As of late, the biggest trend within NASCAR is bringing in open wheel drivers from IRL and F1. A prime example is Juan Pablo Montoya. When Montoya began making his move to NASCAR in 2006, there was little concern about his ability to perform in NASCAR's top divsion. Fast forward a year later. Juan Pablo Montoya is doing decently and there are two new drivers, taking different paths, into NASCAR.
Dario Franchitti, this year's IRL champion, was released from his IRL contract and has signed with Chip Ganassi. Franchitti will begin his stock car debut at the ARCA race Friday night at Talladega. Chip Ganassi has a major stake in open wheel racing teams, so it is no surprise that his is bringing another open wheel driver to NASCAR (his first being Juan Pablo Montoya). Franchitti, fresh of his IRL season championship understands that open wheel is a completely different monster as open wheel. As a result, he is easing his way in. In a phone interview on Sirius NASCAR Radio' "The Driver Seat", Franchitti indicated that he doesn't know if he's going to be running any Busch races this season, but he sure is going to be at the track, soaking it all in. There are many things that he needs to learn, and is taking the appropriate steps to do it.
Jacques Villeneuve is a different story, however. This driver, who hasn't been in a race car (except for testing) since the middle of last year is jumping right into the thick of things. Bill Davis Racing has signed Villeneuve and will attempt to jump right into Cup series racing, much to the anger of many (if not most other drivers). Villeneuve will attempt to qualify for the weekend Cup race at Talledega. This is the worst possible move for this driver, and for all of NASCAR. Villeneuve is new to NASCAR. To attempt to tackle this beast on your first try is absurd. NASCAR's judgement as of late has been under scrutiny, and if Villeneuve negatively affects the outcome of this race, you can guarantee that there will be an outcry by both fans and drivers.
It is necessary to bring new racing talent into the ranks of NASCAR, but the implementation of rules is necessary to prevent a driver from making a debut in the Cup series without some form of stock car experience. There is a learning curve, and it is necessary to learn the way things are done in NASCAR before you jump right in.
