2. And just like that, it's a whole new ball game. From 49 back to 25 up, Scott Dixon heads to Fontana with the ball in his court as he looks to pick up his third career title. Not to forget mentioning $250,000 if Dixon is able to win what is in essences the California 500 and take two of three legs of the Triple Crown.
Point scenarios heading into Fontana.
3. It was the drive Penske needed after Helio Castroneves had another gearbox issue from Will Power. He won and prevented Dixon from entering Fontana with as high as a 38 point lead. Second win of the season for Power. A step back from runner-up the last three seasons but he recovered nicely from what has been a rough season.
4. Ganassi, you sure you want to go to Chevrolet next year?
5. Nice to see James Hinchcliffe on the podium after stalling on the grid in race one. Justin Wilson not only had a great weekend but a great season. Ten years ago, who would have thought Dale Coyne Racing would be in the top five in points? Amazing what the team has done not to forget mentioning Mike Conway finished in the top ten.
6. Another good run for Sébastien Bourdais. Simon Pagenaud has had a great season but unfortunately he has been mathematically eliminated from the title.
7. Seventh for Oriol Servià . Hopefully he finds a ride in 2014. Once again, a lot of talented drivers looking for rides, only a few will find one though.
8. Charlie Kimball gets another top ten, as does Simona de Silvestro. This has been a breakthrough year for Kimball as de Silvestro continues to rack up results as her future isn't entirely certain.
9. Been a rough season for Ryan Hunter-Reay. It started well but mechanical failure after mechanical failure has cost him dearly. Marco Andretti had a poor day. It hasn't been a bad year for Andretti Autosport but after the championship anything but a repeat is easily a disappointment.
10. Despite there being single-file restarts, the racing was fine, we still had a ridiculous amount of cautions and I don't think many even noticed.
11. Luca Filippi has put the pressure on JR Hildebrand to the point that Hildebrand pretty much has to win at Fontana to give him any shot of driving the #98 in 2014. I hope both can land a ride in 2014.
12. Despite the hellish weekend this was at Houston, the track produced two really good races. Yes there are a few things that have to be improved but let's talk about that later. According to Robin Miller, this race is going to somehow be in June next year. That will surely please Eddie Gossage and it could be raced under the lights which could be nice.
13. It didn't feel like IndyCar was off for a month before Houston. Maybe it is because I filled my time with other series but it wasn't that bad. Granted I don't want it to happen again.
14. And now a week off before Fontana. To think this time last year the champion had already been crowned and IndyCar had been in the offseason for three weeks. I look forward to the season finale as autumn slowly sets in.
