I am the US Rotax Junior National Champion and...

Santino Ferrucci

I haven't raced a Rotax race since the US Finals last August (or any kart race) and I had no plans too but I sent in my renewal as I might have had some time while in the US to do some races. After a few weeks of nothing I got this spineless, unsigned email:

On Apr 11, 2013, at 4:02 PM, admin@gorotax.com wrote:

Dear Santino Ferrucci,

We understand your desire to become a United States Rotax Max Challenge member during the 2013 season; unfortunately, the Maxspeed Group inc. has rightfully declined your request to join.

Regards,

The Maxspeed Group

Walt Gifford · Posted: Thu Apr 11, 2013 2:06 pm Post subject:

I think someone owes you a little more of an explanation.

Gif Cool

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Joey Guyon · Posted: Thu Apr 11, 2013 3:18 pm Post subject:

This is an interesting topic, and I'd assume there is much background information on both sides.

I personally have not heard of anything but let's speculate as a internet know it all. I will start with facts.

It seems the recent steps are:
1- You apply for Licence
2- You eventually get the reply posted
3- You start this topic on EKN

Soooo... I'm guessing you didn't seek an explanation from Maxspeed as to their refusal. Might there have been an incident?

I do recall a video from the Grand Finals last year where you were in a Physical Altercation. Is the Maxspeed group angry about this? Was that incident ever discussed with somebody from Maxspeed?

Ok, time for some background dude. Potato chip time.

JG

Dan Haynes · Posted: Thu Apr 11, 2013 3:28 pm Post subject:

I remember that video. I do not know all the facts leading up to that incident but based on what I saw on the video Santino was defending himself. Maaaayyybbbbeeee slightly more offensive than he should have been but when attacked from behind by somebody a foot taller than you than overkill might be necessary. That being said...it seems like the Rotax group may have had it in for him prior to that. I don't think his punishment fit the 'crime' based on that video. So is there more to it from before that?

Not looking for full disclosure, or he said, she said, just giving an outsiders perspective on it and what seems to make the most sense to me.

I would contact them and ask for an explanation in writing. If they are justified in their decision then they should have no problem providing that information.
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Santino Ferrucci · Posted: Thu Apr 11, 2013 4:01 pm Post subject:

Well...not much to say. I only raced the one grand national race and never met Richard there. Richard never congratulated me or anything but no biggie. When I showed up at OGP for the test the first thing he said to me and my dad was that I was not eligible for the 10,000. b/c I was going to wear my Hot Wheels suit. I don't know where he got his info but it was news to me. I never said anything and he said my Facebook had a picture of my new suit. He is correct on that but is was my new car suit. It wasn't meant for Worlds.

At Worlds he only yelled at me b/c I had my white usa suit on and not blue one. I had to wear my sponsors suit so I was going to wear my sponsor suit the practice days and the white USA suit the rest. He knew this and it was in writing. Problem was my Hot Wheels suit is a car suit and didn't pass tech so I used the white usa one.

The argument. Well, that was ridiculous. I did nothing wrong. he never spoke to me about it. I have a CIK-FIA license and I didn't get a letter or points. It was a political decision made the next day after we had already been spoken too. Really strange politics but it is over and I never talked to anyone about it and its long gone history.

When I got home he did email me that I wasn't going to get the 2,000 b/c i didn't deserve it. Nothing specific. He just said I didn't deserve it.

They made advertisements to give out 2000 to each podium winner and there were no other requirements. But that changed. You had to wear their shoes, gloves, suits and put their decals on the kart. Not a problem but the shoes were not the same feel as mine so I didn't use them and the gloves were very heavy. Kind of hard to show up for worlds and change my shoes after years with the same. Richard didn't care. It was all about stickers and how much money the sponsors gave him and what I needed to do.

I went to the worlds to win a race, not a fashion contest. I did my best and wore what I was comfortable with. As far as the 2 grand it is in my bank account They did pay it but after lawyers got involved I think. I didn't see any of that b/c my mom is a lawyer and I have other lawyers.

I have made several calls and email with no answer except the one email.
It is pretty sad that the USA is so messed up. I think racers should know the politics in the US and how one person Richard Bosclair has the power. I missed Garry at the race. He was tough but he was fair to everybody.

Dan Haynes · Posted: Thu Apr 11, 2013 4:34 pm Post subject:

Interesting. As they say, there are 3 sides to every story, but I hope it all works out in the end. Based on your side of the story it sounds pretty political to me, but again, there are 2 more sides to it.
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John Matthews · Posted: Thu Apr 11, 2013 4:36 pm Post subject:

Dude,

How cool is it to have them tell you can't play in their sandbox????

You should be looking for a NASCAR ride Cool

Seriously, if you're already Rotax Junior Champion what good will winning the Senior Championship do for you?

Go get into a midget and rip it up Idea

In America we turn left, if you want to prove something in karts and you're already champion here go to Europe where the path is clear.

BS politics are always going to be there, make sure it's worth it before you decided to get into that fight.

JMHO,
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Santino Ferrucci · Posted: Thu Apr 11, 2013 5:26 pm Post subject:

Not looking for an argument. It is what it is but its shocking. Rotax is a great engine package and I have nothing bad to say.

My post is more of a beware of what people will do here with no formal license in place like Europe and England.

I had NO interest in any National racing in JR or SR. I am done w karts and had a lot of fun. I know exactly where and with who I am racing with next and for many years ahead.

I have been hanging out at MMX with friends and was thinking of doing a few races there. I was not aware I did not need a Rotax license to race. Now I know. I saved 40 bucks! loll Very Happy

John Matthews · Posted: Thu Apr 11, 2013 6:15 pm Post subject:

Yep,

Here in the US where karting started local clubs can make their own rules. You'll probably find some good competition from club racers, it's not always the best that race nationally Wink

Cheers,
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Timbo540 ulmen · Joined: 13 Mar 2009 Posts: 74

What goes around comes around!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

welcome to the jungle its a bitch when someone does not treat you fair!!

I wont lose any sleep over this AT ALL

mike clements · Posted: Fri Apr 12, 2013 4:40 pm Post subject:

Santino, Sorry I don't have any knowledge of your particular situation. But, I speak from over 50 years experience of kart racing.

Ugly stuff happens, especially when jealous people get into a position of authority. I have seen it happen way too many times to count.

About 20 years ago, our home track sponsored a $500 to win 4 cycle race.
We had a good field of fast karts. But in those days, I hardly ever finished worse than 1st.
So...I win the race, load up my equipment, etc and drive up to the pay window. I was met by the club president who quickly informed me that I would not be receiving anything for winning this $500 money race.
His excuse was, "You always win". "People don't like you winning and they are threatening to quit racing if we pay you".

That was all there was to it. No $$, not even a descent attitude.

Lesson learned, People don't like winners. Look at NASCAR's Jimmie Johnson for example. He won the national championship 5 times, IN A ROW !!! There are people who actually Hate him ! Whats to hate? He's a nice guy with a nice family and a fantastic racer. He's a Champion who is very deserving of each of those Championships.

We are living in a messed up world today. But don't get me started on politics Smile

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TJ Koyen · Joined: 03 Oct 2004 Posts: 1415

I race karts because it's fun.
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Santino Ferrucci · Posted: Sat Apr 13, 2013 5:36 am Post subject:

Yeah Mike and Tim. Spot on! I have a few driver close friends, one top NASCAR driver, and they say EXACTLY what you said Mike. This happened in England after I won. I take the negatives as a their way of giving me a compliment. In racing around the world nobody does that stuff unless you run out front.

mike clements · Posted: Sat Apr 13, 2013 12:58 pm Post subject:

When people say they race because it's fun, that is because they don't win very often. Once you become proficient at karting, it's time to move on if your goal is success in motorsports.

If you really do enjoy running mid pack or less, bless your heart. We could use more of that.
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Began kart racing 1959. Made many friends along the way.

TJ Koyen · Joined: 03 Oct 2004 Posts: 1415