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"The reputation of American drivers in Europe is not the best," said Speed, who drives for the new Italian-based team of Scuderia Toro Rosso.

"But I don't worry too much about it.

I'm just hoping to change some opinions." In the realm of international auto racing, Yanks are considered driving-impaired.

There have been only two Formula One champions from the United States - Phil Hill in 1961 and Mario Andretti in 1978 - and no American has even been behind a wheel in the prestigious series since Michael Andretti in 1993.

Now along comes a Northern Californian with the perfect name for racing.

But Speed's coming-out party will occur with precious little fanfare in this country, and that's exactly why much is riding on his success or failure.

Formula One is considered the glamorous, globe-trotting pinnacle of auto racing, competing in exotic locales like Monaco and the small Persian Gulf nation of Bahrain.

But it's barely a blip on the U.S.

sports radar - where NASCAR Nation rules - because the best drivers traditionally are from Europe and South America.

One indication of just how dismissive other Formula One drivers are of Americans came last summer when Englishman Jenson Button was asked how Speed had performed after he had an opportunity ...

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