Conor Daly identified as one of the possibilities

With a second American Formula One race now slated for the US shores (Austin & New Jersey), Autosport magazine in England makes no bones about the fact that there is a “NEED FOR A (US) HERO” on the starting grid. It is a proven fact that Formula One thrives in countries when they have national pride wrapped around the event. There is nothing quite like having one of your own competing against the best in the world.

Autosport has identified just TWO American drivers with that potential; Conor Daly and Alex Rossi (enclosed). The headlines clearly state that “F1 keeps pushing to crack America”. If there are no significant American drivers competing in these events, history tells us that the interest in America will wane after the novelty and curiosity of the early years.

The British Racing Drivers Club (BRDC) proudly boasts of their “Rising Stars” financial support program in addition to sponsorship for young drivers and consequently they draw 25,000 more spectators (as per BRDC) through the gates of Silverstone for the British Grand Prix because of the presence of Lewis Hamilton and Jensen Button. Consider if each fan spends $200 over the course of the weekend, that equates to a $5M return on that weekend alone. If these two race for 10 years you can see that the Brits truly understand that investing in their future stars pays dividends.

There is a need for an American HERO in Formula One and the very future of both Formula One races starting in 2012 depends on it. If the young drivers are not supported and do not succeed, neither will the races.