Oreo briefly mentioned this in his loving article about Ed Carpenter (for real!) earlier this week, but the Vision Racing preview for Mid Ohio makes it official.
The team is pleased to welcome IndyCar Series winner and auto racing veteran, Bryan Herta as a road course consultant for the remainder of the 2008 season. Herta's expertise and vast experience will be put through the paces beginning this weekend at Mid-Ohio as he will offer advice to Carpenter, Foyt and the engineering staff. Herta, who most recently drove this year for Andretti Green Racing in the American LeMans Series, has two career IndyCar Series victories and is one of only three drivers in history to win a race in the IndyCar Series, the ALMS and CART.Not a bad move by Vison since Carpenter and Foyt are still trying desperately to compete on the twisties against a field full of road course specialists, although if Herta had a bigtime sponsor he might actually be racing one of those cars. Usually the phrase “impressed by his dedication” translates to “amenable to the compensation offered”, so after he was recently given the boot from his ALMS ride Bryan is probably fine with whatever racing-related work he can find.
BRYAN HERTA -- Team Road Course Consultant: "When Tony called me I was really impressed by his dedication to taking the steps to build a top level team. I was flattered that he considered my road course experience an asset to his team and I certainly look forward to sharing it with Ed (Carpenter) and A.J. (Foyt IV) in the coming weeks starting in Mid-Ohio and hope to help the team move forward in their objectives for the season."
That other guy Vision hired this week – Paul something-or-other – might also be able to offer some expertise on driving those courses as well. Advice like, if you’re getting into a fight after crashing into a competitor, be sure to remove your helmet first so you’re more recognizable when they show the fight on SportsCenter.
(Ridiculously nerdy photo of Herta courtesy of BBC.com)
Herta did have the best penmanship in the ICS.
My favorite PT moment was when he drove over Seabass' head -- Seabass was still in the car, of course.
My word, what a nerdy photo!
I think I stuffed that dude in a locker once, and I say this as a total nerd! ;-)
Pic reminds me of Wild Thing from Major League.....
Bryan has definately aged well.
AWESOME!
Anon: I agree wholeheartedly. :-)
Jennifer: I also second that sentiment.
I would like to see Bryan back in a car, though. I've had a soft spot for him ever since 2005, as he was the first Indy driver I ever met. Real nice guy.
From what I read, Bryan is coaching people who's jobs he basically wants. Interesting.
looking at the qualifications for mid-ohio,he hasn't done Vision any favors so far.