but even with that, I think he is the most painfully shy person I've ever
met. The few times I've talked with him, he's always seemed embarrassed,
shy, and uncomfortable -- I really don't think he enjoys the limelight, but
he still does very good when he is called upon to rise to the occasion in
that manner, like when he presented Juan with the check.
FYI, Tony George may not be very good at being a front-man, but he is a
pretty decent racer -- I've seen him win a couple of times in the past few
years in Midgets and Legends cars. As a racer yourself (albeit the
simulated type, just like me and most everyone else around here), you've got
to admire that.
-- JB
>Did anyone see this last night??? Man was it interesting. Even while
>watching from my living room I could feel the tension. Clearly though
>the IRL people appear to like the Chip Ganassi team. When Montoya
>was announced as the rookie of the year there was stone silence...
>Essentially no one applauded. They loosened up toward the end
>of the banquet though. I think the key was after Eddie Cheever talked,
>that seemed to loosen everything up. Basically he said it wasn't about
>one series vs the other. It was about racing. He also said he wished
>he kicked Montoya's ass but he couldn't and gave Montoya praise.
>IMHO he was a class act all the way. He was also the only one to
>shake Montoya's hand afterwards as he stepped away from the
>podium.
>And then there was Tony George... He looked like he was clearly
>not happy. the camera show him just zoning out some times. How-
>ever when he presented Montoya with the winning check he was
>totally cool and shook his hand and patted him on the back. I
>supposed he had to put forth that image.
>All in all a very interesting banquet.
>--