For the past five years, young American open-wheel drivers have been rare gems in CART/Champ Car and at times even the IRL. Especially at the front. source: paddocktalk.com - rumors In fact, for many of these drivers, they haven't been able to get a ride with ANY front-running open-wheel team, and instead have been asked to pony up cash via sponsorship backing. But when a young upstart gets to the front of the pack - the latest being Allmendinger, the rumors begin to circulate that they will end up in NASCAR... and many times there is merit in those rumors. Why ? Because there are talks going on behind the scenes. But at Road America Allmendinger consistently told the media, that his drives in the NASCAR Truck series were because he 'was old school'. Meaning he expected to be driving in Champ Car, and racing in NASCAR, and any other drive he could find with four wheels. But is that the truth ? Hard to say. What is clear is that A.J. is negotiating hard with his Champ Car team. An article even briefly appeared at SpeedTV.com on Friday indicating that Gerald Forsythe thought the lad was gone because he couldn't meet A.J.'s '$3 million' salary demands. Though the article was pulled, one has to wonder HOW much truth there was in the story, and what exactly was wrong with it. But then, paddock talk had reached our ears - but not published - that young Allmendinger was already signed, begging the question... Why no announcement ? The PaddockTalk Perspective: As for the perspective here, its simple... these rumors often go both ways, and we expect 'old school' to be back next season in Champ Car. But, if Allmendinger isn't in Champ Car next year, one thing will be clear... He didn't shoot straight with the media, or the fans when asked directly about NASCAR. He could have said he was having to make a hard choice, but had to consider what was best for his future. That would have been the fair and accurate response. Don't the fans and the media that ask the questions deserve a fair and accurate response to very hard questions ? We think so.
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