Press Releases - Wheeler Breaks Silence

Wheeler Breaks Silence

As his qualifying run in New Hampshire came to a close, Nick Wheeler had no doubts he wouldn't be a challenger for the pole, and spent no time getting his machine to the garage area after running his laps 2nd in order. As expected, before Wheeler could even reach his parking spot Sandor Torghelle took the track and put 3 seconds into his time, silencing an overly optimistic capacity crowd in the main grandstand.

Wheeler would fall to 10th on the grid before the end of qualifying.

In a surprise move, the few media members with obligations to follow Wheeler's lack of interest in them, were finally welcomed to speak with him for the first time since the announcement of his intended retirement. Jason Anderson found Wheeler at the infield wall watching pit lane as the rest of the field slotted in for tomorrow's race.

Anderson: Nick, are you available for a conversation?

Wheeler: Yeah, I figure it's about time I enjoy some sunlight. Get out of that stupid trailer that I've been held up in for the past week or two.

Anderson: So, I'll get right down to it. What's the deal?

Wheeler: Well, first thing's first. I saw some quotes from an American rookie, Helen Wheels, in this morning's news. Something about a nasty string of DNFs. So, to Helen, I say "lower your expectations, but strive for greatness. If you don't expect to win when you're set up perfectly, you'll surprise yourself every now and then. If you expect it, if you believe you've earned a strong result with the work you've put in at practice, you'll feel the frustration when it's ripped away in some nonsensical malfunction."

Anderson: I assume you've seen the issues with the German veteran in the F2 World Series, as well?

Wheeler: Of course. Anglea Merkel drives the same way I do. Angela earns wins with good setups and a fearless style of driving. I love driving with him because we match each other so well. He's like a German Brandon Knight for me. Except Angela is a very seasoned vet and I have yet to beat him without a DNF. To him, I say "I feel your pain. Hopefully someone will listen to you, where deaf ears fell on me."

Anderson: And what of your presence here? It looks like... the 30th run just came across, and you'll sit 10th tomorrow.

Wheeler: I grew up here. I watched the American greats drive here. Bobby Rahal, Al Unser, Dale Earnhardt, Richard Petty. I've seen them all across all the different disciplines. My hope was to be able to add my name to that list for the next generation of drivers. But it doesn't seem it's meant to be in these machines.

As for the result, I've got 1 machine between myself and Lyn. If I can find her wing, I think we'll be able to work through the field. In fact, looking at this grid, some of my favorite rivals are here. Rocco, who battled with me so hard in F3 America last season, Eddie Cheever who I've had plenty of Single Racing battles with, Striver who has been a distant supporter and rival of myself and my team, and Milan Pituch, who has driven in dozens upon dozens of races with me - an unspoken, but real rivalry.

What more is there to say? I'm on my home track with a teammate and 4 of my favorite rivals in front of me. Tomorrow is going to be a show for everyone. I'm looking forward to it.

Anderson: What more is there to say, indeed. A distant sense of optimism from the troubled young driver before a sentimental run on his home track. Tomorrow is setting up to be a great show.