“What do you want to do, make a Federal case out of it?” Apparently someone does. I guess it’s gratifying to see that federal prosecutors have filed a case in connection with the alleged ice skating fix from the 2002 Winter Olympics.
A man described as a Russian mobster, Alimzhan Tokhtakhounov, was arrested in Italy and accused of arranging a vote-swap designed to assure a gold medal for the French ice dancing team.
The deal apparently involved the assurance of support for the Russian pairs skating team that resulted in their winning the gold medal over the Canadians in spite of a flawed performance.
Tokhtakhounov’s ultimate goal out of the whole thing was to be permission to emigrate to France.
Last week, the four skaters whose gold medals are in question held a news conference. They all happened to be in Arles, in southern France, for an exhibition. They denied that their medals could have been the result of collusion.
Prosecutors claim they have wiretap evidence that the French female ice dancer, Marina Anissina, spoke to Tokhtakhounov after the games. During the news conference, she admitted she knew the alleged Russian mobster but denied that the voice on the tape is hers.
Depends on whom you ask, but the use of soft walls at Indianapolis Motor Speedway apparently was a success during last weekend’s Brickyard 400.
The SAFER system had worked well during the Indy 500 last May, reducing the impact with which out of control cars hit the retaining walls and probably reducing injuries as a result.
But there was some question whether they would work as well for NASCAR stockers, which weigh about a ton more.
SAFER stands for Steel And Foam Energy Reduction. The system has been under development by the IRL and the University of Nebraska’s Midwest Roadside Safety Facility in 1998. NASCAR got involved two years ago and approved it for the 400 last June.
Track officials said the barrier did what was expected and that there is more to be learned.
Drivers who lost control and tested the barrier reported that the impacts didn’t feel that much less. They noted that onboard crash data recorders would be studied to see if SAFER really did help.
They said that, either way, they appreciated the effort.
So, you think it’s easy to be a race driver? Just sit down and drive fast? Not any more, especially not in the big leagues.
Danny (OK, so I can’t act my way out of a paper bag, I still won the Indy 500) Sullivan has revealed more details of the physical part of a nationwide search for Formula I drivers.
The Red Bull FI Driver Search is a multi-year effort to find young American drivers who could have a future in European racing. Sullivan, a former FI driver, is in charge.
The names of the final 15 to 20 candidates will be announced during the weekend of the U.S. Grand Prix at Indianapolis in late September.
On September 30th, the candidates will spend the day at the National Institute for Fitness and Sports. Each will have to complete a 90-minute regimen designed to test their effort and ability.
The testing is designed by health and fitness authority Jim Landis.
A few days later, the finalists will be flown to Europe, where they will undergo an on-track assessment. Up to four drivers will be chosen for the first year.
The intent of the search is to identify American drivers and provide support so they can race in Europe and learn to compete in that international arena. Ultimately, the goal is to return an American to the ranks of the World Driving Championship.