There’s Always An Angler, er … Angle

Well … if imitation is the greatest form of flattery, then consider NASCAR flattered … ahem.

While lookin’ around to see what Villeneuve is up to while he’s waiting for a sponsor to bring him back into Cup competition, imagine my surprise to learn that he’s signed on to drive in the Speedcar Series.

‘Speedcar Series? What the hell is the Speedcar Series?’, you ask?  Don’t worry — I asked.  In fact, I felt somewhat shamed that I had to ask at all, as I furiously searched the web for more info … until, as the sun shined a bit too brightly, the birds sang a bit too loudly, and my coffee went down a bit too warmly — it all became clear to me.

This is something that’s been staring us in the face for quite some time, increasingly interwoven through every facet of American life from our real estate to our banking systems (to our weapons systems) to our gas pumps:

The United Arab Emirates.

Now, they’re taking on NASCAR.  Or, ok … that’s one silent war they’ll never win, but, they are now attempting a sorta’ NASCAR-esque type of “stock car” kind of racing … pretty much, grin:

Hey … I suppose, if nothing else, they’ll never have to worry about the cost or supply of fuel cutting into their racing action, huh?  No, really — if you think about it … they must create their own NASCAR-esque series rather than even consider inviting the real NASCAR to Dubai or anywhere else where rednecks, beer and scantily-clad, independent, take-no-shit American women wouldn’t be welcomed with open arms, lol. (As if watching Brian France & Co. trying to do “diplomacy” wouldn’t be hilarious to an extreme, though … whew.)

In light of (or despite) just that much amusing stuff, then, this whole Speedcar Series thing makes perfect sense in a rabidly anti-American global economy — doncha’ think?

Alright, alright, grin … back to Villeneuve — not surprisingly, rather French-Canadian in nature, ahem:

Formula 1 World Champion Jacques Villeneuve will race with Speedcar in the last two rounds of the Series’ inaugural season. He will take to the grid for the upcoming race at the Bahrain Grand Prix on April 4-6 followed by the final round in Dubai a week later on April 11-12.

Jacques Villeneuve said: “Speedcar Series looks like a great event and I have heard that it is a lot of fun. It’s a series still in its infancy and will build up but I think it’s a great idea. On a personal level, Speedcar will give me more road racing experience with this kind of cars which will be useful in future NASCAR road courses events, and it’s also a great excuse to meet race fans.” Full Story

Oh, and here’s more on the Speedcar Series itself, because I know you’re just dyin’ to learn all about it:

The inaugural SPEEDCAR Series Championship will start its annual tour on the grid in November 2007 and accelerate across several countries, spanning the Middle East, Asia and Australasia. Featuring 24 drivers competing in identical V8 620bhp stock cars, deliberately lacking electronic driver aids – meaning the racing is close, exciting and thrilling for TV and trackside spectators.  Speedcar Series Site

I don’t know about you, but to me, that whole “deliberately lacking electronic driver aids” part is riveting, lol …