It's Official: Hornish to NASCAR in 2008

[Hoss Ghoul]

http://www.nascar.com/2007/news/headlines/cup/11/08/shornishjr.penske/index.html

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Sam Hornish Jr (http://www.nascar.com/drivers/dps/shornish00/bg/index.html). is leaving the IndyCar Series for a full-time ride in NASCAR, joining the mass exodus of open-wheel stars fleeing to America's most popular racing series.
The three-time IndyCar champion told The Associated Press he will drive the No. 77 Dodge next season for Penske Racing with Mobil 1 as the sponsor.
"I feel like this is something that is a new and unique challenge for me," Hornish said Thursday. "It may or may not be the right way to look at it, but I feel like I accomplished just about everything in Indy cars. I got to do more than I ever thought I would."




Good luck to Sam in NASCAR, hopefully there will be a way for him to run the Indy 500 in the future.

[DBell]

The thing with Hornish and the cabs is why hasn't he been able to qualify?

It isn't like he has AJ's built in excuse of a new team and manufacturer. He's driving a Penske, a team that wins races! It'll be interesting to see how he does full time.

[mark123]

Briscoe will be a very good replacement at Team Penske
Its just life - people come and people go. The IRL is still a great series!!

[Alexamateo]

I started back watching Indycars again back in 2002 because of Sam Hornish and Panther beating mighty Team Penske for the title, so this is a little sad for me and I'm a Nascar fan. I used to pull for anybody but Penske, but that had to change when Sam was hired to drive for him. Best of Luck to Sam in his new endeavor, I'll miss seeing him in Indy cars, and I too hope to see him again in the Indycars if possible.

[Civic]

Ever wonder why Gil de Ferran left Honda F1? ;)

[MAX_THRUST]

I don't believe it was to go back to the IRL to race indy cars, there is only so much a body can take before serious impacts leave long term effects.

Appart from anything he didn't leave he was sacked (Gil that is)....

As for Hornish leaving, is the sudden influx into NASCAR racing, and the introduction of Toyota cars, and the cars of tomorow the reason why NASCAR figures are down this year, or is it because no one understands the SHOOT OUT for the championship???? WHo knows I digress.

Never been a huge fan of Hornish I have to be honest, shame because he was getting better at the road courses. At least the IRL has got Helio, and Kanaan, Wheldon, Dixon, Sheckter next year, what's CCWS got these days...PT, Junky in a slow car (you watch him win Sunday now I said that), Wilson (maybe), only really one big name in there and thats Paul Tracey.

I think the IRL can cope with the loss of Hornish and Franchitti, both maybe back for the 500 anyway.

[BenRoethig]

And thus begins the final days of American open wheel racing. If one someone in charge would have actually had brain and done something to prevent this.

[Phoenixent]

And thus begins the final days of American open wheel racing. If one someone in charge would have actually had brain and done something to prevent this.

I agree with that. :(

This split were both sides don't want to give an inch even on the forums just shows how stupid this whole thing is. We have to learn how to stop rubbing it in each others face and work on trying to get together as fans and a series. Tony Stewart was the first and Sam Hornish won't be the last if there is no heart in the sport. That goes for both sides of the fence.

[Jonesi]

Sam qualified 26th for Sunday's Cup race.

[Civic]

I wonder who'll replace Sam. I'd love to see Barron (though he's probably done with open wheel) or Townsend Bell (lots of talent but a reputation for crashing) or Vitor Meira.

[Alexamateo]

Ryan Briscoe will replace Hornish.

[mark123]

Townsend Bell....are you kidding me??? you would need a good accident budget, but when he was quick-he was very quick. But Alexamateo is right, its Ryan's seat for the next few years.

[Civic]

Ryan Briscoe will replace Hornish.

Good call!

[ozrevhead]

Ryan Briscoe will replace Hornish.
YAY! Great news :D

is it a one year contract?

[millencolin]

Good stuff! go get em Ryan!

[Wraith]

I agree with that. :(

This split were both sides don't want to give an inch even on the forums just shows how stupid this whole thing is. We have to learn how to stop rubbing it in each others face and work on trying to get together as fans and a series. Tony Stewart was the first and Sam Hornish won't be the last if there is no heart in the sport. That goes for both sides of the fence.

*Wonders if he's the only one left who goes to/watches open-wheel (and sports cars) rather than NAStyCAR simply because he wants honest automobile racing rather than rigged, socialistic circus-game crap.*

I think I've now become a Ryan Briscoe fan, and this from a historical anti-Penske fan.

Go Ryan-Hunter Reay, too, while I'm at it.