Whats Skaifes Problem

Having just seen footage of Skaife's dummy spit at Canberra my question is Whats His Problem????????????

he has a SUPERIORITY complex ... :laugh::rolleyes::laugh:

Skaife was clearly miffed at the shenanigans going on between Steve Reed and Rodney Forbes. Several regular posters on this forum are quick to constantly label Forbes as a buffoon and now here he is in yet another incident with a similarly dim-witted driver in Steve Reed and unfortunately Skaife was caught up in this.

When you’re a nobody tailing around on the rear of the field like Reed and Forbes this incident means nothing in the big championship picture but to involve Skaife – a serious championship contender who needs all the points he can muster come the end of the year - who can blame the guy for letting of a little steam.

Everyone seems to have it in for HRT - it's the classic tall poppy syndrome. Don’t hate HRT for being so good at what they do – be angry with every other team for not pulling their finger out and catching them.

I think it is more an issue that Skaife doesn't have chips on his shoulders there railway sleepers

I'm not saying whether Skaife did the right thing or not, but I don't appreciate Forbes and Reed being called dim-witted. While I haven't met Steve Reed, I have met Rodney Forbes and he is far from dim-witted and definitely not a buffoon.

And I don't see what difference it makes that Skaife is battling for the championship and Forbes and Reed are battling for 20th (or wherever). They are all out there racing, they are all out there doing their best. It's also up to Skaife not to get involved in other people's incidents more than it is for other people to get out of Skaife's way.

lucky it wasnt Skaifey instead of Ambrose (?) behind Tratt or it would of given him something else to winge about!

But hey, plenty of people have sprays at other drivers/teams, and 99% of them don't get filmed and stuck on TV. I don't agree with what Skaife did, but hey, if he gets hauled over coals for it I'd be pretty disappointed.

I always wonder how drivers at State Level races can get charged with something when there is no video footage, but then V8 drivers get off because of a lack of it....go figure:rolleyes:

Originally posted by elephino
While I haven't met Steve Reed, I have met Rodney Forbes and he is far from dim-witted and definitely not a buffoon.

It's also up to Skaife not to get involved in other people's incidents more than it is for other people to get out of Skaife's way.

G'day elephino

I can't speak for Forbes, but I have met Steve Reed and he is NO buffon, Forbes could certainly change his driving habits though.

While I agree that there shouldnt really be a difference between the drivers on the track ,you cant help the fact that some are a lot faster than others.

While I also agree that Skaife may have gone a bit far in chewing Trevor Ashby out, don't forget the the Lansvale team accused Skaife of causing that incident and he had nothing to do with it apart from not being able to avoid it and stuffing his car in the process.

BTW , right on Buckshot

Originally posted by Buckshot
Several regular posters on this forum are quick to constantly label Forbes as a buffoon and now here he is in yet another incident with a similarly dim-witted driver in Steve Reed

When you’re a nobody tailing around on the rear of the field like Reed and Forbes

hmmmm ... buffoon ... dim-witted ... a nobody ... ??? that's OFFENSIVE. me thinks that Buckshot similiarly suffers the Skaife/HRT SUPERIORITY complex ... :rolleyes:

There are salient comments about the driver of the car bearing number 1 on this thread:

http://www.ten-tenths.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=10800

Steve Reed and Trevor Ashby are genuine enthusiasts, enjoying racing at the level they can afford and generally not doing anything to cause grief to anyone.

I cannot speak for Rodney Forbes, he has failed to impress me so far, but the kind of backing and tuition his father has given him over the years should have equipped him with a good level of reasonableness. But I reserve my opinion about his input to this incident.

Well, i thought the footage very interesting and don't mind a little agro at all in the coverage! And I must also admit to letting out a dirty big cheer when they showed Skaife in the pits with a crumpled front end. Aaahhh, the sweet pure joy felt by thousands of Ford fans across the country, one of those magic moments.
I don't know him at all but he doesn't come across as a real nice guy on those silly V8 Superstar specials does he?More like a private school boy with his head stuck up...
Anyway, we should see more of this stuff in the coverage, imagine Crompton and Plato "talking" after Bathurst last year! Logie award winning footage and we never saw a single frame!!:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

What problem? Bring it on:p

If you can't qualify or race at the front you don't deserve to be there. Ditch the reverse grid and get the weekend warrior "enthusiasts" to race something else more their speed.

Didn't Ingall already get busted for his outbursts about these guys before?

Also, I agree with you AJ I've met Crompton a few times and while butter wouldn't melt on TV it's a different story when the cameras are off, come to think of it aren't you one to speak your mind also?

To all the Skaife knockers,

You may have your reasons for disliking this guy, but through all of my dealings with him. I have had found him to be pleasant, polite, always eager to help. As a young child running around the pits, taking the teams their official time sheets. He was the only driver to ever take the time to have a quick chat to me, and to thank me sincerely for bringing him his time sheet.

Recently I have needed his input in a few projects I have had, which are race organisation related and he would receive no personal gain from. He was extremely helpful, answering all of my questions thoughtfully and thoroughly.

Another thing about Mark Skaife is that a number of times down at Phillip Island after a race, he has taken time out of his own schedule to go to the post race officials BBQ and thank the officials for their work, as well as giving many a photo opportunity.

Now I am not saying he is the nicest guy in the world to everybody, but remember he is still human, and he is still a racing car driver. So of course he is prone to bursts of emotion every now and then, and I am suprised he doesn't do it more often.

Thank you Vandas for that insight, a side of Skaife that we never see or hear about.

I must admit that like most of the other armchair experts in this discussion I've never actually met the man, I've just developed a preconception of his personality based on his public persona.

Redback, I'm very concerned by your suggestion that anyone who can't win or qualify on the front row shouldn't be there. There are 32 cars in each Shell series round and only two spots on the front row. The thing about sport is that we can't all win, but isn't just having a go something to be proud of?

Even getting a car to the grid can be an accomplishment, can't it David?

You make a good point. There will only ever be one winner in a race, one pole position, not getting that doesn't disqualify one, in fact, if there were no placegetters the winner's achievements would be lessened.

I think that David and Ray have missed my point. On several occasions on this forum we have discussed race formats, reverse grids etc. My point is that when we had sprint races with no pit stops the faster guys were at the front (not just front row but say top 10)and the slower guys at the back. It was only if the quick guys DNF'd or had some other problem that they were in a situation to be amongst the slower guys. The reverse grid and compulsory pit stops puts the slower guys in amongst the quick guys and because of it they are now in a race for place situation and they don't have to yield to the faster car. We then get the Skaife and Ambrose situations. Skaife is a good guy, I am a Ford fan but I still respect Skaife's ability and I had no problem with how he reacted on the weekend

That is dead true. The problem however this days is that there really aren't any "slower" cars. These days, the gap between 1st and 32nd might only be a second or two. When that second or two is spread around the racetrack, there is very little opportunity for the "fast" guys to get through. And at Canberra, there would be only 2 or 3 overtaking spots at best, and you really have to pounce on them...

It's the artificiality of it all that really grates with most. Irrespective of opportunities for lesser lights to show their stuff, it's mucking around with the faster cars' chances of outright victory, putting an extra element of chance in to detract from ability.

Ok here's the real story.

Reed missed a gear out of turn 2, Forbes braked to avoid hitting him and Skaife got caught up in it.

When Skaife went the the Lansvale pit garage some1 accused him of causing the accident that's why he was argueing with someone when the cameras were on him.

Oddly, this is a little familiar, last weekend I was tucked in very close behind another car through a tight corner when he missed a gear and I ran into the back of him. Damage was minimal but I went and apolgised to him immediately, he was cool about it and I was OK, but all the bystanders and hangers-on made arses of themselves by trying to make a big thing out of it. :(

Just further to this after watching The Whinger tell the audience on V8 Superstars that he couldn't believe that Steve Reed missed a gear at Canberr. He then carried on all high and might it makes me wonder which car was it at Adelaide that was going down the back staright with racecam on when the driver missed a gear and spun hummmm............
I think Skaife should get a medal for being able to talk on tv with both feet in his mouth.

Originally posted by Buckshot
Everyone seems to have it in for HRT - it's the classic tall poppy syndrome. Don’t hate HRT for being so good at what they do – be angry with every other team for not pulling their finger out and catching them.

Once again I agree with Buckshot - no matter what it is in this country we are always quick to bring the great ones down. Or they wait for something so insignificant to happen (ie a dummy spit) and they make a mountain out of a mole hill.

You dont see Skaife lose it often, but when he does he has a good reason for it. For example the whole deal at Calder Park with the stop go penalty.

quote:
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Originally posted by Buckshot
Everyone seems to have it in for HRT - it's the classic tall poppy syndrome. Don’t hate HRT for being so good at what they do – be angry with every other team for not pulling their finger out and catching them.
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: Hey it ain't all tall poppy syndrome,I have always had it in for the boofhead even when he had the Laser!!!:p

Depends on what you mean by "had the Laser"... I don't think he ever owned anything he raced...

Originally posted by Morris 1100
Hey it ain't all tall poppy syndrome,I have always had it in for the boofhead even when he had the Laser!!!:p

You've got to admire consistency - particularly in a BMC product!

This is a follow up to my initial post on this topic.

Why do people get so riled up by public figures?

Mark Skaife is a passionate person. Most racing car drivers are passionate people. If you watch Skaife in the car on a hot lap, he puts every ounce of energy and concentration into it. After his lap in the top ten shoot out he looks physically exhausted after it is over.

This therefore in my mind excuses him from getting angry or upset at things he perceives to have happened.

Skaifey actively puts back into the grass roots level of motorsport, the same cannot be said of teams like FTR and Larry Perkins, they will not even turn up to their own motorsport clubs functions. They often agree to speaking, but hardly ever appear. Whereas Mark Skaife and HRT regularly have functions and send speakers to their own motorsport clubs social occasions.

You all have your own ideas about drivers and teams. I know I have teams and drivers I do not like, this may be due to run ins I have had with them. Or it may be due to people around me saying bad things which I have just picked up and never been able to get rid of.

However I understand that all drivers are prone to outbursts and I am quick to put it down to stress rather than bag their personality.

I hope you understand what I am talking about.

well put.

What has Mark Skaife ever put in to the grass roots of Australian Motorsport? It is not a case of the supposed "tall poppy syndrome" but an out and out fact that this guy is a sore loser unless every thing is going his way.......
And contrary to what he thinks he will NEVER be another Peter Brock..

Brock,

You are obviously not highly involved in motorsport to make that statement.

HRT and Mark Skaife are members of PIARC (which happens to be my club also). They have been keen to send people along to club nights, and hold special events where our members are able to get up close and personal with the team.

Skaife is also quick to respond to any fan mail, and will also help out people in the industry if they ask his advice etc (As I pointed out in an earlier post).

I am not a particular fan of Holden nor Ford, I enjoy seeing some of the minor teams enjoy success. All I ask for is good strong close racing, which is exciting to watch.

Mark Skaife is a very good driver, and his results speak for themselves. Outside of that why does his perceived personality affect you so badly. Surely you realise that Peter Brock has retired and it is time to move on?

If you really wanted to get into people's personalities I could tell you stories about Brocky which would make you wonder why you immortalised the bloke. But that is not why we watch the sport!

Remember that these blokes out there racing are doing it because they love it. The money isn't there in Australia for them to be doing it for any other reason. Most of the time they have spent major fortunes in the hope of racing in the Australian bigtime.

So easy up on the comments about drivers, you just look ignorant if you don't.

Vandas

I am and have been Involved in motorsport as a Competitor, Mechanic and Offical for about 15 years so I do tend to have some idea what I am talking about.
Yes we all know that Peter Brock was Not perfect and I too have heard stories about him. It seems to me that the ignorance is not on my part. Race drivers in the top lines of the sport earn a VERY good living through contracts with Manufactures, Teams, Sponsors and the sundry contra deals they always seem to be able to get.

I have seen first hand numerous times the temper tantrums by some of our top drivers and yes I have seen Skaife carry on a number of occasions.

Mark has been very fortunate in his career that he has had such a good beifactor as Fred Gibson to get him started in motor racing, so were is this fortune that he spent.

I recall when he was in the Laser Series and had a HUGE dummy spit because every other car in the field was running in to him. Unless they were backing in to him i would like to know how they were doing that.

I have yet to see many other race drivers who are representing a factory team carry on the way he does it is just not called for.

Weather you agree with me or not is fine that is your opinion and this is mine.......................................

Brock,

The question I asked was why do the actions of Mark Skaife affect you so passionately?

What is his crime against society and against yourself?

He is a passionate man, he is an Australian champion in his chosen sport. He is a professional athlete, if he didn't have passion, pride, and arrogance he wouldn't be the man he is today.

As for Fred Gibson paying for his entire career in motorsport. I find that very hard to believe.

Motorsport is expensive no matter what level you play at. If you want to be at the front of a State level field you are looking at a minimum of $20 000 a year running costs and a massive start up cost.

Yes, there is the anecdotal example of the guy that won the state championships on a shoe string budget, but he would have been a freak and done nothing but work on his own car.

Mark Skaife would have spent a great deal of money to get into the position he is in.

And contrary to popular belief V8 drivers are not paid well, and not all of them enjoy lucrative sponsorship deals that make them live like kings.

Skaife is making a very good living and so he should, he does a lot of work for Holden, and not just time in the drivers seat. He actively participates in many of their different areas.

A majority of the drivers in the field pay for their seat, or have someone pay for them. In most of their cases you will find it is a rich parent, or a parent's company.

I only asked one thing, look at why you are angry at Skaife, evaluate it, and then do as you please. AVESCO wants you to not like him, they want others to like him. That will bring viewers, that will bring more money. So hate him, wear T-shirts with anti-skaife logos, but just make sure you understand why you don't like him.

That's all I was saying.

I have to agree that Gibson didn't pay for his career.. his father paid the deposit and Peter Jackson kept up the payments till he was self sufficient... with some leftovers to let Fred and Christine live well in the meantime. So for one year Fred paid back by supporting Mark... then Holden took over.

David McKay suggests that all drivers on this level are paid what I would call quite well... over $100,000 a year... or is this not right?

The amount of paid drivers has skyrocketed in the last few year, with the number of professional 2 car outfits. But still there are a fair few team owner/drivers out there, who wouldn't be recieving a direct wage for their driving. And certainly in the Shell Series, there wouldn't be too many true privateers left that rely on a source other than their racing for an income.