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Off to the Races; Christian Fittipaldi is giving up CART for NASCAR.
Byline: CURT CAVIN
Christian Fittipaldi is basking in the warmth of the Australian sunshine during a break in the CART weekend with the lush, postcard beaches only a few blocks away. Friends walk by every few minutes. This series has been Fittipaldi's home since 1995, and he's on the verge of leaving it and all of this Surfers stuff that is simply paradise. NASCAR is calling and it has his heart, too. And strangely enough, Emerson Fittipaldi's nephew is at peace with leaving open-wheel cars for the first time in his life.
``Ever since I came to America I've wanted to be there [in Winston Cup],'' Fittipaldi says. ``We have to agree on the fact that right now the best form of motorsports in this country is NASCAR.''
But giving up CART in general and Australia specifically? ``I am not here on vacation, I am here to work,'' he says, precisely. ``If I want a vacation I will buy an airplane ticket. At least I will know where to go.''
Fittipaldi, 31, has been around the world with his talent. The Brazilian Formula 3 champion (1989) and South American F3 champion (1990) won the F3000 title in 1991 before spending three seasons with the Minardi Formula One team. He arrived in the United States in 1995 as Walker Racing's new star and nearly won the Indianapolis 500 (finishing second). His career seemed limitless.
While it's difficult to call Fittipaldi's CART career disappointing, he concedes it has not been as successful as he would like. Offsetting the 20 podium finishes and the shot he has at second place in the standings this season, he has won only one pole, two races and no championships. He offers no apologies. He says he is content.
``I've been there but never been there, if you know what I mean,'' he says, smiling. ``I've had a good season and a very solid career here. I had good years in 1996 and 1999. You look at 2000: We were quick everywhere and couldn't finish the races. That just kills you. In 1999, I stayed out of five races [with a head injury at St. Louis] and still finished seventh in the championship. Even this year we've been strong but had a couple of tough breaks. Cristiano [da Matta, his teammate] has been invincible.'' He pauses. ``There are things in racing you can't understand.''
- Fittipaldi adjusting to NASCAR driving.(Knight Ridder Newspapers)
- Newspaper article from: Knight Ridder/Tribune News Service Brudenell, Mike August 1, 2003 700+ words
...however. This year, Fittipaldi has run a limited Winston Cup schedule, making...about NASCAR, Fittipaldi said he feels welcome in Winston Cup circles. "The...getting used to how a Winston Cup car drives." Fittipaldi believes, however...
- Fittipaldi responds to qualifying pressure.(The Dallas Morning News)
- Newspaper article from: Knight Ridder/Tribune News Service Blount, Terry June 14, 2003 700+ words
...until you look a little closer. Fittipaldi hadn't been in a Winston Cup race since March 30 at Texas...times this season in the car Fittipaldi inherits. In three previous Winston Cup starts, Fittipaldi's best finish was 35th in...
- Fittipaldi responds to qualifying pressure.
- Newspaper article from: The Dallas Morning News (via Knight-Ridder/Tribune News Service) June 14, 2003 700+ words
...until you look a little closer. Fittipaldi hadn't been in a Winston Cup race since March 30 at Texas...times this season in the car Fittipaldi inherits. In three previous Winston Cup starts, Fittipaldi's best finish was 35th in...
- Veteran CART driver Fittipaldi ready to give NASCAR a try.
- Newspaper article from: The Orlando Sentinel (Orlando, Fla.) (via Knight-Ridder/Tribune News Service) February 14, 2003 700+ words
...On the outside, Fittipaldi couldn't be more...different than the typical Winston Cup driver. For starters...Petree believes Fittipaldi has the makings of a fine Winston Cup driver, especially since Fittipaldi is doing nothing but...
- Fittipaldi eager to pursue heavy NASCAR season.(Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
- Newspaper article from: Knight Ridder/Tribune News Service Kallmann, Dave February 11, 2003 700+ words
...schedule last year, Fittipaldi also made two Busch...starts and then made his Winston Cup debut in Phoenix...Plans call for Fittipaldi to race a partial schedule...in ARCA and 10 to 15 Winston Cup races for the Pettys...said Kyle Petty, Fittipaldi's boss and teammate...
- Today Brazil, tomorrow the world; once considered a purely regional sport,...
- Magazine article from: Auto Racing Digest Dolack, Chris December 1, 2002 700+ words
...With Christian Fittipaldi, who has spent...Series in 2003 and Winston Cup in 2004, can young...tracks where the Winston Cup series competed...will also work for Fittipaldi. "It kind of...wanted to be a Winston Cup driver, I needed...
- Field of his dreams Fittipaldi envisions a high-powered Indy
- Newspaper article from: The Boston Globe Michael Vega, Globe Staff March 13, 1994 700+ words
...so close to each other," Fittipaldi said. "Everybody's lap...for the sport." Although Fittipaldi is sorry to see Chevrolet...competitive this year," Fittipaldi said. "When we go to Australia...that left him 41st in the Winston Cup points race, Wallace bounced...
- PENSKE PUTS FITTIPALDI IN DRIVER'S SEAT
- Newspaper article from: The Boston Globe Michael Vega, Globe Staff April 9, 1989 700+ words
...could very well be Emerson Fittipaldi, who's been driving the...Raceway's 1-mile oval. Fittipaldi blew the doors off his Penske...I have no excuses now," Fittipaldi said. "The ingredients have...first Busch Pole of NASCAR's Winston Cup season with a record-setting...
Source: HighBeam Research, Off to the Races; Christian Fittipaldi is giving up CART for NASCAR.