October 3rd, 1999 (7:30am EDT)

• The reports section has been updated with the Nürburgring, Luxembourg, (Round #10) race report.

September 30, 1999 (7:00pm EDT)

• Jasper Groot from Netherlands sent us beautiful Nürburgring pictures for the "fans gallery", here they are.

September 28, 1999 (8:00am EDT)

• The results section has been updated with the Nürburgring, Luxembourg, (Round #10) results.

September 13, 1999 (5:10pm EDT)

• The links section has been updated. (Red Bull Junior/Marko-RSM, http://www.red-bull.com/en/events/1999/index.phtml)

Gonzalo Rodriguez
A Tribute

The true dangers of motorsport were tragically demonstrated at Laguna Seca this weekend with the tragic and untimely death of Uruguay's favourite son, Gonzalo Rodriguez. The 27-year-old, from Montevideo, was killed during a practice accident that launched him over the barriers and into a spectator area at the frightning Corkscrew corner. He suffered extreme head and neck injuries as the Penske he was driving landed, with considerable force, upside down.

It's difficult to talk about "Gonchi" in the past tense, just two weeks ago he ran the race of his life at Spa, being the only man brave enough to take the ultra fast Eau Rouge corner flat in an effort to gain positions. Although he finished a close second to Jason Watt his smile surpassed even that of the Dane, which I might add must have been difficult.

From a country that isn't known for it's motorsport talent Gonzalo won the hearts of the nation when he became the Senna of Uruguay. Being something of a veteran in F3000 terms Gonzalo still knew how to win. His third season in the category bought him the best present of all when he won the Monaco round of the Championship, his third career F3000 victory.

Many would agree that Gonzalo never got the real break he deserved, until Team Penske snapped up the charge for his CART debut in early August. A twelfth place finish and a Championship point was his reward for flying half way around the world for the sport he loved. A month later Penske rewarded Gonzalo with the fateful drive at Laguna Seca. Little did he know that on a scorching September morning that ride for Team Penske would prove his last. The Uruguayan's career would have been so bright in America.

Andrew Craig, CART President and Executive Officer mirrored the thoughts of many motor racing spectators when he commented, "This is a very sad day for Champ Car racing. Gonzalo was a talented young racing car driver who had the potential for a great racing career. No words can alleviate the sadness of his family and friends, but we send them our deepest sympathy at this tragic time".

Gonzalo's charismatic and friendly character captured the hearts of whomever he worked with. I can't think of anybody who had a bad word to say about the Uruguayan. His relationship with the Astromega F3000 team was as solid as rock that goes his relationship with his rivals too. His cheerfulness and bonhomie permeated the paddock and where ever else he happened to be.

What can you say at a time like this? Our hearts and prayers are with Gonzalo and his family at this time. He may not be on this earth but Gonzalo Rodriguez will always be in the thoughts of many.