One less Philippe

Posted by Iannucci | 5/14/2009 | 5 comments »
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Sad news from TrackSide Online, as it appears the Indy Racing League has lost "the Greatest Spectacles in Racing".

In other Indy Lights news, Genoa Racing has confirmed that they've parted ways with Richard Philippe. The team reports the parting as amicable - Philippe had two crashes at Kansas, and that may have changed his perspective on running a series with as many oval races as the Firestone Indy Lights series. We suspect - but don't know for certain - that Philippe was paying for his own crash damage, and that race weekend was probably a rude awakening to his wallet.
This is most unfortunate loss because not only have fans lost one of the few recognizable drivers in the Firestone Indy Lights series, but this also furthers the negative stereotype involving the French and surrendering.

5 comments

  1. Ryan // May 14, 2009 3:19 PM  

    Somehow I doubt that the Philippe's are phased by crash damage--but in today's economy-- anything is possible.

  2. Anonymous // May 14, 2009 3:20 PM  

    interesting...

    don't forget tho, the FIL talent pool is very, very deep this year...

  3. Kohl // May 14, 2009 3:26 PM  

    Well, we still have the other Philipe. And he may not have the Greatest Spectacles, but he does( as you noticed) look like a Luyendyk. Sebby Bourdais's glasses are pretty great too. Not as gaudy, but just as red.

  4. Ryan // May 14, 2009 3:32 PM  

    Kohl,

    Don't forget Wilson Philippe of the Formula BMW-Americas series. (Not to be confused with Wilson Phillips) :)

    But you're right-- he's not currently associated with the IRL.

  5. mmack // May 15, 2009 11:30 AM  

    Oh those specs! Obvioulsy Phillipe has been digging in Sir Elton John's castoffs from the 1970's.