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Thursday, December 13 User comments on Beechler Here's what users had to say about Donnie Beecher, his past season and his future prospects:
I don't know about sponsors and politics, but I found it amazing that Salazar remained A.J.'s number one driver when he had a guy like Donnie Beechler in his stable. I certainly hope that A.J. can find sponsorship to allow Beechler to at least remain with the team, if not the number one driver. I've watched Beechler in his USAC car and he is exactly the kind of guy that Tony George had in mind for this series. I have been a supporter of the league since it's inception and rank myself among those who are open wheel, oval racing fans who enjoy watching American drivers.
Come on A.J., keep Beechler and if somebody has to go let it be Salazar.
I think if Donnie hooks up with A.J. and a season long sponsor where he has job sercurity, Donnie has the potential to win a couple races. It seems to me that sometimes he is trying so hard, he overdrives the car and ends up wrecking. Maybe knowing that he has a job the next week will allow him to blossom into an IRL star. Jason Scott Green Bay, Wis.
Donnie is a reason the IRL fails. He is one of the best in the IRL but still has to scrape for a ride. Bruce Fuller Ohio
As the only IRL driver ever wrecked by Johnny Rutherford, Beechler needs some good luck. I think he should be the second Panther ride and it should be as good as Sam's. As much as I love A.J., it's clear there are only a limited number of drivers that can win with him -- those not intimidated by him, like, for example, Kenny Brack. Kent Christensen Albuquerque, N.M.
A.J. will pick him up, and he will the IRL championship, plus a top-5 or win at INDY! Rob Brown Fort Wayne, Ind.
I sure hope Donnie gets to drive for A.J. next year. He is a very talented driver and could win races with a good ride. It is great to see the "grass roots" race car drivers make it in the IRL! Kimberly Haines Oskaloosa, Iowa.
The IRL should hope that Beechler gets a ride for next season. If the trend continues, the IRL is going to become another 'buy a ride' series with no American drivers, at least none that any real Saturday night short track fan has ever heard of. David Wilbanks Cordova, Tenn.
I followed Donnie Beechler through most of last season. He is probably the most consistent driver on the circuit, and can will win once he gets a solid ride. I'm not sure if Foyt will keep him on because of his lack of a big name sponsor, but he should be picked up on a team who wants someone who will always be on or near the leaderboard. If he gets good solid ride, I look forward to seeing him in victory circle. Gene Rhea Muncie, Ind.
I think Donnie did a great job last season. I was at Indy and thought he was going to have a top-5 finish. I think he definitely brings more to the table as a driver than Salazar. But money talks ... I would love to see Foyt have Beechler and Billy Boat on the same team! Aaron Smith Syracuse, N.Y.
I feel as do most of race fans in Springfield. Donnie will be in an A.J. Foyt car in '02 and you will see what we have always known ... he will become a household name for IRL fans. Bill Hawkshaw Springfield, Ill.
Beechler will probably get the Foyt ride and blossom. But I suspect A.J. will not tolerate another mediocre season and Beechler will have to meet all of A.J.'s expectations in order to keep his job all season long. The word "pressure" comes to mind. Robert Hines Arlington, Texas
I hope that Foyt finds a way to keep Beechler because the guy represents what the IRL is supposed to be about, getting a ride because you are fast and competitive, not because you buy a seat with a huge sponsorship deal. Ned Smith Louisville, Ky.
Donnie Beechler has "more" than proven he is capable of winning in the IRL. He is an A.J. Foyt kind of driver. Given the opportunity to race (rather than conserve) it is only a matter of time before he wins in the IRL. Foyt has a history of great success, as America's premier driver. Andretti, Gurney, Petty, Donahue, and Earnhardt were not able to complete what Foyt has accomplished. However, Foyt has been slower in developing the same skills as an owner. He has come a long way as an owner, but if he is to compete with Penske and Ganassi he will have to make some smart decisions, like making Beechler his number one driver, and sending his Brazillian friend back to CART or to the retirement community.
Remember, A.J., there was a time when there were those who gave you a great chance early on in your career. Beechler is no Kenny Brack. He's better in an IRL environment.
Beechler's performance in 2001 was one of the highlights of the season and of any IRL season. I'm very much hoping A.J. Foyt will give Donnie a full-time ride in 2002 and the ability to drive aggressively at all venues. I'm not sure any driver has ever learned more from A.J. or meshed better with him than has Donnie. Let's hope some smart sponsor steps up and backs Donnie. Or one of the teams adding a car this year such as Panther or Cheever will recruit Donnie. Tom Bierbaum Erie, Pa.
Beechler certainly deserves a good ride and good sponsorship. He is articulate and a capable driver.
Perhaps most important, he comes from the U.S. short track ranks (midgets) and that was one of the objectives of the IRL; to give these guys a chance at the big time.
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