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Apple Pro Underwear · May 28, 2005, 09:17 PM

http://sports.espn.go.com/rpm/news/s...amp;id=2070899

I call BS. She was a 100 pounds lighter than some drivers but it doesn't mean those guys can't ditch some weight. Or what if a skinny dude is a driver?

This is so petty i can't believe he would say that. SHe weighs 100lbs and that improves her speed 1 mph. So i'm sure there must be a dude in there who weighs around 150. So his speed is increased to .5 mph. So is this really a big deal? Complaining like an idiot before she has even shown she could race? Plus how big of a coward says he'll boycott the race when he has no intention of being in it? I call him on what this dude is: A PUSSY.

Agasthya · May 28, 2005, 09:22 PM

The rules are stupid. The car should be weighed with the drivers weight added to make it fair.

The Injury Racing League is a joke.

mitchell_pgh · May 28, 2005, 10:27 PM

You need to remember that these people are petty about EVERYTHING. They have millions of dollars wrapped up in their cars and ANY unfair advantage is a MAJOR unfair advantage (but I agree, it is rather outrageous).

You could also argue that it's unfair that men generally have stronger upper body muscular development (or some other nonsense).

I agree that they should weigh the cars with the drivers to make them fair, but then they would be complaining that a female (or very light person) could get 50-90 more lbs on his/her car without penalty.

Why don't they weigh the cars so they are all the same, then weigh the heaviest person... and add weights to everyone else to make them the same weight (sandbags in their cars). That's the only fair way in my book.

The Godfather · May 28, 2005, 10:30 PM

Originally Posted by Agasthya

The rules are stupid. The car should be weighed with the drivers weight added to make it fair.

The Injury Racing League is a joke.

That would allow for more gas, better tires and better engine. The obese drivers would still call it unfair.

The Godfather · May 28, 2005, 10:34 PM

Sports socialism = expect big-fat horse jockeys.

Mr. Blur · May 28, 2005, 10:37 PM

it may indeed sound "petty" for the other drivers to complain about it but when you realize that timings there in time trials and laps etc are measured in 1/100ths of seconds then yes, there is an advantage for a significantly lighter driver.

mitchell_pgh has the right idea - balance all the cars with extra "dead" weight - don't they do that in horse racing?

Dale Sorel · May 29, 2005, 03:05 AM

Originally Posted by Mr. Blur

mitchell_pgh has the right idea - balance all the cars with extra "dead" weight - don't they do that in horse racing?

Only problem with that is where you put the weight can make a tremendous difference in the speed of the car/driver combination. Using Indy as an example, putting any extra weight as low and as far left in the car as possible will buy you tenths on the track.

JohnM15141 · May 29, 2005, 03:12 AM

I say it encourages good health. If you wanna race you gotta be fit! No Fat Drivers allowed. So while the engineers try to design faster cars and the Mechanics strive to make them work right the team owners will be out trying to hire super models(cause they're real skinny) and train'em to drive! How's that for your body image...another reason to lose weight.

jcadam · May 29, 2005, 03:32 AM

Men and women shouldn't compete against each other in sports. It's only asking for trouble.
The primary reason being - it's too damaging to the male ego to lose to a girl

Apple Pro Underwear · May 29, 2005, 09:15 AM

i think in this case, he should make a silent protest to have it investigated for next year's race. and take the girl's name out of it and focus on driver weight instead of sex.

think about what this chick is doing for the sport in terms of publicity. i hate any form of driving sport and i have a mild interest in this year's outcome.

brapper · May 29, 2005, 10:51 AM

It's definitely an advantage, whether being lighter is "unfair" is debatable.
It's for sure a plus for IRL that she's good looking and fit...thank god she's not butch.

sideus · May 29, 2005, 10:58 AM

I'd hit it.

brapper · May 29, 2005, 02:57 PM

well she's leading after 178 of 200 laps...big gamble on fuel right now tho

brapper · May 29, 2005, 03:09 PM

holy hell she's leading with 10 to go.
Great restart. This is crazy... a Lady?!!?

brapper · May 29, 2005, 03:15 PM

aahhhhh not enough fuel...4th place finish.

Ω · May 29, 2005, 03:26 PM

Originally Posted by brapper

This is crazy... a Lady?!!?

Why? She's just driving a car around in circles!

dan johnson · May 29, 2005, 03:27 PM

I'm glad that go-cart race is over, now its time for some real racing.

fromthecloud · May 29, 2005, 03:30 PM

Originally Posted by dan johnson

I'm glad that go-cart race is over, now its time for some real racing.

Are you kidding me?

I don't care what you think of the IRL, the Indy 500 is the greatest race in the world.

Ω · May 29, 2005, 03:38 PM

Originally Posted by fromthecloud

I don't care what you think of the IRL, the Indy 500 is the greatest race in the world.

Try Monaco

dan johnson · May 29, 2005, 03:42 PM

Agasthya · May 29, 2005, 03:46 PM

Oh well, she lost.

She's still hot though

TETENAL · May 29, 2005, 03:48 PM

Originally Posted by fromthecloud

I don't care what you think of the IRL, the Indy 500 is the greatest race in the world.

USA ≠ "the world"

wdlove · May 29, 2005, 03:51 PM

Not bad for a rookie, Danika came in fourth!

willed · May 29, 2005, 04:14 PM

With Formula 1 they spend millions to shave .1 of a second off their lap times. I dunno about the American version, but I'd say a weight difference such as that IS unfair.

Ganesha · May 29, 2005, 04:32 PM

If the weight difference is unfair, then the teams should hire lighter weight drivers, and the heavier drivers should find a new 'sport' or lose the weight, just like any other sport where excess weight means lost performance.

euchomai · May 29, 2005, 04:37 PM

Originally Posted by Ganesha

If the weight difference is unfair, then the teams should hire lighter weight drivers, and the heavier drivers should find a new 'sport' or lose the weight, just like any other sport where excess weight means lost performance.

exactly

Mediaman_12 · May 29, 2005, 04:49 PM

Would they complain the same if one of the regular drivers went on some 'super diet' during the off season and lost a load of weight?
What would more likely happen is that the other team owners would tell there drivers to get there ass in gear and start shedding the pounds.

In F1 the cars are weighed both with the driver and without both before and after the race. There is a minimum weight the cars can be (I think?), but the teams try and shave the weight off the car so they can add weights back in the car where they want it.

exca1ibur · May 29, 2005, 06:09 PM

Originally Posted by Ganesha

If the weight difference is unfair, then the teams should hire lighter weight drivers, and the heavier drivers should find a new 'sport' or lose the weight, just like any other sport where excess weight means lost performance.

Only problem is the average male is gonna weight more than the avg female. So that doesn't hold up. Also the weight of the driver doesn't mean they are a good driver as well. You hire a driver based on driving ability. That is why she is there and the others as well, not their weight. If its a problem I agree they should just weight the car AND the driver if its a big issue. I think this is only a problem in IRL since the cars are light and have a ton of HP. I have a feeling if she were in NASCAR Robby wouldn't have had a problem as the cars are about a 1000lbs heavier and less HP so the body weight of the driver isn't a major factor.

Sealobo · May 29, 2005, 06:56 PM

Originally Posted by fromthecloud

Are you kidding me?

I don't care what you think of the IRL, the Indy 500 is the greatest race in the world.

No offense but I sugguest you see more of the world.

Honestly even some horse racings are better than the Indy 500.

ghporter · May 29, 2005, 07:06 PM

And some people wonder why I'm not into NASCAR... Does this sound like something from WWE's scripts to anyone else?

It's HOOEY. The difference between a big, 200 pound driver and a petite 100 pound driver cannot make enough difference when you take into account that Mr. 200 Pounds probably has 3 times Ms. 100 Pound's upper body strength for steering and shifting.

Robby Gordon sounds like a whiney baby for complaining. This AIN'T thoroughbred horse racing where ounces can make a measureable difference!

exca1ibur · May 29, 2005, 07:29 PM

Originally Posted by ghporter

And some people wonder why I'm not into NASCAR... Does this sound like something from WWE's scripts to anyone else?

It's HOOEY. The difference between a big, 200 pound driver and a petite 100 pound driver cannot make enough difference when you take into account that Mr. 200 Pounds probably has 3 times Ms. 100 Pound's upper body strength for steering and shifting.

Robby Gordon sounds like a whiney baby for complaining. This AIN'T thoroughbred horse racing where ounces can make a measureable difference!

Have you seen the time difference in NASCAR from 1st - 42nd? Take a look. The time difference is about .900 of a sec. So it does make a difference. I do agree the complaint is BS, as he is the only one complaining. No one else has a problem with it.

NASCAR driver weights vary from like the 140 to 200+ range as it does now. Strength shifting is a moot point as the tension and steering can kill that based on the car. Hence power steering. In an Indy car the weight would be more a factor due to the car being lighter and faster. NASCAR I doubt at all it makes a big difference as not one person has ever brought this issue up.

nredman · May 29, 2005, 08:34 PM

she must have done so well because of her jugs

Ghoser777 · May 29, 2005, 09:10 PM

It's totally unfair that male basketball players are on average taller than female basketball players. Male basketball players should be... er... shortened as necessary to make things equitable.

Stogieman · May 29, 2005, 11:07 PM

That's why NBA & WNBA players don't compete against each other.

mitchell_pgh · May 30, 2005, 12:09 AM

I don't see this as being a female vs. male issue. I simply see the weight as being an issue. If there are going to be more female drivers, they need to adjust to having people that have a somewhat unfair advantage.

Like I said, they should weigh the cars, and add weights to the seats of the cars so it all balances out. I would HATE to see what jockeys do in horse racing (shaving decades off of their lives to stay thin).

Also, upper body strength has a bit to do with racing, but 50lbs + would make considerably more difference.

P.S. While the Indy 500 may not be the most amazing race in the world, it's the most recognized motor sport in the world and the LARGEST race in the world (by viewing audience).

fromthecloud · May 30, 2005, 01:37 AM

Originally Posted by Sealobo

No offense but I sugguest you see more of the world.

Honestly even some horse racings are better than the Indy 500.

Sorry, but there is no other race in the world that has the month-long pagentry and rich tradition like the Indianapolis 500. There is so much more to it than just the race.

IceEnclosure · May 30, 2005, 05:31 AM

Originally Posted by fromthecloud

Sorry, but there is no other race in the world that has the month-long pagentry and rich tradition like the Indianapolis 500. There is so much more to it than just the race.

you are being narrow-minded. Formula 1 is much larger, in every sense of the word.

and so what of the month long pageantry? I didn't tune in till the actual race. Same with most of us, because the IRL is boring.

I have to admit I did go get a large glass of whole milk from the fridge when I saw dude-man chugging it in victory lane.

legacyb4 · May 30, 2005, 08:47 AM

Outside the U.S., I'd have doubt whether it's the "most recognized". Formula 1 has a significant following in the international arena with the races being held across the globe.

Originally Posted by mitchell_pgh

P.S. While the Indy 500 may not be the most amazing race in the world, it's the most recognized motor sport in the world and the LARGEST race in the world (by viewing audience).

ghporter · May 30, 2005, 09:50 AM

Originally Posted by exca1ibur

Have you seen the time difference in NASCAR from 1st - 42nd? Take a look. The time difference is about .900 of a sec. So it does make a difference. I do agree the complaint is BS, as he is the only one complaining. No one else has a problem with it.

NASCAR driver weights vary from like the 140 to 200+ range as it does now. Strength shifting is a moot point as the tension and steering can kill that based on the car. Hence power steering. In an Indy car the weight would be more a factor due to the car being lighter and faster. NASCAR I doubt at all it makes a big difference as not one person has ever brought this issue up.

As I said, until and unless there's a demonstrated, measurable difference that can be proven in a scientific manner, it's still whining. Instead of threatening to boycot races, why didn't Gordon demand that NASCAR do a study to see if there IS an issue at all. He's not whining about skinny guys...

Marv · May 30, 2005, 09:53 AM

Formula 1 is not big in the US. I wish it was because I think it is more interesting to watch cars on a twisty track than an oval. Only in the USA can an oval be so much fun!

Nevertheless, Indy draws the crowd. I have attended once and it was a lot of fun.

As for the original post. These cars weigh about 1200 or so pounds wet. Shaving 100 pounds off of a car that light is a big deal; nearly 10%. But that is racing for you. Its more than just speed, skill, time, and luck. It's also psychology, too.

mitchell_pgh · May 30, 2005, 11:38 AM

Originally Posted by legacyb4

Outside the U.S., I'd have doubt whether it's the "most recognized". Formula 1 has a significant following in the international arena with the races being held across the globe.

It's the most recognized RACE, I agree that Formula 1 (as a sport) is more popular than one race.

But name a single Formula 1 race that is more popular than the Indy 500.

Agasthya · May 30, 2005, 12:29 PM

Originally Posted by mitchell_pgh

It's the most recognized RACE, I agree that Formula 1 (as a sport) is more popular than one race.

But name a single Formula 1 race that is more popular than the Indy 500.

Monaco.

legacyb4 · May 30, 2005, 01:40 PM

Ditto that. How can you beat having the entire city turned into an absolutely stunning racetrack?

Originally Posted by Agasthya

Monaco

Eug Wanker · 02:02 PM

There's no rule that says that she must be a 200 lb butch, so the verdict is: Whiner. Robby Gordon looks like he could stand to lose a few pounds anyway.

BTW, Danica Patrick wasn't the first woman to compete at Indy either.

Originally Posted by exca1ibur

Have you seen the time difference in NASCAR from 1st - 42nd? Take a look. The time difference is about .900 of a sec. So it does make a difference. I do agree the complaint is BS, as he is the only one complaining. No one else has a problem with it.

Huh? You posted qualifying lap times, not race times.

exca1ibur · May 30, 2005, 02:49 PM

Originally Posted by Eug Wanker

There's no rule that says that she must be a 200 lb butch, so the verdict is: Whiner. Robby Gordon looks like he could stand to lose a few pounds anyway.

BTW, Danica Patrick wasn't the first woman to compete at Indy either.

Huh? You posted qualifying lap times, not race times.

Because they dont print the times just points for a final race. LOOK. The point was the fractions are small enough to prove that the hundreth of a second does play a factor. Any track where positioning is important the qualifying DOES make a difference. The race last night was won by .027 seconds.

Apple Pro Underwear · Jun 23, 2005, 06:19 AM

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/200...x.html?cnn=yes

the racing league leader made weird comments about her.

WTF?

Ω · 06:20 AM

...

Apple Pro Underwear · Jun 23, 2005, 07:49 AM

like what?

BTW:
he said: "Women should be all dressed in white like all other domestic appliances."

Ω · 06:21 AM

...

brapper · Jun 23, 2005, 10:09 AM

Ecclestone has made controversial remarks about women before. He told Autosport racing magazine in 2000 that women could not compete in Formula One, but if one did, "she would have to be a woman who was blowing away the boys. ... What I would really like to see happen is to find the right girl, perhaps a black girl with super looks, preferably Jewish or Muslim, who speaks Spanish."

WTF??