Tracy out...bourbonnais In.

**Ribald Tires** · 02-24-2012 11:38 PM

Hearing from a couple of good sources (otherwise I wouldn't post) that the hang up with Shank and Tracy is that Lotus is pushing Claude Bourbonnais. Lotus thinks he is the better Canadian alternative, as he never got a chance after his teammate (Villeneuve) was promoted to CART for nothing other than his last name. The argument is that Bourbonnais finished ahead of Jacques in Atlantics in 93 and never got a chance. They think Claude would bring big Canadian support, as Paul had his shot already. Makes sense....we will see....

**aaron5572** · 02-24-2012 11:41 PM

Is this a joke? that dude is 47

**Offy85** · 02-24-2012 11:41 PM

Wow I haven't heard that name in forever! What's Claude been doing all these years?

**dog-ring** · 02-24-2012 11:43 PM

Claaaaauuuuddddeeeee? One of only 2 guys I ever saw tear a complete gearbox out at Indy and never left the pitstall on a practice day..............the other was Marco Grecco.....................

**Ribald Tires** · 02-24-2012 11:44 PM

Originally Posted by aaron5572

Is this a joke? that dude is 47

Last I checked...Paul was 43...

**Bob_Marley** · 02-24-2012 11:44 PM

Originally Posted by aaron5572

Is this a joke? that dude is 47

Isn't Paul the same age?

**Swaze** · 02-24-2012 11:45 PM

Originally Posted by Ribald Tires

Hearing from a couple of good sources (otherwise I wouldn't post) that the hang up with Shank and Tracy is that Lotus is pushing Claude Bourbonnais. Lotus thinks he is the better Canadian alternative, as he never got a chance after his teammate (Villeneuve) was promoted to CART for nothing other than his last name. The argument is that Bourbonnais finished ahead of Jacques in Atlantics in 93 and never got a chance. They think Claude would bring big Canadian support, as Paul had his shot already. Makes sense....we will see....

Your sources must be high on the hippy lettuce. Dude will be 47 in June and I highly doubt Lotus is interesting in sponsoring a driver anyways let alone a 47 year old dude that most fans have never heard of.

**FlatOut** · 02-24-2012 11:45 PM

Claude Bourbonnais, what a house hold name in AOW and Canada.
"Never got a chance", reasons why.

I really hope this is all wrong or your dropping shrooms while doing shots of Canadian whiskey. Hell, why would Lotus want to be seen by PT being at the top, vs being seeing with cars destroyed and the coverage, because CLAUDER never got a chance.

That makes a lot of sense.
And Bourbonnais sounds like Tornanus.
Go get 'um Lotus!!!!

**Ribald Tires** · 02-24-2012 11:47 PM

He is French Canadian. It reaches across the pond and gives Lotus a double dip into Europe by supporting Claude. It's all about the marketing...

**Oldfan** · 02-24-2012 11:47 PM

LOL. Nice try man.

**SteveK51** · 02-24-2012 11:53 PM

Does that also mean that Lotus will be providing the $4 mil for the program, which would not be coming from PT's bag of sponsors?

Biggest memory of Bourbonnais for me is Jon Beekuis clarifying the pronunciation as "Cloud", not "Clawed", Bore-bon-ay.

**dog-ring** · 02-24-2012 11:55 PM

Originally Posted by SteveK51

Does that also mean that Lotus will be providing the $4 mil for the program, which would not be coming from PT's bag of sponsors?

Biggest memory of Bourbonnais for me is Jon Beekuis clarifying the pronunciation as "Cloud", not "Clawed", Bore-bon-ay.

with an emphasis on the uuuuuud like uude............

**Ribald Tires** · 02-24-2012 11:57 PM

Originally Posted by SteveK51

Does that also mean that Lotus will be providing the $4 mil for the program, which would not be coming from PT's bag of sponsors?

Biggest memory of Bourbonnais for me is Jon Beekuis clarifying the pronunciation as "Cloud", not "Clawed", Bore-bon-ay.

Yes, Lotus would provide the funds if Shank went with Claude. However, Shank is balking because of his long relationship with PT. Shank is trying to figure out a way to let down Paul softly. He feels bad about having to junk Paul...but biz is biz.....

**JohnnyRacer** · 02-25-2012 12:00 AM

This thread made me remember David Empringham

He was great at Indy Lights. Last time I heard about him, was in the big crash at Fontana 97 involving him, TK and other driver I can't remember. he had some injuries. I can't find the video of this crash till nowadays.

**Swaze** · 02-25-2012 12:00 AM

Originally Posted by Ribald Tires

Yes, Lotus would provide the funds if Shank went with Claude. However, Shank is balking because of his long relationship with PT. Shank is trying to figure out a way to let down Paul softly. He feels bad about having to junk Paul...but biz is biz.....

C'mon dude why are you acting like this could actually happen? This is such an off-the-wall ridiculous rumor that I can't even imagine it has been discussed between MSR/Lotus.

**Ribald Tires** · 02-25-2012 12:02 AM

Alright....getting alot of crap here. The truth is the Bourbonnais family is set to take over Lotus distribution in Canada and that has really got Claudes foot in the door. 5 dealerships, 235 cars, 1 driver....do the math....

**Swaze** · 02-25-2012 12:04 AM

Originally Posted by JohnnyRacer

This thread made me remember David Empringham

He was great at Indy Lights. Last time I heard about him, was in the big crash at Fontana 97 involving him, TK and other driver I can't remember. he had some injuries. I can't find the video of this crash till nowadays.

Speaking of David Empringham that reminds me of last year when some member here claimed he was close to signing a deal with a team. Of course that rumor turned out to be nothing more than the usual BS but I guess that is the trend now........every few months somebody come up with some obscure name from at least a decade ago and claim they are oh so close to having a ride.

**Bob_Marley** · 02-25-2012 12:04 AM

Originally Posted by Ribald Tires

Alright....getting alot of crap here. The truth is the Bourbonnais family is set to take over Lotus distribution in Canada and that has really got Claudes foot in the door. 5 dealerships, 235 cars, 1 driver....do the math....

Very interesting, this makes sense then. Ironic, Honda Canada looses to Lotus Canada.

**FlatOut** · 02-25-2012 12:05 AM

Originally Posted by Ribald Tires

Alright....getting alot of crap here. The truth is the Bourbonnais family is set to take over Lotus distribution in Canada and that has really got Claudes foot in the door. 5 dealerships, 235 cars, 1 driver....do the math....

I've done the math, he's 47 pushing 50 years old. LMOA, I've heard it all now.

**aaron5572** · 02-25-2012 12:05 AM

Originally Posted by Ribald Tires

Alright....getting alot of crap here. The truth is the Bourbonnais family is set to take over Lotus distribution in Canada and that has really got Claudes foot in the door. 5 dealerships, 235 cars, 1 driver....do the math....

if this happens is it for St. Pete or Indy?

**Hitokiri** · 02-25-2012 12:06 AM

When I saw the title of this thread I laughed because I thought it was a joke.

Then people became serious. Now I frown.

**Ribald Tires** · 02-25-2012 12:08 AM

Originally Posted by aaron5572

if this happens is it for St. Pete or Indy?

Claude said if it wasn't a full season deal...he wasn't coming out of the insurance business...balls are still moving and people are negotiating....

**FlatOut** · 02-25-2012 12:10 AM

Here, click this, you've all been trolled. Me too

Heres "Claude Bourbonnais", keep scrolling down.

https://www.google.com/search?q=Clau...w=1333&bih=685

**Ribald Tires** · 02-25-2012 12:13 AM

Originally Posted by FlatOut

Here, click this, you've all been trolled. Me too

Heres "Claude Bourbonnais", keep scrolling down.

https://www.google.com/search?q=Clau...w=1333&bih=685

Uh, no...this is Claude Bourbonnais...the gut who kicked JV's ass...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Claude_Bourbonnais

**aaron5572** · 02-25-2012 12:13 AM

Originally Posted by FlatOut

Here, click this, you've all been trolled. Me too

Heres "Claude Bourbonnais", keep scrolling down.

https://www.google.com/search?q=Clau...w=1333&bih=685

he has the same name as a porn star?

Claude, circa 1997

**Bob_Marley** · 02-25-2012 12:15 AM

Not only can we blame Canada for Bryan Adams, but the ugliest car in IRL history.

**mclarke** · 02-25-2012 12:16 AM

I believe that Lotus has now shifted their attention from Claude Bourbonnais to Jacques Villeneuve. Their view is that, aside from some minor scheduling clashes, Jacques will be able to drive in both IndyCar and F1 for them, saving considerable training time and salaries. They are also hoping that they will be permitted to interchange engines between the two series, since this is a limiting factor in getting the arrangement off the ground, though I think that is highly unlikely, though possible in the short term.

If there is any other firm news, I will post it here.