rpm.espn.com: Users: Growing pains likely for McNish

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Thursday, January 10
Users: Growing pains likely for McNish
ESPN.com

Here's what users had to say about Toyota's Allan McNish and his future prospects:

I've heard of climbing your way to the top, but how many people actually start at the very bottom? McNish is the second driver on the worst team (c'mon, any new team is gonna be the worst -- admit it) in F1. I don't know much about him, but the fact he's not getting a ride until 31 years of age, though he's had ample chances to prove himself, doesn't say a lot for his skills. I predict Toyota will replace him by midseason. Why couldn't they take the money they just made off my mom's new Camry and buy Felipe Massa's services?

Steve Averett
Charlotte, N.C.

Sadly, I think McNish would be better off with Minardi this year. Which would be the ultimate irony as Toyota stole Gustav Brunner from Minardi. Toyota has been supremely off the pace in testing and McNish has no F1 experience. McNish is talented, but Toyota is going to have a very long road ahead of it, and overrated Mika Salo will have better equipment than McNish.

Jimmy Snuka
Mount Dora, Fla.

Toyota appears to have done its homework well and the preparation has been very thorough. They no doubt learned much from their early miserable years with Dan Gurney's AAR teams and most likely will not repeat those mistakes.

Steve Vail
Rockwall, Texas

I think Toyota will be a backmarker for several years and eventually move towards the middle of the pack. Watching BAR (Reynard), Jacques Villeneuve and Honda struggle after a number of years shows just how tough it is to succeed. BAR has one of the best drivers, a top engine manufacturer and a chassis builder that has won at everything they have tried. If this team can't get past mid pack I don't believe Toyota has any chance.

Richard Kull
Horsham, Pa.

In time, Toyota can be competitive in F1. Unfortunately, it is no doubt going to take longer than they'd like, perhaps 5-8 years. However, as long as money is no object, the sky is the limit. This year, though? Two words -- growing pains. As for McNish? Well, in his defense, even Schumacher would be helpless in the car. It would be unfair to judge him just yet.

Patrick Heber
East Lansing, Mich.

If the hardware stays together, Allan will qualify well, and may even win a race. He is extremely determined to show well, fearless at a track he knows, and can be a nice guy with the rest of the team. The whole Toyota effort will have birthing pains, and except for some butthead somewhere trying to make a name for themselves, they should be in the battle with Jaguar to start knocking out Ferrari.

Steve Ariana
Danville, Calif.

The odds are against McNish and his new team. Toyota will experience growing pains through their inaugural season just like Stewart, BAR, etc. McNish has limited F1 experience, but has shown he can win. I think he may even take the No. 1 spot away from Salo in midseason.

Jerry Olcsvary
Princeton, N.J.

Toyota is a great company and very dedicated to winning. I'm not sure these two guys will be able to run with the pack. I would be looking for a driver like Jeff Gordon!

David Bess
Fenton, Mo.

Toyota's involvement in F1 is an added bonus to the racing spectacle. Toyota will struggle for speed against more experience teams. McNish and Co. will not be competive against other teams, barring Minardi. But McNish will excell in achieving team targets.

Jensen Tsai
Melbourne, Australia

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