rpm.espn.com: Shiggy needs to prove himself

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Tuesday, January 22
Shiggy needs to prove himself

We asked how Shigeaki Hattori will fare in 2002 with a year of experience under his belt and what you forsee in "Shiggy's" future. Here are some of the better responses:

It was a real disappointment not seeing "Shiggy" in the 500. He will qualify for it in 2002. He never got a real shot in CART, but is starting to demonstrate his ability and don't be surprised to see him on the podium in 2002.

Andrew Alley
Alexandria, Va.

Sorry, but the Shigster should be in the support series. He hasn't shown any signs of being a championship caliber driver.

Keith Smith
Frankfort, Ill.

Shiggy epitomizes how much of a minor-league series the IRL is. This is a guy who lost his CART superlicense for being too slow. This despite the sponsorship dollars he brings to the series. The IRL, on the other hand, has a talent pool so shallow that Shiggy can qualify and run in every event except the big one, the Indy 500. (His starting position was taken by Nicolas Minassian -- a rookie who later lost HIS seat!) Shiggy is a big part of the reason that nobody thinks the IRL drivers can compete with anyone but themselves. And it's true.

Paul Fogel
Kansas City, Mo.

Shiggy will prove once again that even a no-talent CART driver can drive circles around the likes of even less talented IRL "pilots."

David Smith
Los Angeles

The guy get his credentials pulled from CART and then goes on to be an IRL star. What a treat. I thought the IRL was supposed to be the home of the dirt-trackin' stars, not some guy named 'Shiggy'?!

J. Doan
Austin, Texas

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