In the Race of Champions Nations Cup charity event, Michael Schumacher and Sebastien Vettel earned the international victory for Germany.
In the Race of Champions Nations Cup charity event, Michael Schumacher and Sebastien Vettel earned the international victory for Germany. Schumacher returned to the track after he retired from Formula One following the 2006 season. The seven-time champion along with the rookie Vettel defeated Jensen Button and Andy Priaulx of England in the Race of Champions semifinal, and would go on to capture the crown by defeating Heikki Kovalainen and Marcus Gronholm in the finals.
Representing the United States was NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson and eight-time X-games champion Travis Pastrana.
Johnson was set to face Michael Schumacher one-on-one at Wembley Stadium in London on Sunday. Heading into the season-ending event, Johnson appeared rather optimistic as he said, “Everyone recognizes Schumacher as a champion, and after winning my second straight championship in NASCAR I hope I'm perceived in that way. Beating him and helping Team USA win The ROC Nations Cup would be a perfect ending to the best year of my career."
But Johnson was defeated by Schumacher in the first heat of the German vs United States quarterfinal of the Race of Champions Nations Cup. Later in the day, Johnson was outpaced in the first round by Champ Car sensation Sebastien Bourdais.
Michael Waltrip Racing is getting a facelift as far as the crew chief situation goes.
Former DEI, Ginn Racing, and MB2 Motorsports employee Ryan Pemberton will join Michael Waltrip Racing in 2008 and serve as the crew chief for David Reutimann. Pemberton most recently worked with Mark Martin, Aric Almirola, and Regan Smith at DEI.
Paul Andrews will become the crew chief on the 55 car driven by Michael Waltrip himself.
Bill Pappas will direct the third entry. No driver has yet to be named for that ride as of now.
