Who else thinks that Villeneuve showed some class?

Question

at the "Dega race Sunday?

Answer 1

If your talking about him starting at the back of the field, then HELL YES!!!! That was a great move on his part. He knew how the drivers felt about him starting his first Nascar race at "Dega" and how dangerous that track can be. I think he showed a lot of class thinking about everyone's safety!!!! Way to go!!!

Answer 2

I think that what he did at Talladega was very smart. It show alot of class.When have you seen a driver do that. I can't remember. I mean look at how Juan Pablo Montoya this year, and don't get me wrong he's a good driver,but he needs to harness his skill and wanting to win and learn how to race the cars. Not be a bull in a china shop. I hope that Villeneuve does it the right way. and learns that there is the right way about going out there and driving and because a better driver then he is already.

Answer 3

I think he was very mindful of the 'Chase' I figured he would drop back because of his title winning season in F1. In 1997, it came down to the last race of the year and he had to finish ahead of Schumacher. He was very thankful to Coulthard and Hakkinen who let Jacques and Schumacher settle it without interfering. Believe me, this guy gets it.
I do think Gordon and the others that thought he didn't belong were misguided in their statements though. He won the Indy 500, Cart Title, and the World Championship (the hardest and most prestigious title in motorsports) while beating Schumacher. Some drivers, and I would include Gordon or Earnhardt Jr, can drive anything competitively straight away. I think Gordon's ego fueled his remarks. Let's not forget, Jacques' dad Gilles, was discovered racing snowmobiles and was taken directly to F1. Some drivers are just naturals and I think Villeneuve proved it on Sunday while also proving he 'gets it'. If I were Gordon or one of the other big names, I would be worried that Jacques will be acclimated to Nascar quite quickly.

Answer 4

I think he showed class, but I think he was bullied into moving to the back. He earned that 6th place start, and just because gordon said he shouldnt be racing at dega, doesnt mean he should have given up the starting position he earned. I like what dale jr said, half of the guys starting at dega, dont need to race there, but they do every time. Look at who started all the wrecks, guys that are there every week.

go smoke!!

Answer 5

Since this is the first time that he has raced with them he showed lots of class. He made a smart decision by dropping to the back and learning about the COT and how the car works and being respectful to the veterans and other drivers as he needs NASCAR's approval to race in the Daytona 500, and he will be racing these guys again, so paybacks wouldnt be in his best interest, now would they?

Answer 6

A week ago I was one of the people asking why attempt your first race during the chase and at Talladega?
Well the first thing that impressedme is he dropped to the rear of the feild,for everyones safty.
Then throughout the race he run clean and he stayed his line and out of trouble.
At the end of the event he has a fan and if he continues this "safe" transistion into NASCAR then he'll make some fans.
A lot of class.

Answer 7

I made a statement the other day that he would cause the big wreck. Boy did I eat my words. When he came on the television and elected to go to the rear of the pack he immediately earned my respect. Not only that but he stayed out of trouble.

You know first impressions can last a long time. He did good when he made that choice. It immediately shows he is a smart driver. I can't stress enough the respect he has earned from me and I'm sure others feel the same way.

Answer 8

He knows what he's up against experiencewise and with his talent he pretty much stayed out of trouble all day long to finish a very respectable 21st. His decision to move to the rear of the field was due to his wisdom and the goal of the day was to just finish the race and get experience in the Cup car. He will be a factor to deal with in no time.

Answer 9

I was concerned we'd end up with another Montoya- just refusing to learn and causing wrecks.

I respect that Villeneuve took the opportunity to learn - sit at the back, get experience and stay out of trouble. He may be alright after all.

Answer 10

Yes indeed. He wanted the experience as well as the nod of approval from the other drivers and fans. He stayed out of harm's way, and was respectful to the other drivers. I felt bad for him that he lost radio contact, but was glad he finished the race in the top 25. I will be anxious to see how far he takes his talent in the cup series.