rpm.espn.com: Users: The truths about Dare

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Wednesday, January 2
Users: The truths about Dare

We asked you if Airton Dare will have a breakout season in 2002 and if he can survive on TeamExtreme's limited budget. Here are some of the better responses:

If he doesn't finish the season with TeamXtreme, can I run him? I've had the pleasure to work with him during a test sesion in Kentucky after the race there -- what a great guy and good driver! In two laps in our car he went 2 mph faster than the whole weekend in the Xtreme car. That was in Jeff Ward's seat. I was impressed.

Dan Rushing
Brownsburg, Ind.

New teams usually take a few years to come together. If, and it's a big if, TeamXtreme gets some financing, Dare will have a good year. Realistically, he'll struggle with an underfinanced team, showing spurts of brilliance. He's only 23 and has a lot of years of racing yet to come. By honoring his contract and soldiering through the tough times, he'll impress the right people and be rewarded eventually.

Jason Scott
Green Bay, Wis.

Airton would do very well if he drove for a team with a larger budget than TeamXtreme. Whenever he has been given a good car to work with, he inevitably moves to the front of the pack. He is an exciting driver to watch -- very consistent, daring but calculated, and excellent on re-starts. I suggest that if he were to have the opportunity to drive for one of the well-financed teams, he would challenge for the championship and definitely finish in the top five for the year.

David Rogers
Dallas

I think Airton Dare is a excellent driver. He did a good job with a bad car and with more resources he would fight for the championship. I'd like to see Dare in Cheever's car.

Luiz Rodrigues
Rio de Janeiro

Unfortunately, our sport is not one where undeniable talent gets to shine in all situations. Dare has definite ability, but if the team hasn't landed sponsorship they will continue to field sub-competitive equipment. Bad situation ... good driver. I predict Dare will end up as a test driver for an F1 team before the end of '02.

C.J. Alford
Nashville, Tenn.

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