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Formula Sprint 2
Japanese Grand Prix
Suzuka International Racing Course
Tuesday 2nd of April 2024 19:00:00
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July 13, 2004
Canadian Ted Cragg is touring the F1VWC paddock this week in his first appearance at a race since 2003. Amidst much speculation that Cragg and his outfit, Stealth Grand Prix, would be returning to the VWC scene, he was hounded by reporters and supporters as they had the opportunity to throw questions at him for the first time since January.

"It's been six months now and I'm glad to be back at the track" said Cragg. The former manager announced his retirement at the end of January 2004, in what seemed like a fairly permanent move. "I was certainly burned out back then, I had an awful lot on my plate and found the challenges of running a grand prix team a lot to bear" said Cragg. When pressed further, he noted that "I've never felt averse to facing a challenge and overcoming it, but at the time it just wasn't something I felt capable of properly doing. Most of all, I did not want to hinder the league by being the weakest link on the grid. It always impressed me how quickly Dave Cummings was able to pick up where I left off" he mentioned.

But what the reporters really wanted to know was whether 'retirement' had instead become 'sabbatical.' Cragg's name has popped up more in VWC talk lately, and he has been noticed at a few media events talking to league owners and drivers. This week marks his first appearance back at a race though, and it appeared to be a scripted event. This was confirmed when, standing next to Andy Graydon, Cragg stated "I am pleased to announce that Stealth Grand Prix is alive again, and that I intend to rebuild the team and get back on the grid. Yes, my retirement has indeed become just a sabbatical. I don't usually like going back on my word, but I think in this case I can make an exception!"

Stealth will thus become the fifth team on the F1VWC Waiting List, although Andy Graydon reminded the crowd that promotion to the grid is based on merit, rather than chronological order: "It?s the team who the Gov Body think will do the best job and be most committed [that will be promoted]" said Graydon. Cragg though pointed out that he is under no aspirations that rejoining the grid will occur any time soon. "I fully expect to wait until next season. All the current teams are very strong and committed, so I would be surprised to see anything open up. And even then, there are four other teams that will also be of consideration for promotion" he said. But Cragg has plans in the interim. "We'll take the time until we get a grid slot to revamp the team website, get a new livery designed and be as prepared as possible for when the call does come. I also plan to work on projects around the league, not the long- term ones with no fixed deadline like before, but rather detailed and specific projects that have a start date, end date and will hopefully make a good impact on the league community. I am open to assisting any of my fellow managers until my own team returns full-time."

Cragg concluded with what will certainly make for some tantalizing silly season rumours: "I cannot rule out a partnership with an existing team; in many ways that might work out better. As far as I am concerned, I am open to any possibility. I am really just glad to be back in the picture again, seeing everyone and having some fun. The comptition, fun and community are the reasons I want to return - as others have said, it is very hard to miss formula 1 racing!"