Wheldon to Ganassi (more official)

[BootsOntheSide]

He's thinking that, because people like racer69 under-estimate Ganassi, and don't appreciate that the two main reasons for their recent problems (Toyota engines and the lack of an oval setup expert) are both gone, his results next season will look imrpessive whatever he does, and he could have the satisfaction of beating AGR and showing that their pay off was derisory relative to Dario's. He'll be establishing links iwth a team with a great record of giving its drivers a chance in F1 as well.

[Alex K]

He is thinking $$$ and NASCAR future $$$.

[Mystery]

I can't imagine for the life of me he's thinking anything about NASCAR. Although he might well be thinking $$$ but as for his future I don't believe he's looking at much other than F1 race drives, and sadly the small grid right now doesnt make that jump look likely any time soon

[racer69]

Originally Posted by BootsOntheSide

He's thinking that, because people like racer69 under-estimate Ganassi, and don't appreciate that the two main reasons for their recent problems (Toyota engines and the lack of an oval setup expert) are both gone, his results next season will look imrpessive whatever he does, and he could have the satisfaction of beating AGR and showing that their pay off was derisory relative to Dario's. He'll be establishing links iwth a team with a great record of giving its drivers a chance in F1 as well.

I'm not under-estimating Ganassi, i'm just wondering why you would leave 'the' Honda team and the team which has just won back-to-back championships with a good chance of another one next year.

[Kicking-back]

Because he's won the title in what's perceived as the "best" team.

What better way to enhance your reputation still further than by going to a team which has been struggling, and bringing it back to former glories.

[racer69]

One thing this could show up is how much work he did at AGR regarding getting the cars to the front of the field. Especially with TCGR moving to a Dallara and a Honda, that team is effectively starting again.

It's just a curious decision for a driver who wants to win, he was in a position to be the 'golden child' at AGR and Honda for years to come (my problem here is i'm looking at it from a drivers perspective)

[Mystery]

Originally Posted by racer69

One thing this could show up is how much work he did at AGR regarding getting the cars to the front of the field. Especially with TCGR moving to a Dallara and a Honda, that team is effectively starting again.

It's just a curious decision for a driver who wants to win, he was in a position to be the 'golden child' at AGR and Honda for years to come (my problem here is i'm looking at it from a drivers perspective)

By what I'm reading though I'm getting the distinct impression that he did not have the perception that he was the "golden child" as you put it, particularly when it came to salary negotiations. Seems like the one who brings Hollywood actresses to pitlane gets the big salaries (cyncial.???? moi??? )

[BootsOntheSide]

He can be forgiven for seeing it that way - he's outperformed the much more experienced Franchitti consistantly, and still gets a fraction of the pay, which would seem unfair to anyone - not just the money, but also the message it sends out.

[mountainstar]

Originally Posted by BootsOntheSide

He can be forgiven for seeing it that way - he's outperformed the much more experienced Franchitti consistantly, and still gets a fraction of the pay, which would seem unfair to anyone - not just the money, but also the message it sends out.

I remember reading that in 2003 Mr. judd was collecting $8 million a year, paid mostly by Honda. A bit over the top really.

[climb]

Overall, I'm quite happy Dan switched to Ganassi: for a series which is not passing through its most brilliant times, such a change brings an increase in interest, sending at least to messages:
-Ganassi believe in IRL and want to win again.
-Wheldon breaks a situation of too easy winning, jeopadizing a bit the impressive but also boring AGR domination.

Adding the fact that all the top teams have the same engine, we can expect an exciting season for 2006

[macdaddy]

This commentary speculates on drivers' salaries from 2005.

$3,000,000 - Franchitti
$2,000,000 - Hornish
$2,000,000 - Castroneves
$1,600,000 - Kanaan
$600,000 - Rice
$500,000 - Wheldon
$400,000 - Patrick

And this may have alot to do with Wheldon's move to Ganassi, where they surmise he'll be making $2,800,000 next year. That's a hefty pay-raise.

[racer69]

How long had Wheldon been on contract for though? If he was still on the deal that started in 2003 (and who knew then he'd have come as far as he has), then that salary is probably right for the time it was signed.


EDIT - typed above while the link was loading, seems it was the last of his 3-year deal. While no doubt a pay-rise was in the offing, it must have been a terrible offer from AGR for him to leave, it'd be pretty pathetic from Wheldon if the main reason he left was because Franchitti was getting paid more, whether Dario deserves it or not.......