Vitor’s Future…
As all of us know by now, Vitor Meira will not be returning to the cockpit of the #4 Panther Racing Machine next season. Dan Wheldon has shifted over from Target Chip Ganassi Racing to replace Vitor. Vitor was definitely caught off guard. Apparently Vitor never received a phone call. He was released through an e-mail that his manager received from Panther Racing. Will Vitor have a ride for the 2009 season? If so, where will he end up and who can possibly pick him up? My choice would be Rahal Letterman Racing running a 2nd car. He has driven for Rahal Letterman in the past and has driven well. They would be a solid team with Ryan Hunter-Reay and Vitor assisting each other. Ryan Hunter-Reay has already proved that he can run in this league with no problems and with no team mates to back him up. At this point we can only hope for the best for Vitor in securing a ride for the 2009 season.
September 9th, 2008 at 11:46
I think RLR – which pretty much seals he will be someplace else. Maybe Foyt? ????
September 9th, 2008 at 23:43
I personally think that Foyt will stay with Darren Manning. AJ Foyt has stated that he would like to run a two car effort next season and even auditioned Franck Perera. I see Foyt as a slight possibility but I honestly think it won’t happen.
September 10th, 2008 at 18:41
I really like Vitor but I don’t think he has what it takes to keep a good car running up front. I know he has had some good runs but he should have won a race or 2 buy now. I would like to see him stay in the series he is a great pesonality but with out the talent to back it up.
September 10th, 2008 at 21:12
I honestly thought this was going to be Vitor’s breakout season. I think he is a very capable driver. If you look back he has had some bad luck especially this season. He has run strong and I would personally love to see him back next year. Why he has not won a race yet sure has me scratching my head. Unfortunately for Meira, being a good driver and not winning doesn’t keep you in a race car. I am pretty sure he will find a ride somewhere next season. I firmly believe that Vitor still has a future in the IndyCar Series. If not here, than perhaps he might run some races in the Rolex Series. He did drive for Vision Racing in the 24 hours of Daytona in January alongside AJ Foyt IV, Ed Carpenter, and John Andretti.
September 12th, 2008 at 23:36
Vision racing would be my guess. Tony George has put good $ behind this program this season and the results showed. He wants to win and mentioned running a 3rd car in the past. Vitor deserves a ride for sure
September 15th, 2008 at 22:46
I’d like to see Vitor have another go with RLR. He did a good job with them before, but was overshadowed as “Danica’s teammate”. I’m sure a two-car team would be more competitive than a single car team, and they would be able to close on the “Big Three”.
One of the things I liked the most about this year was how the AGR/Penske/Ganassi stranglehold on victory lane was finally broken. Newman Haas Lanigan will be more competitive next year, along with RLR, Vision, Panther, and hopefully some others.
And I hope next year’s big breakthrough winner is Vitor…
September 25th, 2008 at 19:50
Like I said, maybe Foyt?