Quotes of the Week
09/29/08 “Maybe I’m the only one here willing to tell the truth. They haven’t wanted Kyle in the car the last three years. They want a young driver, a 30-year-old, a 20-year-old. But Wells Fargo, our sponsor, says it’s going to stay with Kyle, whatever he does." Patti Petty, wife of NASCAR driver, Kyle Petty, commenting on the ongoing turmoil at Petty Enterprises
09/29/08
"Sometimes God makes perfect people, and Paul Newman was one of them." Racing Great Mario Andretti in paying tribute to his friend Paul Newman used a quote from Sally Field
“Paul [Newman] and I have been partners for twenty-six years and I have come to know his passion, humor and above all, his generosity. Not just economic generosity, but generosity of spirit. His support of the team’s drivers, crew and the racing industry is legendary. His pure joy at winning a pole position or winning a race exemplified the spirit he brought to his life and to all those that knew him. We will truly miss him." Carl A. Haas, co-owner of Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing
"Paul Newman's craft was acting. His passion was racing. His love was his family and friends. And his heart and soul were dedicated to helping make the world a better place for all. Paul had an abiding belief in the role that luck plays in one's life, and its randomness. He was quick to acknowledge the good fortune he had in his own life, beginning with being born in America, and was acutely aware of how unlucky so many others were. True to his character, he quietly devoted himself to helping offset this imbalance. Paul took advantage of what life offered him, and while personally reluctant to acknowledge that he was doing anything special, he forever changed the lives of many with his generosity, humor, and humanness." Newman Foundation [charity organization]
“This is a fantastic result – my first podium of the season; my first victory and I’m very happy, although I think it will take several days for me to realize what we have achieved. Winning a Grand Prix here just seemed to be impossible because we missed our chance yesterday in qualifying, but we were very fortunate today and it’s a superb result for the team. We chose a very aggressive strategy and we had a bit of luck, but we had the pace and the car was fantastic throughout the weekend." Fernando Alonso, 2 times World Drivers Champion, Renault, winner of first ever F1 race run at night in the inaugural Singapore Grand Prix.
"It's hard to deal with losing in this fashion a race that was within our grasp, with a car that was just the way I wanted it. We had a good strategy and all the signs were there that we could get a one-two finish. But things can change in a moment and that's what happened today. At the pit stop, one of the guys made a mistake. But we are only human. Each one of us always tries to do our best and these things can happen. With the Safety Car still on track, I didn't lose a lap, but then I got a drive-through and later I also picked up a puncture in the left rear. On this track it is almost impossible to overtake and ending up at the back meant I had not chance of getting into the points. Seven points to make up in three races? That can be a lot or it can be a little. We have the potential to do well, as we saw today and we will give it our best shot. We mustn't give up and I'm sure we won't." Felipe Massa, Formula 1 driver, Ferrari
"People will probably expect me to be depressed about today's result [FIA Court of Appeal decision], but that isn't me. All I want to do now is put this matter behind me and get on with what we drivers do best: racing each other. We're racers, we're naturally competitive, and we love to overtake. Overtaking is difficult, and it feels great when you manage to pull off a great passing maneuver. If it pleases the spectators and TV viewers, it's better still. So I'm disappointed, yes, but not depressed." Lewis Hamilton, Formula 1 driver, McLaren Mercedes, commenting on the FIA International Court of Appeal's decision to deny his team’s appeal against the penalty imposed on him at the Belgian Grand Prix
"I thought it was an absolutely appalling decision." Sir Stirling Moss, the best Formula 1 driver never to win the World Drivers Championship, commenting on the FIA International Court of Appeal's decision to deny Lewis Hamilton's appeal
“I grew up a lot in the last two years, because at the end of 2005 I had a great career and I had won all the important targets so far. 125, 250 and then five titles in a row in MotoGP with two different bikes – I felt unbeatable. But in 2006 and 2007 I learnt to lose and this has been very important. I came out much stronger and my level of concentration and effort to win this championship in 2008 has been higher than ever before. I think Stoner next year will be back stronger again, so maybe he is the hardest rival I have ever had, more than Gibernau and all the others I fought against in the past. Last year I was sorry that after so many successful years, some people thought Valentino was finished and Casey was the new Valentino. As I said, until I stop riding a bike, my objective will always be to win. I like this life and I always try to do my best in it."
“It was a crap season in 2007 and then when I heard about the deaths of Colin McRae and Norick Abe [two of his motor sport heroes] I thought, 'This is the worst year ever.' But losing has made me grow up. I thought I was a little bit unbeatable, but I've come back stronger. This has been the hardest championship of all. I have ridden the best in my career this year. But next year is another story." Valentino Rossi, MotoGP, claimed his 8th World Championship at the Japanese Grand Prix