base here?
| StuBeck | 08-24-2006 12:04 PM |
Nope.
| chaddeus | 08-24-2006 12:06 PM |
Well, its possible. Chris Atkinson from Australia is one good example but I think Travis need to enter the P-WRC or the J-WRC before entering to the WRC.
- Charles
- Charles
| runnah | 08-24-2006 12:13 PM |
[QUOTE=chaddeus]Well, its possible. Chris Atkinson from Australia is one good example but I think Travis need to enter the P-WRC or the J-WRC before entering to the WRC.
- Charles[/QUOTE]
Oh yeah of course. I agree that he needs alot more polishing before he is ready. But I do think he will make it the WRC jump.
- Charles[/QUOTE]
Oh yeah of course. I agree that he needs alot more polishing before he is ready. But I do think he will make it the WRC jump.
| GVR4 420 | 08-24-2006 12:17 PM |
I think I heard the same question on whogivesa*****.com
| Rallycarperson | 08-24-2006 12:24 PM |
[QUOTE=StuBeck]Nope.[/QUOTE]
1234
He is good, but IMO I don't think WRC good. To be in the WRC means you are the best of the best. Only like what...10 or less factory sponsered people?
Seeing him run in the PWRC which are Group N cars, would be interesting to watch how he's do.
~Mark
1234
He is good, but IMO I don't think WRC good. To be in the WRC means you are the best of the best. Only like what...10 or less factory sponsered people?
Seeing him run in the PWRC which are Group N cars, would be interesting to watch how he's do.
~Mark
| greg donovan | 08-24-2006 12:25 PM |
i think he does have the skill to run in WRC [B]events[/B]. hell, anyone can run in a WRC event if they have enough cash. running in a WRC [B]car[/B] is a entirely different story. i think he has the talent to do it but the real question is if he will get the opportunity. there arent very many WRC car seats out there and there are a lot of skilled, talented, and experienced drivers that cant even get a WRC seat right now.
i could see him running in PWRC in a couple years and perhaps test for subaru in a WRC car at some point.
and i think the time spent w/mcrae will help him out tremendously as a networking opportunity. from what i have seen it pays to be buddies w/colin.
i could see him running in PWRC in a couple years and perhaps test for subaru in a WRC car at some point.
and i think the time spent w/mcrae will help him out tremendously as a networking opportunity. from what i have seen it pays to be buddies w/colin.
| LastResort | 08-24-2006 12:29 PM |
I personally hope the rally competition in north America grows to the point that Travis could make a successful go of it at home.
| greg donovan | 08-24-2006 12:34 PM |
[QUOTE=LastResort]I personally hope the rally competition in north America grows to the point that Travis could make a successful go of it at home.[/QUOTE]
that would be awesome if that were the case. and i think that would be better than having him in the WRC.
make the stars of the WRC race here for a change.
that would be awesome if that were the case. and i think that would be better than having him in the WRC.
make the stars of the WRC race here for a change.
| Doug Woods | 08-24-2006 12:47 PM |
IMO, Travis has to soon decide if he wants to be a world class rally driver.
To do so, he will have to stop his participation in other extreme sports to save his body and allow him the time to focus on rallying.
Does he have what it takes to compete in the WRC? I think he does. He certainly has proven that in terms of dedication and perseverance, he can do almost anthing he sets his mind to.
Let's hope that he gives it a try.
Doug Woods
To do so, he will have to stop his participation in other extreme sports to save his body and allow him the time to focus on rallying.
Does he have what it takes to compete in the WRC? I think he does. He certainly has proven that in terms of dedication and perseverance, he can do almost anthing he sets his mind to.
Let's hope that he gives it a try.
Doug Woods
| nKoan | 08-24-2006 12:47 PM |
Sure, he could run in the WRC in a few years. I think he could ever win an event though.
| WRXedUSA | 08-24-2006 12:48 PM |
This won't end well.
| skuttledude | 08-24-2006 01:19 PM |
He's good, Although if he is the best that US has (debateable), he won't have a chance vs. the European drivers.
Actually, a smart move would be for him to enter the European Rally events (non-WRC, FIA European rally Championship) and see how he does. This is where most of the factory teams pick from to run with the big boys in WRC.
He'll need to really practice up on tarmac and snow events and do LOTs of gravel driving. Nevertheless, I'm in total favor of seeing an American enter the WRC "club".
Actually, a smart move would be for him to enter the European Rally events (non-WRC, FIA European rally Championship) and see how he does. This is where most of the factory teams pick from to run with the big boys in WRC.
He'll need to really practice up on tarmac and snow events and do LOTs of gravel driving. Nevertheless, I'm in total favor of seeing an American enter the WRC "club".
| Weasel 555 | 08-24-2006 01:22 PM |
[QUOTE=Davis K Powers]He's good, Although if he is the best that US has (debateable), he won't have a chance vs. the European drivers.
Actually, a smart move would be for him to enter the European Rally events (non-WRC, FIA European rally Championship) and see how he does. This is where most of the factory teams pick from to run with the big boys in WRC.
He'll need to really practice up on tarmac and snow events and do LOTs of gravel driving. Nevertheless, I'm in total favor of seeing an American enter the WRC "club".[/QUOTE]
12345
Actually, a smart move would be for him to enter the European Rally events (non-WRC, FIA European rally Championship) and see how he does. This is where most of the factory teams pick from to run with the big boys in WRC.
He'll need to really practice up on tarmac and snow events and do LOTs of gravel driving. Nevertheless, I'm in total favor of seeing an American enter the WRC "club".[/QUOTE]
12345
| Rallycarperson | 08-24-2006 01:43 PM |
The only driver I've seen around here that IMO has the talent for WRC, is Pat Richard...and he's from Canada. I'm pretty sure he tried PWRC, and even [i]he[/i] didn't do good enough to go further. Back in 2004 and 2005 when most of the US field was running Group. N, Pat beat Travis in most of the rallies. And even watching their style of driving, it was clear Pat was faster. Of course that was last year when Travis wasn't as experienced. Now, Travis runs an open class car prepared by Vermont Sportcar, and it's obvious that thats the best and fastest car out there.
Almost all (if not all) WRC drivers live, eat, and breathe rally since they were born. Travis is good, but I just can't see him stacking up against people like that.
~Mark
Almost all (if not all) WRC drivers live, eat, and breathe rally since they were born. Travis is good, but I just can't see him stacking up against people like that.
~Mark
| Easy Rider | 08-24-2006 01:50 PM |
Can Travis [B]run[/B] in the WRC? Heck Yes.
Can Travis win in the WRC? Not with out [B]a lot[/B] more practice.
Can Travis win in the PWRC? Yes - with a bit more practice.
I for one hope that he, and Ken do both go on to PWRC in the near future.
They are the only ones that are even close to having the support (both team and financial) to do so.
Can Travis win in the WRC? Not with out [B]a lot[/B] more practice.
Can Travis win in the PWRC? Yes - with a bit more practice.
I for one hope that he, and Ken do both go on to PWRC in the near future.
They are the only ones that are even close to having the support (both team and financial) to do so.
| WRXedUSA | 08-24-2006 01:53 PM |
For sake of GroupN comparison, I'll reason it this way.
Herridge, Atkinson and Crocker cleaned house in Australia in 2004. SWRT took a shot at Atkinson after winning GroupN at the AU round. Atkinson gets on SWRT for a year, then goes back and competes in a GroupN car in Ireland this spring and cleaned house. He beat up on some pretty seasoned rally drivers on thier home event.
That alone should be used as a barometer of what the WRC GroupA class takes.
Herridge, Atkinson and Crocker cleaned house in Australia in 2004. SWRT took a shot at Atkinson after winning GroupN at the AU round. Atkinson gets on SWRT for a year, then goes back and competes in a GroupN car in Ireland this spring and cleaned house. He beat up on some pretty seasoned rally drivers on thier home event.
That alone should be used as a barometer of what the WRC GroupA class takes.
| runnah | 08-24-2006 01:59 PM |
[QUOTE=Doug Woods]IMO, Travis has to soon decide if he wants to be a world class rally driver.
To do so, he will have to stop his participation in other extreme sports to save his body and allow him the time to focus on rallying.
Does he have what it takes to compete in the WRC? I think he does. He certainly has proven that in terms of dedication and perseverance, he can do almost anthing he sets his mind to.
Let's hope that he gives it a try.
Doug Woods[/QUOTE]
Word on the street is that he is finishing up with motox soon. His body is pretty thrased for someone who is only 25. Thats part of the reason I thought of this because he won't be able to compete in stuff like motox much longer. He is not the type of guy to just stop competing.
To do so, he will have to stop his participation in other extreme sports to save his body and allow him the time to focus on rallying.
Does he have what it takes to compete in the WRC? I think he does. He certainly has proven that in terms of dedication and perseverance, he can do almost anthing he sets his mind to.
Let's hope that he gives it a try.
Doug Woods[/QUOTE]
Word on the street is that he is finishing up with motox soon. His body is pretty thrased for someone who is only 25. Thats part of the reason I thought of this because he won't be able to compete in stuff like motox much longer. He is not the type of guy to just stop competing.
| Easy Rider | 08-24-2006 02:10 PM |
Travis is 22.
And yes - he likes that fact that Rally is easier on his body.
And yes - he likes that fact that Rally is easier on his body.
| runnah | 08-24-2006 02:13 PM |
[QUOTE=Easy Rider]Travis is 22.
And yes - he likes that fact that Rally is easier on his body.[/QUOTE]
?!! Damn I read an article in maxim a while back about sports star's injuries and waht not and I could have sworn he was older!
Now I feel like a wuss for complaining about my back since im only 25. :D
And yes - he likes that fact that Rally is easier on his body.[/QUOTE]
?!! Damn I read an article in maxim a while back about sports star's injuries and waht not and I could have sworn he was older!
Now I feel like a wuss for complaining about my back since im only 25. :D
| bitterWRX | 08-24-2006 02:46 PM |
Pastrana is good but I don't think he is WRC good. Even if he did have the sponsors and the money to back him up, I don't think he's been in enough rally environment, situations, and experiences to really do him any good.
Think of the X-Games rally. On the final run, McRae had more than a few seconds ahead of Pastrana, rolled the car, and still managed to finish within a second of Pastrana. McRae's skill is something Pastrana will have to go up against in the WRC and I don't think he's quick enough yet. If devotes himself right now to rally, he might be good enough for a seat. But right now, he'll get so raped, it'll be embarassing.
Think of the X-Games rally. On the final run, McRae had more than a few seconds ahead of Pastrana, rolled the car, and still managed to finish within a second of Pastrana. McRae's skill is something Pastrana will have to go up against in the WRC and I don't think he's quick enough yet. If devotes himself right now to rally, he might be good enough for a seat. But right now, he'll get so raped, it'll be embarassing.
| mykrrrr | 08-24-2006 05:09 PM |
Looking back @ Pat's PWRC run a few years ago, if he had proper financial backing and could concentrate on testing and running PWRC and European events (to keep him closer to the majority of the rallies in the world championship) I think Pat could have done better than he did.
I think w/more seat time and solid backing from his sponsors, Travis could campaign the PWRC and probably place well. He's got the natural ability to go fast so why not.
If he goes that route (which I hope he does) I wish him well. If he needs a logistics manager/coffee gofer I'm his guy. :D
I think w/more seat time and solid backing from his sponsors, Travis could campaign the PWRC and probably place well. He's got the natural ability to go fast so why not.
If he goes that route (which I hope he does) I wish him well. If he needs a logistics manager/coffee gofer I'm his guy. :D
| Hondo88 | 08-24-2006 05:20 PM |
It would be great marketing for Ford or Subaru... If people could see it :furious:
Just picture the little american flag next to his name on the window.... makes me all verclempt.
Just picture the little american flag next to his name on the window.... makes me all verclempt.
| FaastLegacy | 08-24-2006 05:56 PM |
[QUOTE=WRXedUSA]For sake of GroupN comparison, I'll reason it this way.
Herridge, Atkinson and Crocker cleaned house in Australia in 2004. SWRT took a shot at Atkinson after winning GroupN at the AU round. Atkinson gets on SWRT for a year, then goes back and competes in a GroupN car in Ireland this spring and cleaned house. He beat up on some pretty seasoned rally drivers on thier home event.
That alone should be used as a barometer of what the WRC GroupA class takes.[/QUOTE]
Exactly. Think of the drivers that have dominated here stateside, like the Higgins brothers, then jump into the WRC and can't make a dent. Pastrana is talented, but he has superior equipment and a superior budget compared to most running RA right now. I'm not convinced he's one of the best in North America, let alone in the world. At least not right now....
Herridge, Atkinson and Crocker cleaned house in Australia in 2004. SWRT took a shot at Atkinson after winning GroupN at the AU round. Atkinson gets on SWRT for a year, then goes back and competes in a GroupN car in Ireland this spring and cleaned house. He beat up on some pretty seasoned rally drivers on thier home event.
That alone should be used as a barometer of what the WRC GroupA class takes.[/QUOTE]
Exactly. Think of the drivers that have dominated here stateside, like the Higgins brothers, then jump into the WRC and can't make a dent. Pastrana is talented, but he has superior equipment and a superior budget compared to most running RA right now. I'm not convinced he's one of the best in North America, let alone in the world. At least not right now....
| wrxwhat | 08-24-2006 06:13 PM |
I think he can run competitively with proper funding [img]http://www.kcsr.org/images/smiles/yesnod.gif[/img]
| PA04STI | 08-24-2006 06:15 PM |
R u serious although the Xgames rally was cool give me a break it's like 1/100th what WRC is.
That goes along with American Rallying there is NO comparison to the skill, terrain, cars etc etc that WRC has.
I doubt any US rally person would make WRC.
Matt
That goes along with American Rallying there is NO comparison to the skill, terrain, cars etc etc that WRC has.
I doubt any US rally person would make WRC.
Matt
| RichardM | 08-24-2006 06:36 PM |
Matt, I am glad some one with you great experience has spoken. I assume you are equally positive no American can ever race in F1 either. Or Paris/Dakar.
There is no doubt Travis has the native skills. Those skills just need honing as Travis will tell you.
I have no idea what you mean about our terrain and cars don't compare to the WRC. There have been WRC events run in the US so our dirt is as good as their dirt. Our roads average a little rougher in general from what I have been told. Now which cars are you comparing? Just as an F1 and IRL car are built to different rules, so to are Rally America and WRC cars. Given the budget, I am sure there are several race shops in the US that could make a competitive WRC car. Several of these shops are presently building things like NASCAR, IRL, IMSA, etc. Just send money.
Which brings up the final point. In order to succeed in any form of professional racing, the driver or team has to be in the advertising business. Since most of the WRC is not in the USA, most US drivers would have a very low recognition factor in the markets that the WRC sponsors are in. Just like the quarterback from Dallas has a hard time advertising a car dealership in San Francisco, Pat Richard is not recognizable in Europe. And this is why Travis will succeed. He is extremely personable and well known internationally. He will be able to get the sponsorship. And I am rooting for him and Christian. And also for Ken and Alex. And the dark horse team of Kenny and Dennis.
There is no doubt Travis has the native skills. Those skills just need honing as Travis will tell you.
I have no idea what you mean about our terrain and cars don't compare to the WRC. There have been WRC events run in the US so our dirt is as good as their dirt. Our roads average a little rougher in general from what I have been told. Now which cars are you comparing? Just as an F1 and IRL car are built to different rules, so to are Rally America and WRC cars. Given the budget, I am sure there are several race shops in the US that could make a competitive WRC car. Several of these shops are presently building things like NASCAR, IRL, IMSA, etc. Just send money.
Which brings up the final point. In order to succeed in any form of professional racing, the driver or team has to be in the advertising business. Since most of the WRC is not in the USA, most US drivers would have a very low recognition factor in the markets that the WRC sponsors are in. Just like the quarterback from Dallas has a hard time advertising a car dealership in San Francisco, Pat Richard is not recognizable in Europe. And this is why Travis will succeed. He is extremely personable and well known internationally. He will be able to get the sponsorship. And I am rooting for him and Christian. And also for Ken and Alex. And the dark horse team of Kenny and Dennis.
| RichardM | 08-24-2006 06:37 PM |
By the way, there are at least 2 American drivers who tested and were offered drives with WRC teams. Both drivers were named Gordon and neither could afford the pay cut.
| BHawk | 08-24-2006 06:48 PM |
No, but I do. So there.
| Blk_on_Blk_Wgn | 08-24-2006 06:50 PM |
I personally don't think he is good enough to run with the big dogs of rallying, however I think he will more than likely get put into a WRC car because of the sheer size of his american fan base. Subaru already backs him way more than they should because of his popularity. Don't get me wrong he is a good driver but no where near the level of Loeb, Gronholm, Solberg etc.
Moral of the story is Subaru will push him farther than he would be able to go had he not be such an amazing moto-xer/ moto racer. He will bring an amazing amount of new and young Americans to the sport of rallying.
Moral of the story is Subaru will push him farther than he would be able to go had he not be such an amazing moto-xer/ moto racer. He will bring an amazing amount of new and young Americans to the sport of rallying.
| mykrrrr | 08-24-2006 07:10 PM |
[QUOTE=RichardM]By the way, there are at least 2 American drivers who tested and were offered drives with WRC teams. Both drivers were named Gordon and neither could afford the pay cut.[/QUOTE]
Who Robby Gordon and Jeff Gordon??? Who offered them WRC drives??? Got a link to the story???
RG is NOT good enough to run WRC. He's good @ Baja & NASCAR but not much more.
JG was invited to the RoC a couple years ago. He got to run some WRC cars but that's like the X Games...not so much like WRC.
The sad thing about Travis and Subaru is that they've got no factory competition to push them. It's mainly their own drive that pushes them to go faster. Matthew Iorio is fast but doesn't have the budgets they do. Pat Richard IMO is faster than both Ken and Travis (I chalk it up to more experience that raw talent...I think all three have natural talent) but again...he's got no sponsors that want/can elevate him to the next level of competition on a steady basis.
RichardM - John Buffum raced in WRC events...he's American. :D
Blk_on_Blk_Wgn - Why do you say "Subaru already backs him way more than they should because of his popularity." :huh:
Why wouldn't Subaru/Ford/DC Shoes/etc sponsor someone who's:
A) Fast on two wheels/four wheels/no wheels
B) Very approachable/friendly to soccer Moms, kids and hardcore rally enthusiasts
C) Enthusiastic to the point of putting his MX/FMX career on hold/retire to pursue rally for many many more years.
I think Subaru has partnered w/a fantastic individual.
Who Robby Gordon and Jeff Gordon??? Who offered them WRC drives??? Got a link to the story???
RG is NOT good enough to run WRC. He's good @ Baja & NASCAR but not much more.
JG was invited to the RoC a couple years ago. He got to run some WRC cars but that's like the X Games...not so much like WRC.
The sad thing about Travis and Subaru is that they've got no factory competition to push them. It's mainly their own drive that pushes them to go faster. Matthew Iorio is fast but doesn't have the budgets they do. Pat Richard IMO is faster than both Ken and Travis (I chalk it up to more experience that raw talent...I think all three have natural talent) but again...he's got no sponsors that want/can elevate him to the next level of competition on a steady basis.
RichardM - John Buffum raced in WRC events...he's American. :D
Blk_on_Blk_Wgn - Why do you say "Subaru already backs him way more than they should because of his popularity." :huh:
Why wouldn't Subaru/Ford/DC Shoes/etc sponsor someone who's:
A) Fast on two wheels/four wheels/no wheels
B) Very approachable/friendly to soccer Moms, kids and hardcore rally enthusiasts
C) Enthusiastic to the point of putting his MX/FMX career on hold/retire to pursue rally for many many more years.
I think Subaru has partnered w/a fantastic individual.
| OBShahn | 08-24-2006 07:49 PM |
[QUOTE=mykrrrr]Who Robby Gordon and Jeff Gordon??? Who offered them WRC drives??? Got a link to the story???
RG is NOT good enough to run WRC. He's good @ Baja & NASCAR but not much more.
JG was invited to the RoC a couple years ago. He got to run some WRC cars but that's like the X Games...not so much like WRC.
The sad thing about Travis and Subaru is that they've got no factory competition to push them. It's mainly their own drive that pushes them to go faster. Matthew Iorio is fast but doesn't have the budgets they do. Pat Richard IMO is faster than both Ken and Travis (I chalk it up to more experience that raw talent...I think all three have natural talent) but again...he's got no sponsors that want/can elevate him to the next level of competition on a steady basis.
RichardM - John Buffum raced in WRC events...he's American. :D
Blk_on_Blk_Wgn - Why do you say "Subaru already backs him way more than they should because of his popularity." :huh:
Why wouldn't Subaru/Ford/DC Shoes/etc sponsor someone who's:
A) Fast on two wheels/four wheels/no wheels
B) Very approachable/friendly to soccer Moms, kids and hardcore rally enthusiasts
C) Enthusiastic to the point of putting his MX/FMX career on hold/retire to pursue rally for many many more years.
I think Subaru has partnered w/a fantastic individual.[/QUOTE]
Both Gordons and Jimmy Johnson have all been invited to test a WRCar with the possibility of a drive to follow. JG and JJ were with Ford, I believe RG was with Ford as well...
RG is NOT good enough to run WRC. He's good @ Baja & NASCAR but not much more.
JG was invited to the RoC a couple years ago. He got to run some WRC cars but that's like the X Games...not so much like WRC.
The sad thing about Travis and Subaru is that they've got no factory competition to push them. It's mainly their own drive that pushes them to go faster. Matthew Iorio is fast but doesn't have the budgets they do. Pat Richard IMO is faster than both Ken and Travis (I chalk it up to more experience that raw talent...I think all three have natural talent) but again...he's got no sponsors that want/can elevate him to the next level of competition on a steady basis.
RichardM - John Buffum raced in WRC events...he's American. :D
Blk_on_Blk_Wgn - Why do you say "Subaru already backs him way more than they should because of his popularity." :huh:
Why wouldn't Subaru/Ford/DC Shoes/etc sponsor someone who's:
A) Fast on two wheels/four wheels/no wheels
B) Very approachable/friendly to soccer Moms, kids and hardcore rally enthusiasts
C) Enthusiastic to the point of putting his MX/FMX career on hold/retire to pursue rally for many many more years.
I think Subaru has partnered w/a fantastic individual.[/QUOTE]
Both Gordons and Jimmy Johnson have all been invited to test a WRCar with the possibility of a drive to follow. JG and JJ were with Ford, I believe RG was with Ford as well...
| WRXedUSA | 08-24-2006 08:15 PM |
Another element that even showed at the Xgames with Colin/Nicky: Pace notes.
How fast would he be comparable to say Al-Attiyah on a recce note system?
How fast would he be comparable to say Al-Attiyah on a recce note system?
| orbit03 | 08-24-2006 09:17 PM |
I don't know. I think the main factor is if the upper echelon of rallying take an interest in him and find value in having a well know American running the WRC. We all know that the FIA does want more exposure and popularity in the US (North America is a HUGE market) and having an American or Canadian behind the wheel of a factory car would help that effort. Look at Sebastian Loeb, he was an acrobat before getting into rallying in the late '90's. Citroen took a keen interest in him and gave him the backing and training to become a top driver (granted, he has a lot of skill to begin with, but rising to be one of the top drivers in less than 10 years is impressive). I think if a factory team wants an American flag on one of their cars, you will see Travis in the WRC. I think the main thing comes down to the potential for marketing $$ and if Travis wants to go there, he should be pushing his mug in front of these companies. He has a well known brand already (especially coming out of the x-games) and that carries a lot of weight. He has the skill, he just needs focused training and I think he would do well.
Besides, he seems like a heck of a nice guy and he has done a lot for the sport (I think he is partially responsible for getting rally in the x-games, and his name brings people to the sport) in a short time. I wish him the best of luck.
Besides, he seems like a heck of a nice guy and he has done a lot for the sport (I think he is partially responsible for getting rally in the x-games, and his name brings people to the sport) in a short time. I wish him the best of luck.
| johnkaldar | 08-24-2006 10:53 PM |
just by watching colin's drive vs. travis' drive at the x-games shows how hard travis had to push, damage?, the car to get the times of colin. current skill level it is an obvious no to being competitive in wrc, but like anything else, practice, practice, practice.
| greg donovan | 08-24-2006 11:27 PM |
[QUOTE=FaastLegacy]Exactly. Think of the drivers that have dominated here stateside, like the Higgins brothers, then jump into the WRC and can't make a dent. Pastrana is talented, but he has superior equipment and a superior budget compared to most running RA right now. I'm not convinced he's one of the best in North America, let alone in the world. At least not right now....[/QUOTE]
mark higgins drove a focus into the top 10 at rally GB a couple times.
mark higgins drove a focus into the top 10 at rally GB a couple times.
| jupiterrex | 08-24-2006 11:43 PM |
Give the boy some time.... its not like you got behind the wheel of a car when you were 16 and could immediately run laps at road atlanta with the big boys either. I mean, this kid probably could, but on a streetbike. Hes a raw automotive talent. He's got balls, brains and the goodlooking pretty-boy face that every mom in america wants their daughter to bring home. Why in the hell wouldn't subaru be interested. He, as a couple people have said, stopped his career to pursue this... Again give him some time, he will be at the forefront by the time he is 25.. you'll see.
| bjorn240 | 08-25-2006 01:51 AM |
Travis will be on Letterman on Monday. Just FYI.
| GrinderAK | 08-25-2006 03:09 AM |
the man has great potential, he has rally team usa experience, but the big thing is he has no fear. the man grew up on a motocross bike, after you do two flips in the air on a bike, theres few things that are going to scare you about doing 120+ in a caged wrc car. just give the man some time. ;)
| shemoves | 08-25-2006 03:25 AM |
My opinion is that he is not yet a good enough driver. Not even close really. Definitely a good one compared to average joe shmoe, but not competitive WRC.
| Blk_on_Blk_Wgn | 08-25-2006 06:42 AM |
[QUOTE=mykrrrr].
Blk_on_Blk_Wgn - Why do you say "Subaru already backs him way more than they should because of his popularity." :huh:
[/QUOTE]
I said this because he wouldnt get as much factory support as he does if he wasn't already extremely popular. He is a good driver but he is not good enough to merit the amount of support he gets, Subaru is associating itself with an already established name in America. Marketing is the bottom line, thats what I was getting at.
Blk_on_Blk_Wgn - Why do you say "Subaru already backs him way more than they should because of his popularity." :huh:
[/QUOTE]
I said this because he wouldnt get as much factory support as he does if he wasn't already extremely popular. He is a good driver but he is not good enough to merit the amount of support he gets, Subaru is associating itself with an already established name in America. Marketing is the bottom line, thats what I was getting at.
| StuBeck | 08-25-2006 09:53 AM |
[QUOTE=GrinderAK]the man has great potential, he has rally team usa experience, but the big thing is he has no fear. the man grew up on a motocross bike, after you do two flips in the air on a bike, theres few things that are going to scare you about doing 120+ in a caged wrc car. just give the man some time. ;)[/QUOTE]
I think that is also his biggest problem. He has no fear so he just goes in gung ho without listening to what the car is telling him. He's had a lot more big accidents than I feel he should have at this point.
I think that is also his biggest problem. He has no fear so he just goes in gung ho without listening to what the car is telling him. He's had a lot more big accidents than I feel he should have at this point.
| NYEJ25 | 08-25-2006 10:04 AM |
[QUOTE=RichardM]Matt, I am glad some one with you great experience has spoken. I assume you are equally positive no American can ever race in F1 either. Or Paris/Dakar.
[/QUOTE]
There is an American in F1, his name is Scott Speed.
[/QUOTE]
There is an American in F1, his name is Scott Speed.
| bjorn240 | 08-25-2006 10:12 AM |
Yeah, that was Richard's point...
| runnah | 08-25-2006 10:49 AM |
[QUOTE=StuBeck]I think that is also his biggest problem. He has no fear so he just goes in gung ho without listening to what the car is telling him. He's had a lot more big accidents than I feel he should have at this point.[/QUOTE]
Yeah he does seem to have a "devil may care" attitude. But you watch him do stuff like double backflips and think he is just hoping and hucking, its not true. Lots of time, practice and thought went into that.
Like I said before if he shifts his focus 100% to rally there will be no stopping him. He does need polish that for sure but he does have natural talent.
If any American can make it big in WRC its him. People seem to have this attitude where if don't have european blood pumping through your veins you cannot compete. The main factor IMO why Americans haven't really been in WRC because it isn't popular over. All the good drivers here strive for NASCAR, not WRC where as in euroupe they strive for WRC, F1, GT etc...
Hopfully Pastrana will help bring a newfound fan base for WRC.
Yeah he does seem to have a "devil may care" attitude. But you watch him do stuff like double backflips and think he is just hoping and hucking, its not true. Lots of time, practice and thought went into that.
Like I said before if he shifts his focus 100% to rally there will be no stopping him. He does need polish that for sure but he does have natural talent.
If any American can make it big in WRC its him. People seem to have this attitude where if don't have european blood pumping through your veins you cannot compete. The main factor IMO why Americans haven't really been in WRC because it isn't popular over. All the good drivers here strive for NASCAR, not WRC where as in euroupe they strive for WRC, F1, GT etc...
Hopfully Pastrana will help bring a newfound fan base for WRC.
| ROC pit-bull | 08-25-2006 12:22 PM |
I think that he's not as good as ummm, well a guy named Richard, a guy named sprongl And a few others out there. could he get there sure, he has the financial backing that teams are looking for.
| grippgoat | 08-25-2006 12:35 PM |
I have had very little exposure to Travis Pastrana, pretty much just the X-Games vids someone posted here. But from just that little bit of exposure, I get the distinct impression that he is a genually good guy, and he really knows his place when it comes to rally. He knows he was gifted the x-games win because Colin rolled it, and he knows how superior Colin is for STILL only missing by a few tenths WITH the roll. I'm positive that he doesn't think he is better than he is, and he certainly has talent. Give him some time and I'm sure he can go to the top of whatever he decides to do.
-Mike
-Mike
| RichardM | 08-25-2006 12:52 PM |
Thank you Christian. Good luck today. Wish I was there but my damn day job got in the way.
Richard
PS: I actually "beat" Travis at 100 Acre Wood this year. He had a problem that kept the car from going any further. I survived my problems.
Richard
PS: I actually "beat" Travis at 100 Acre Wood this year. He had a problem that kept the car from going any further. I survived my problems.
| Big C | 08-25-2006 01:08 PM |
The thing that suprises me about Travis is how many opps he passes up to gain relevant experience. Two big pieces he is missing is tarmac skill and running on his own recced notes. I know his focus has been on RA, but he has missed many NASA events that offered both tarmac and recce. I'll cite last years Rally TN and IRNY as two events he missed that he shouldn't have if he indeed wants to do everything possible to get himself ready for WRC. Both events were relatively cheap, close to his home, and not that far from his car supplier. I hope it's not a sanctioning body "issue", because that would be really dumb.
-Colin
-Colin
| RichardM | 08-25-2006 02:18 PM |
Both Travis and Ken have run at least one NASA event. But that was to gain experience on the roads the were used for X Games. It appears that their team is concentrating on the Rally America championship. Given that a rally weekend cost me a minimum of $1000 and that is only if it is close and I don't hurt the car, I would think cost is the reason they are not also running the NASA events. I would venture that a rally weekend costs Travis or some one on the team a minimum to $20,000 per car. And that is without any car damage.
| Bonzo | 08-25-2006 02:28 PM |
Give Travis a few years as he is pretty damn green in the big picture of world competition.
He has an absolute lock on the marketing side now. One huge step ahead. In most cases that is the side that hampers most.
As for geting fast/er and talent he has that too, but it just needs honing. I have seen him grow up on bikes and also ride myself. Stuff he does and did is far from average or normal.
Anyone know the general age of WRC drivers now?
He has an absolute lock on the marketing side now. One huge step ahead. In most cases that is the side that hampers most.
As for geting fast/er and talent he has that too, but it just needs honing. I have seen him grow up on bikes and also ride myself. Stuff he does and did is far from average or normal.
Anyone know the general age of WRC drivers now?
| Big C | 08-25-2006 02:36 PM |
The cost side is Travis' and his sponsors problem. All I'm sure is that if he continues to run the RA series year after year he will not develop the fundamental skills to be even remotely competitive at the WRC level. When I see him missing out on relatively low cost opps to further his development I really wonder if he will ever succeed.
Would love to see him prove me wrong, he might make the WRC worth watching.
-C
Would love to see him prove me wrong, he might make the WRC worth watching.
-C
| RichardM | 08-25-2006 02:39 PM |
I think he is already planning on running one WRC event next year, Mexico. Remember, he and Ken ran the recce this year. And that is the excepted (at least by the other WRC entrants) way to do it.
Travis has already said he is not planning on running RA "year after year" although I hope he does continue in our series.
Travis has already said he is not planning on running RA "year after year" although I hope he does continue in our series.
| Big C | 08-25-2006 02:44 PM |
Huge difference between writing notes and actually running at 100% commitment on them. He should have hired the 2wd Pugeot that was available a month before the rally and see if he could run fully commited against those notes. Another lost opp....
-C (Wished he had money to rent that pug!)
-C (Wished he had money to rent that pug!)
| RichardM | 08-25-2006 02:49 PM |
Travis has made a world of improvement in just the last few events. Give the man a chance. And I have a feeling that Kenny Bartram is going to be right there with Travis. It is a fairly well proven fact that being good on a motorcycle can transfer to cars. And that Motocross transfer to rally.
| fastwrx006 | 08-25-2006 02:53 PM |
What just cause he did well on a BS x-games rally course he can be in the WRC.....
I he ever ends up in the WRC on a real rally course he will probably end up running into a tree or off a steep cliff.
I he ever ends up in the WRC on a real rally course he will probably end up running into a tree or off a steep cliff.
| RichardM | 08-25-2006 03:06 PM |
If he doesn't crash, he's going too slow. :) Even Travis knows that today, he could not step into a WRC car and be on the podium. But he is learning and very quickly at that. The question is not will Travis go to the WRC but when. I just hope that he doesn't get a sponsor that pushes him too hard. Although he does respond very well to pressure.
| Bonzo | 08-25-2006 03:15 PM |
[QUOTE=fastwrx006]What just cause he did well on a BS x-games rally course he can be in the WRC.....
I he ever ends up in the WRC on a real rally course he will probably end up running into a tree or off a steep cliff.[/QUOTE]
And how is this diffrent that most of the WRC competitors now?
I was a bit suprised to KennyB in a car. His face is just.....memorable. :D
I he ever ends up in the WRC on a real rally course he will probably end up running into a tree or off a steep cliff.[/QUOTE]
And how is this diffrent that most of the WRC competitors now?
I was a bit suprised to KennyB in a car. His face is just.....memorable. :D
| V6TurboTA | 08-25-2006 04:34 PM |
[url]http://videos.streetfire.net/hottestvideos/3/f6bde1e1-f71a-47de-8153-982000c269d1.htm[/url]
im a noob wtlw?
cant say he lacks enthusiasm. :D
im a noob wtlw?
cant say he lacks enthusiasm. :D
| RichardM | 08-25-2006 04:49 PM |
Colorado COG last year.
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