EJ Viso: The next dud in IndyCar?
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Someone had to take Milka Duno's place...
EJ Viso has proven himself to be a team-killer. In 2010, he managed to do just about everything but finish in most of the races, only finishing in the top ten twice but reaching the podium at Iowa with a third place. 2011 is proving to be little better. Already, he has crashed during both races (finished the race at St. Petersburg) and has trashed at least two cars. KV Racing does have solid sponsorship for his #59, but their pockets aren't endless and his track record is far less than perfect.
Right now Viso shows signs of being fast but literally cannot keep the wheels on the car. EJ was very careless just this past weekend at Barber trying an outside move on Simona de Silvestro, resulting in a spin and subsequent bonehead move that took out James Hinchcliffe with him. On ovals, Viso has shown competence, as three of his nine career top 10's came at Richmond (10th) Iowa (3rd), and Milwaukee (8th).
But at least he's shown potential...
He does have the ability to win internationally, as he recorded two career GP2 victories and six career podiums, but he has not been the same since a really bad accident in 2007 which cost him his GP2 ride. He first drove in Indycar in 2008 and the results just have not been there ever since he arrived stateside.
A lot of drivers can't recover from that
There's no shame in admitting that such an accident made you lose your edge; it happens. I don't think Viso would admit it but that 2007 crash at Magny-Cours left him worse off than what he shows outwardly.
Conclusion?
Racing is a battle with yourself more than it is with anyone else. Nothing about it is supposed to be easy. Viso is still young and learning as he goes, my only concern is that his IndyCar plug be pulled before he figures it out.
I am not saying that he has the skill level of Duno either, Viso is much better than her. But there is that stigma associated with him that he wrecks more cars than he brings home. It's an unfortuantely reality for him; I do hope that he improves.
Oh yeah, he just made it 3 for 3 at Long Beach, crashed when he and Danica touched in turn 10. Around he went and into the wall.
