Someone finally turned off the faucet that resulted in the flood of open wheel drivers making the jump to NASCAR.  It’s not so simple after all is it guys?  The promise of more money, more fans and a higher profile turned out to be a pipe dream for some of the open wheel drivers hoping to cash in on NASCAR fame.  It seems like Helio Castroneves is content with the fame he achieved on Dancing With The Stars and won’t turn to NASCAR as a way to break into the hearts and minds of race fans.

The open wheel driver debacle has turned into a cautionary tale for these fellas that think the grass is greener over in the NASCAR pastures.  Helio wants to stay put and I can’t say I blame him.  IRL has its fair share of fans and I can’t imagine they are too happy to see all of their stars leaving to pursue the NASCAR dream.  Maybe he placed a few phone calls to Dario Franchitti and Jacques Villeneuve.  I’m sure those fellas gave him an earful about the downfall of trying to make the jump.  I’d bet that Juan Pablo would even tell him to think long and hard about coming over to NASCAR too.  Sure he’s had a bit of success but he sure isn’t winning over any fans with his on track antics. 

IRL can’t possibly be that bad can it guys?  It can’t be nearly as bad as I like to think it is.  Someone out there likes it enough to keep it going.  Be sure to keep those people happy and stay put.  Besides, you’ve got Danica over there still and at least she’s nice to look at.  Take it from Fat Sandy if you fellas are still mulling a move to NASCAR, Smoke don’t look near as nice in a bikini.  The grass ain’t always greener.

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/motor/2008-07-08-notes_N.htm