1. Randy Bernard, and Eddie Gossage, work something out and keep Texas on the schedule. With less downforce, Texas was a hell of a race. This may open the door for returns to Kentucky, Chicago and other mile and a half tracks.
2. Great job by Justin Wilson. Graham Rahal had the field cover during that final stint. Rahal has nothing to hang his head about and should be looking forward to Milwaukee and Iowa.
3. Hildebrand had a great drive. Pagenaud was impressive and James Jakes bookended the top 10 for Dale Coyne.
4. Great call by Beuax Barfield with calling a block on Power. Tough call but the correct call.
5. Besides Rahal, Dixon had a great run with nothing to show for it and Andretti probably would have been in the top 10, maybe even the top 5 if he didn't come back in thinking his car was still on fire.
6. After starting in the back, Newgarden had an eventful day but did well and Legge held her own and took the checkered flag.
7. After having a terrible start, Franchitti did a great job with a below-average car and finished 14th.
8. Back to the racing seen tonight, if IndyCar can bring this what they did tonight to Chicagoland and Kentucky and Phoenix and Richmond then IndyCar very well can bring fans back. This was a fantastic race. The drivers had to drive the car and it clearly showed that flat-out, pack racing is not always necessary to have a great race. You can have just as good of race, maybe even better, if you have the drivers backing out in the corners.
Covering All Motorsports. From Indianapolis to Le Mans, Daytona to Monaco.
Saturday, June 9, 2012
Morning Warm-Up: Texas 2012
Alex Tagliani stole the show in qualifying and took the pole for the Firestone 550 from Texas. Tagliani's pole is the first for Bryan Herta Autosport. He leads a Honda 1-2-3-4 and has Dario Franchitti, Graham Rahal and Scott Dixon right behind him. Four drivers will serve a 10 grid spot penalty for engine changes. Mike Conway will go from 8th to 18th, Takuma Sato goes from 10th to 20th, Simona de Silvestro drops from 23rd to 24th and Josef Newgarden, who did not post a time in qualifying, will start 25th. Newgarden was 3rd fastest in the first practice and 10th in the final practice. Look for him to be on the move. With the penalties, Chevrolets will start 5-6-7-8 with Will Power, James Hinchcliffe, Tony Kanaan and Marco Andretti and Simon Pagenuad and Ryan Briscoe jump into the top ten.
IndyCar has been working with the teams and drivers this weekend with decreasing downforce. During the practice session, a few drivers got their hands crossed up, something normally never seen at Texas. The drivers have had to clearly drive the car more than ever before at Texas.
Looking beyond the race and into the future, tentatively, this very well maybe the last IndyCar race race at Texas Motor Speedway. The track, drivers and IndyCar have different opinions about placement of the catch fence poles and that is just the first of a few issues between Texas and the series. Track president Eddie Gossage is not happy that the Izod IndyCar Series is heading to Houston in October 2013. Gossage feels that a second Texas race would detract from his event and openly voiced that he did not want to see a revival of the Houston race. Thanks to Google Maps, we can find that the distance from Texas Motor Speedway and Reliant Park, location of the Houston Grand Prix, is 285 miles or 4 hours and 53 minutes apart. There has also been a discrepancy between the track and IndyCar over sanctioning fees. If this is the last Texas race, I am sad that the series loses a race that as normally been the best attended race besides Indianapolis. However, certain things like the accident that nearly ended Kenny Bräck life, let alone his career and the most recent banter between the drivers and the track over the catch fence poles has left Texas and it's relationship with the series with a dark cloud hanging above it and it may in fact be time to look go else where. If tonight's race is a great show, I hope the two parties can work something out.
IndyCar has been working with the teams and drivers this weekend with decreasing downforce. During the practice session, a few drivers got their hands crossed up, something normally never seen at Texas. The drivers have had to clearly drive the car more than ever before at Texas.
Looking beyond the race and into the future, tentatively, this very well maybe the last IndyCar race race at Texas Motor Speedway. The track, drivers and IndyCar have different opinions about placement of the catch fence poles and that is just the first of a few issues between Texas and the series. Track president Eddie Gossage is not happy that the Izod IndyCar Series is heading to Houston in October 2013. Gossage feels that a second Texas race would detract from his event and openly voiced that he did not want to see a revival of the Houston race. Thanks to Google Maps, we can find that the distance from Texas Motor Speedway and Reliant Park, location of the Houston Grand Prix, is 285 miles or 4 hours and 53 minutes apart. There has also been a discrepancy between the track and IndyCar over sanctioning fees. If this is the last Texas race, I am sad that the series loses a race that as normally been the best attended race besides Indianapolis. However, certain things like the accident that nearly ended Kenny Bräck life, let alone his career and the most recent banter between the drivers and the track over the catch fence poles has left Texas and it's relationship with the series with a dark cloud hanging above it and it may in fact be time to look go else where. If tonight's race is a great show, I hope the two parties can work something out.
Thursday, June 7, 2012
Track Walk: Texas 2012
Back to an oval for the seventh round of the championship, as the Izod IndyCar Series heads to Texas Motor Speedway. This is the third race of a five consecutive race stretch and the first of three ovals in a row. Last year, two 275 km races were split by Dario Franchitti and Will Power. This year will revert back to one, 550 km race. Texas Motor Speedway is the first mile and a half track for the series since the fatal accident of Dan Wheldon and the first mile and a half track for the new DW12 chassis. As with last weeks Track Walk, lots of big news after Detroit, let's start at the top.
Aero Kits Rejected Again
The IndyCar team owners again voted again to postponed the launch of aero kits for another season. They believe that the extra cost brought on by the aero kits will be too great due to the higher-than-announced price tag for the Dallara DW12 chassis and engine leases. They also feel the racing has been good enough this year that new aero kits are not necessary.
My Take: Many have brought up the teams owners do not run the series anymore. They do not get to decide what is allowed and what is disallowed. I feel that the series should introduce the aero kits next season but you can not force the teams to buy new aero kits. If all the teams want to run the 2012 Dallara aero kit then fine. At least make the aero kits available in case any of the teams want to a new aero kit in 2013.
China On The Fence
The decade past battle with American open-wheel racing racing on mainland Asia is back. ChampCar tried multiple times to race in Ansan, South Korea and Zhuhai, China but never went. Now, IndyCar is struggling to finalize their deal with Qingdao, China. It seems the new mayor of Qingdao does not agree with the August 19 date like the previous mayor did. There are talks to either push China until after Fontana, remove it from the schedule completely and run a new race or work out a deal to get this race run on the scheduled date. August 19 is the day after the American Le Mans series races at Road America and many have Road America as the favorite to be that "plan B" if Qingdao does not happen.
My Take: While many fans do not agree with the China race, I kind of do. It makes financial sense for the series and by racing in Qingdao, the series would make anywhere from an estimated $8-10 million dollars. Removing it from the schedule would be a massive financial blow. A best case scenario could be this: Qingdao gets pushed to September 30th and becomes the final race of the season. This would create a three week gap between Mid-Ohio and Sonoma. IndyCar ends up going to Road America and we have 17 races. Also, could we start Qingdao at 10pm in China? A new night street race in China could then be shown in the late morning in the eastern part of the United States and be a breakfast special for those living on the US Pacific. Another scenario, China gets pushed to September 30th, becomes a non-championship round so the season can end in the United States at Fontana and Road America takes the August 19th date and becomes he 16th points-paying event.
Predicitions
I will predict that Texas will be a duel between Scott Dixon and Marco Andretti for the win. Honda will have a slight advantage again on this oval like they did at Indianapolis but the top 10 will be split even five-to-five. Oriol Servia continues his string of impressive finishes. The series will allow Simona de Silvestro to race until the field catches her and they may even let her race for longer after that if she is a hazard. Graham Rahal gets a well earned top 5. James Hinchcliffe rebounds after a tough break, literally, at Detroit and Josef Newgarden gets a top 10. Sleeper: Ed Carpenter.
Aero Kits Rejected Again
The IndyCar team owners again voted again to postponed the launch of aero kits for another season. They believe that the extra cost brought on by the aero kits will be too great due to the higher-than-announced price tag for the Dallara DW12 chassis and engine leases. They also feel the racing has been good enough this year that new aero kits are not necessary.
My Take: Many have brought up the teams owners do not run the series anymore. They do not get to decide what is allowed and what is disallowed. I feel that the series should introduce the aero kits next season but you can not force the teams to buy new aero kits. If all the teams want to run the 2012 Dallara aero kit then fine. At least make the aero kits available in case any of the teams want to a new aero kit in 2013.
China On The Fence
The decade past battle with American open-wheel racing racing on mainland Asia is back. ChampCar tried multiple times to race in Ansan, South Korea and Zhuhai, China but never went. Now, IndyCar is struggling to finalize their deal with Qingdao, China. It seems the new mayor of Qingdao does not agree with the August 19 date like the previous mayor did. There are talks to either push China until after Fontana, remove it from the schedule completely and run a new race or work out a deal to get this race run on the scheduled date. August 19 is the day after the American Le Mans series races at Road America and many have Road America as the favorite to be that "plan B" if Qingdao does not happen.
My Take: While many fans do not agree with the China race, I kind of do. It makes financial sense for the series and by racing in Qingdao, the series would make anywhere from an estimated $8-10 million dollars. Removing it from the schedule would be a massive financial blow. A best case scenario could be this: Qingdao gets pushed to September 30th and becomes the final race of the season. This would create a three week gap between Mid-Ohio and Sonoma. IndyCar ends up going to Road America and we have 17 races. Also, could we start Qingdao at 10pm in China? A new night street race in China could then be shown in the late morning in the eastern part of the United States and be a breakfast special for those living on the US Pacific. Another scenario, China gets pushed to September 30th, becomes a non-championship round so the season can end in the United States at Fontana and Road America takes the August 19th date and becomes he 16th points-paying event.
Predicitions
I will predict that Texas will be a duel between Scott Dixon and Marco Andretti for the win. Honda will have a slight advantage again on this oval like they did at Indianapolis but the top 10 will be split even five-to-five. Oriol Servia continues his string of impressive finishes. The series will allow Simona de Silvestro to race until the field catches her and they may even let her race for longer after that if she is a hazard. Graham Rahal gets a well earned top 5. James Hinchcliffe rebounds after a tough break, literally, at Detroit and Josef Newgarden gets a top 10. Sleeper: Ed Carpenter.
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
UEFA Euro 2012: IndyCar Edition
Why mix Football/Soccer and IndyCar? Because both have international participants and this is just for fun. IndyCar has had a lot of great European drivers and with the European Football Championships beginning Friday I have decided to take the best driver from the sixteen participating nations to represent their respective nation in a simulation of the upcoming tournament. Each driver will go head-to-head against one another to decide which country moves on. I would like to thank our friends at champcarstats.com for being my source for some of the drivers and their information. Let me stress this is just for fun.
Group A contains co-host Poland, Czech Republic, Russia and Greece. Not a flashy group of drivers here.
Poland: Driver: Louis Zborowski- Ran one race, the 1923 Indianapolis 500. Started 5th, finished 20th in a race with only 24 cars.
Czech Republic: Driver: Tomas Enge- Ran 17 races between 2004-2006 in the IRL. Best finish was a 5th at Sonoma in 2005. It is his only career top 5 and he had 3 top 10s. Best start was 2nd at Texas in 2005.
Russia: Driver: Baron de Rachewsky- Had one start in 1926 at Atlantic City. Started and finished 15th after only 11 laps.
Greece: Driver: George Buzane- Born in Athens, Greece, raced as an American but will represent Greece on this occasion. Made 14 starts between 1915 and 1919. Buzane did have 7 career top 10s.
Group A results: Matchday 1: Greece def. Poland 3-0; Czech Republic def. Russia 3-0 Matchday 2: Czech Republic def. Greece 1-0; Poland draw Russia 0-0 Matchday 3: Czech Republic def. Poland 4-0; Greece def. Russia 3-1.
It is really isn't close. Tomas Enge has the upper hand but you can argue for Buzane in that second match up, however I have Enge edging Buzane. Zborowski and de Rachewsky are equal and neither make it to the knockout stages.
Group B is the group of death for the actual Euro but here it isn't as scary and unpredictable.
Netherlands: Driver: Arie Luyendyk- Won the 1990 and 1997 Indianapolis 500. Won 7 races in his career, five poles, fastest lap and qualification run at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. 35 career top 5s.
Denmark: Driver: Ronnie Bremer- Started 12 races in the 2005 ChampCar season. Best start 8th, finish 6th.
Germany: Driver: Bernd Rosemeyer- Won his one and only race in 1937, the Vanderbilt Cup after starting second on the grid. He was also the 1936 European Grand Prix Champion.
Portugal: Driver: Tiago Monteiro- Started 17 races in the 2003 CART season. Best start 2nd, finish 6th, both at Mexico City. Monteiro also scored a podium in the 2005 United States Grand Prix, a 3rd with Jordan, a race where only the six cars on Bridgestone tires started.
Group B results: Matchday 1: Netherlands def. Denmark 3-0; Germany def. Portugal 1-0 Matchday 2: Portugal def. Denmark 2-1; Netherlands def. Germany 2-1 Matchday 3: Netherlands def. Portugal 3-0; Germany def. Denmark 2-0
Luyendyk scores nine points with his three wins. Rosemeyer advances with six points and Monteiro falls short with three points.
Group C is a little interesting and I think I may get the most people talking with this group.
Spain: Driver: Oriol Servia- Only Spaniard to win in American open-wheel racing, 2005 at Montreal. Scored one pole, Surfers Paradise in 2005. 46 career top 5s.
Italy: Driver: Alex Zanardi- The 1997 and 1998 CART champion, 15 career wins, 10 career poles, 35 career top 5s, however he never finished fifth in his career. All his top 5's are either 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th place finishes.
Republic of Ireland: Driver: Derek Daly- Best finish was 3rd at Milwaukee in 1987. 5 career top 5s. Best start was 2nd on occasions.
Croatia: Driver: Mario Andretti- I know he is Italian-American and was born in what was Italy atthe time, but his birthplace is now known as Motovun, Croatia. Besides this is only for fun, who minds Mario being involved? Second in all-time wins with 52, 65 career poles, 4 time champion, 1969 Indianapolis 500 winner.
Group C results: Matchday 1: Italy def. Spain 2-0; Croatia def. Republic of Ireland 3-1 Matchday 2: Italy draws Croatia 4-4; Spain def. Republic of Ireland 2-1 Matchday 3: Croatia def. Spain 3-1; Italy def. Republic of Ireland 2-0.
Zanardi and Andretti advance with 7 points each both are tied on goal differential (+4) but Andretti takes it on goals for with 10 to Zanardi's 8. Defending champions Spain and Oriol Servia go no further than the group stages.
Group D makes a great case for being the the group of death in Euro 2012 IndyCar edition.
Ukraine: Driver: Ben Brandfon- The other co-host, never even started a race and had three DNS/DNQs. He was the best I could do. Sorry folks, it is tough to find a Ukrainian driver.
Sweden: Driver: Kenny Bräck- 1999 Indianapolis 500 winner, 9 race wins, 1998 IRL champion, finished 2nd in the 1999 IRL season and the 2001 CART season.
France: Driver: Sebastien Bourdais- 31 career wins, tied for most among active drivers, four time champion, 32 career poles.
England: Driver: Dan Wheldon- Dan is the top Englishmen (Dario Franchitti is Scottish). 16 career wins, 2005 and 2011 Indianapolis 500 winner, 2005 IRL champion, 5 career poles, 62 career top 5s.
Group D results: Matchday 1: France draws England 2-2; Sweden def. Ukraine 6-0 Matchday 2: France def. Ukraine 12-0; England def. Sweden 1-0 Matchday 3: England def. Ukraine 5-0; France def. Sweden 2-1
France and England advances with 7 points, France wins the group with a goal differential of +13.
Knockout Stages
Quarterfinals
Czech Republic (Tomas Enge) v. Germany (Bernd Rosemeyer) Result: Germany def. Czech Republic 2-0
Croatia (Mario Andretti) v. England (Dan Wheldon) Result: England def. Croatia 1-0 (a.e.t)
Netherlands (Arie Luyendyk) v. Greece (George Buzane) Result: Netherlands def. Greece 4-0
France (Sebastien Bourdais) v. Italy (Alex Zanardi) Result: France draws Italy 2-2 (a.e.t, France wins 4-3 on penalties)
Summary: Rosemeyer edges Enge. You must be thinking, "how can Wheldon defeat the man with the second most wins in American open-wheel history, not to mention a former World Drivers' Champion?" Well, it was close, it went to extra time and Wheldon sneaks to victory, just like he did on May 29, 2011. What can I say, upsets happen. Luyendyk easily handles Buzane. Bourdais and Zanardi may be the worst possible quarterfinal match possible. It could have gone either way, but Bourdais bests Zanardi in penalties in a match fit for a final.
Semifinals
Germany (Bernd Rosemeyer) v. England (Dan Wheldon) Result: England def. Germany 2-0.
Netherlands (Arie Luyendyk) v. France (Sebastien Bourdais) Result: France def. Netherlands 3-1 (a.e.t)
Summary: Wheldon clearly beats Rosemeyer. Luyendyk forces extra time late but he can't hold off Bourdais as he adds two in extra time to advance to the finals.
Finals
England (Dan Wheldon) v. France (Sebastien Bourdais) Result: France def. England 2-1 (a.e.t)
Summary: In the rematch of their group meeting, Bourdais has to go 120 minutes for a third straight
match. Both are each others equal until the dying minutes of extra time. Bourdais puts away the game-winning goal and avoids penalty kicks. Wheldon can't get an equalizer and Sebastien Bourdais take IndyCar Euro 2012.
Note: This is all just for fun and there is no deeper meaning to this post.
Group A contains co-host Poland, Czech Republic, Russia and Greece. Not a flashy group of drivers here.
Poland: Driver: Louis Zborowski- Ran one race, the 1923 Indianapolis 500. Started 5th, finished 20th in a race with only 24 cars.
Czech Republic: Driver: Tomas Enge- Ran 17 races between 2004-2006 in the IRL. Best finish was a 5th at Sonoma in 2005. It is his only career top 5 and he had 3 top 10s. Best start was 2nd at Texas in 2005.
Russia: Driver: Baron de Rachewsky- Had one start in 1926 at Atlantic City. Started and finished 15th after only 11 laps.
Greece: Driver: George Buzane- Born in Athens, Greece, raced as an American but will represent Greece on this occasion. Made 14 starts between 1915 and 1919. Buzane did have 7 career top 10s.
Group A results: Matchday 1: Greece def. Poland 3-0; Czech Republic def. Russia 3-0 Matchday 2: Czech Republic def. Greece 1-0; Poland draw Russia 0-0 Matchday 3: Czech Republic def. Poland 4-0; Greece def. Russia 3-1.
It is really isn't close. Tomas Enge has the upper hand but you can argue for Buzane in that second match up, however I have Enge edging Buzane. Zborowski and de Rachewsky are equal and neither make it to the knockout stages.
Group B is the group of death for the actual Euro but here it isn't as scary and unpredictable.
Netherlands: Driver: Arie Luyendyk- Won the 1990 and 1997 Indianapolis 500. Won 7 races in his career, five poles, fastest lap and qualification run at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. 35 career top 5s.
Denmark: Driver: Ronnie Bremer- Started 12 races in the 2005 ChampCar season. Best start 8th, finish 6th.
Germany: Driver: Bernd Rosemeyer- Won his one and only race in 1937, the Vanderbilt Cup after starting second on the grid. He was also the 1936 European Grand Prix Champion.
Portugal: Driver: Tiago Monteiro- Started 17 races in the 2003 CART season. Best start 2nd, finish 6th, both at Mexico City. Monteiro also scored a podium in the 2005 United States Grand Prix, a 3rd with Jordan, a race where only the six cars on Bridgestone tires started.
Group B results: Matchday 1: Netherlands def. Denmark 3-0; Germany def. Portugal 1-0 Matchday 2: Portugal def. Denmark 2-1; Netherlands def. Germany 2-1 Matchday 3: Netherlands def. Portugal 3-0; Germany def. Denmark 2-0
Luyendyk scores nine points with his three wins. Rosemeyer advances with six points and Monteiro falls short with three points.
Group C is a little interesting and I think I may get the most people talking with this group.
Spain: Driver: Oriol Servia- Only Spaniard to win in American open-wheel racing, 2005 at Montreal. Scored one pole, Surfers Paradise in 2005. 46 career top 5s.
Italy: Driver: Alex Zanardi- The 1997 and 1998 CART champion, 15 career wins, 10 career poles, 35 career top 5s, however he never finished fifth in his career. All his top 5's are either 1st, 2nd, 3rd or 4th place finishes.
Republic of Ireland: Driver: Derek Daly- Best finish was 3rd at Milwaukee in 1987. 5 career top 5s. Best start was 2nd on occasions.
Croatia: Driver: Mario Andretti- I know he is Italian-American and was born in what was Italy atthe time, but his birthplace is now known as Motovun, Croatia. Besides this is only for fun, who minds Mario being involved? Second in all-time wins with 52, 65 career poles, 4 time champion, 1969 Indianapolis 500 winner.
Group C results: Matchday 1: Italy def. Spain 2-0; Croatia def. Republic of Ireland 3-1 Matchday 2: Italy draws Croatia 4-4; Spain def. Republic of Ireland 2-1 Matchday 3: Croatia def. Spain 3-1; Italy def. Republic of Ireland 2-0.
Zanardi and Andretti advance with 7 points each both are tied on goal differential (+4) but Andretti takes it on goals for with 10 to Zanardi's 8. Defending champions Spain and Oriol Servia go no further than the group stages.
Group D makes a great case for being the the group of death in Euro 2012 IndyCar edition.
Ukraine: Driver: Ben Brandfon- The other co-host, never even started a race and had three DNS/DNQs. He was the best I could do. Sorry folks, it is tough to find a Ukrainian driver.
Sweden: Driver: Kenny Bräck- 1999 Indianapolis 500 winner, 9 race wins, 1998 IRL champion, finished 2nd in the 1999 IRL season and the 2001 CART season.
France: Driver: Sebastien Bourdais- 31 career wins, tied for most among active drivers, four time champion, 32 career poles.
England: Driver: Dan Wheldon- Dan is the top Englishmen (Dario Franchitti is Scottish). 16 career wins, 2005 and 2011 Indianapolis 500 winner, 2005 IRL champion, 5 career poles, 62 career top 5s.
Group D results: Matchday 1: France draws England 2-2; Sweden def. Ukraine 6-0 Matchday 2: France def. Ukraine 12-0; England def. Sweden 1-0 Matchday 3: England def. Ukraine 5-0; France def. Sweden 2-1
France and England advances with 7 points, France wins the group with a goal differential of +13.
Knockout Stages
Quarterfinals
Czech Republic (Tomas Enge) v. Germany (Bernd Rosemeyer) Result: Germany def. Czech Republic 2-0
Croatia (Mario Andretti) v. England (Dan Wheldon) Result: England def. Croatia 1-0 (a.e.t)
Netherlands (Arie Luyendyk) v. Greece (George Buzane) Result: Netherlands def. Greece 4-0
France (Sebastien Bourdais) v. Italy (Alex Zanardi) Result: France draws Italy 2-2 (a.e.t, France wins 4-3 on penalties)
Summary: Rosemeyer edges Enge. You must be thinking, "how can Wheldon defeat the man with the second most wins in American open-wheel history, not to mention a former World Drivers' Champion?" Well, it was close, it went to extra time and Wheldon sneaks to victory, just like he did on May 29, 2011. What can I say, upsets happen. Luyendyk easily handles Buzane. Bourdais and Zanardi may be the worst possible quarterfinal match possible. It could have gone either way, but Bourdais bests Zanardi in penalties in a match fit for a final.
Semifinals
Germany (Bernd Rosemeyer) v. England (Dan Wheldon) Result: England def. Germany 2-0.
Netherlands (Arie Luyendyk) v. France (Sebastien Bourdais) Result: France def. Netherlands 3-1 (a.e.t)
Summary: Wheldon clearly beats Rosemeyer. Luyendyk forces extra time late but he can't hold off Bourdais as he adds two in extra time to advance to the finals.
Finals
England (Dan Wheldon) v. France (Sebastien Bourdais) Result: France def. England 2-1 (a.e.t)
Summary: In the rematch of their group meeting, Bourdais has to go 120 minutes for a third straight
match. Both are each others equal until the dying minutes of extra time. Bourdais puts away the game-winning goal and avoids penalty kicks. Wheldon can't get an equalizer and Sebastien Bourdais take IndyCar Euro 2012.
Note: This is all just for fun and there is no deeper meaning to this post.
Back to A Familiar Beast
The date is October 12, 2003. In what was suppose to be a thrilling, five-way fight for the championship, ended just a few laps shy of the scheduled distance and with a veteran driver heading to hospital not knowing what the future held for he and his family. A driver is crowned champion, a decorated driver retires in victory lane celebrating a final victory and a young, future champion wins rookie of the year.
The date is October 16, 2011. In what was suppose to be a thrilling, two-way fight for the championship, ends after only 13 laps. A driver is crowned champion, a decorated driver appears to have raced for the final time and that rookie of the year has gone to join Ayrton Senna, Dale Earnhardt and Greg Moore at the great racetrack in the sky.
Kenny Bräck's accident at the end of the final race of the 2003 season raised some eyebrows about IndyCars racing on the high-banked, one and a half mile racetracks. The term "Death Race 2000" was labeled to these races. Bräck would battle back from the injuries he sustained that day to race in the 2005 Indianapolis 500, where he was the fastest qualifier. On September 11, 2005, another accident into the catch fence occurred. This time at Chicagoland Speedway with Ryan Briscoe getting into the back of Alex Barron and leaving Briscoe with broken clavicles and a bruised lung. He would return to racing the following season, running four races for Dreyer & Reinbold as well as the final two ChampCar races of that 2006 season for RuSport. We arrive finally to the day where "Death Race 2000" went from a playful label to reality at Las Vegas Motor Speedway last October with the fatal accident of Dan Wheldon.
Texas, Chicagoland and Las Vegas are all one and a half mile racetracks with 18 degrees of banking or more. Each of these three tracks has the tendency to produce large, pack racing with IndyCars which leaves many holding there breath all race long. The question is how can this pack racing be prevented? On the automotive side you can reduce downforce by removing the wings and turning up the turbo levels to increase power. The one thing I look at though is the track itself. Take Kentucky Speedway for example. It is a one and a half mile racetrack like the others but never really produced pack racing to the degree of the other three. The amount of bank at Kentucky is only 14 degrees. Same when IndyCar raced at Kansas Speedway The pack racing was not as severe and that track has 15 degrees of banking. Finally look at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Not now but before it was renovated. It is still a mile and a half but the banking in the turns was only 9 degrees then and not the 20 degrees as it is now. The racing was fine when ChampCar raced there in 2004 and 2005. There was no pack racing and the races were exciting.
Why shouldn't the racetracks lower there banking? Well, these tracks were not built for the general safety of all forms of racing. They were built for NASCAR. With that said, shouldn't a track make sure it is safe for all series that race there? Yes it should. We can change the cars all we want but if the track is still producing dangerous pack racing and getting cars airborne into the catch fence then something else has to be changed. Jackie Stewart fought and continues fighting to make racing safer. With help from Professor Sid Watkins, Formula One was made much safer and better prepared for accidents. I have no problem if drivers such as Oriol Servia, Dario Franchitti and Tony Kanaan voice that they feel the track is unsafe. A track should not just stand and shrug it's shoulders when a problem occurs. If the drivers feel changes must be made for the safety of the drivers then do not ignore there calls. Act because they are speaking up to protect there lives and the lives of their competitors.
To be honest, I do no thing the banking has to be this high. There has been great racing on tracks with 12-15 degrees of banking. Will this be the last time IndyCar races as Texas Motor Speedway? I hope not because it draws a great crowd, however if they leave I would be relieved. If Texas Motor Speedway and the drivers could compromise on such things as the banking and the catch fence, that would be great. Sadly though I see one side not willing to make a change and I will give you a hint on who I think it is, they would be in a race car on Saturday night.
The date is October 16, 2011. In what was suppose to be a thrilling, two-way fight for the championship, ends after only 13 laps. A driver is crowned champion, a decorated driver appears to have raced for the final time and that rookie of the year has gone to join Ayrton Senna, Dale Earnhardt and Greg Moore at the great racetrack in the sky.
Kenny Bräck's accident at the end of the final race of the 2003 season raised some eyebrows about IndyCars racing on the high-banked, one and a half mile racetracks. The term "Death Race 2000" was labeled to these races. Bräck would battle back from the injuries he sustained that day to race in the 2005 Indianapolis 500, where he was the fastest qualifier. On September 11, 2005, another accident into the catch fence occurred. This time at Chicagoland Speedway with Ryan Briscoe getting into the back of Alex Barron and leaving Briscoe with broken clavicles and a bruised lung. He would return to racing the following season, running four races for Dreyer & Reinbold as well as the final two ChampCar races of that 2006 season for RuSport. We arrive finally to the day where "Death Race 2000" went from a playful label to reality at Las Vegas Motor Speedway last October with the fatal accident of Dan Wheldon.
Texas, Chicagoland and Las Vegas are all one and a half mile racetracks with 18 degrees of banking or more. Each of these three tracks has the tendency to produce large, pack racing with IndyCars which leaves many holding there breath all race long. The question is how can this pack racing be prevented? On the automotive side you can reduce downforce by removing the wings and turning up the turbo levels to increase power. The one thing I look at though is the track itself. Take Kentucky Speedway for example. It is a one and a half mile racetrack like the others but never really produced pack racing to the degree of the other three. The amount of bank at Kentucky is only 14 degrees. Same when IndyCar raced at Kansas Speedway The pack racing was not as severe and that track has 15 degrees of banking. Finally look at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Not now but before it was renovated. It is still a mile and a half but the banking in the turns was only 9 degrees then and not the 20 degrees as it is now. The racing was fine when ChampCar raced there in 2004 and 2005. There was no pack racing and the races were exciting.
Why shouldn't the racetracks lower there banking? Well, these tracks were not built for the general safety of all forms of racing. They were built for NASCAR. With that said, shouldn't a track make sure it is safe for all series that race there? Yes it should. We can change the cars all we want but if the track is still producing dangerous pack racing and getting cars airborne into the catch fence then something else has to be changed. Jackie Stewart fought and continues fighting to make racing safer. With help from Professor Sid Watkins, Formula One was made much safer and better prepared for accidents. I have no problem if drivers such as Oriol Servia, Dario Franchitti and Tony Kanaan voice that they feel the track is unsafe. A track should not just stand and shrug it's shoulders when a problem occurs. If the drivers feel changes must be made for the safety of the drivers then do not ignore there calls. Act because they are speaking up to protect there lives and the lives of their competitors.
To be honest, I do no thing the banking has to be this high. There has been great racing on tracks with 12-15 degrees of banking. Will this be the last time IndyCar races as Texas Motor Speedway? I hope not because it draws a great crowd, however if they leave I would be relieved. If Texas Motor Speedway and the drivers could compromise on such things as the banking and the catch fence, that would be great. Sadly though I see one side not willing to make a change and I will give you a hint on who I think it is, they would be in a race car on Saturday night.
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Belle Isle: First Impressions
I don't know where to begin.
1a. If Penske wants American races and is promoting this race, why not promote a race at Michigan International Speedway? Race would be ten times better.
1b. The track wouldn't fall apart.
1c. I wonder what Houston will be like in 2013?
1d. Penske had a hell of a day as a team owner.
2a. ABC/ESPN dropped the ball.
2b. It's one thing to move from ABC to ESPN. It's another to go to ESPNNEWS.
2c. How the hell is the IndyCar race not even on ESPN3.com or the WatchESPN app?
2d. I am applying to be either director or lead announcer for the remaining ABC races.
3. I understand why the races on ABC begin at 3:30pm (NASCAR begins at 1:00pm) but to those who say you have to race when nothing else is on my answer to that is every race will have to be shown at 2:00am EST. You're going to be head-to-head with something. How about starting before the NASCAR race? Noon was a wide open start time.
4. IndyCar: DO NOT PLAY INTO ABC's HANDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
5. Hell of a day for "momentum after the 500."
6. Great job by Dixon and Honda.
7. Servia had another great day.
8. If you look at IndyCar's unofficial box score, Hinchcliffe didn't even race. Castroneves finished 17th and 21st.
9. I can not believe I am saying this: I am looking forward to Texas.
10. One reason is for NBC Sports Net. As for the racing, I am holding my breath.
1a. If Penske wants American races and is promoting this race, why not promote a race at Michigan International Speedway? Race would be ten times better.
1b. The track wouldn't fall apart.
1c. I wonder what Houston will be like in 2013?
1d. Penske had a hell of a day as a team owner.
2a. ABC/ESPN dropped the ball.
2b. It's one thing to move from ABC to ESPN. It's another to go to ESPNNEWS.
2c. How the hell is the IndyCar race not even on ESPN3.com or the WatchESPN app?
2d. I am applying to be either director or lead announcer for the remaining ABC races.
3. I understand why the races on ABC begin at 3:30pm (NASCAR begins at 1:00pm) but to those who say you have to race when nothing else is on my answer to that is every race will have to be shown at 2:00am EST. You're going to be head-to-head with something. How about starting before the NASCAR race? Noon was a wide open start time.
4. IndyCar: DO NOT PLAY INTO ABC's HANDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
5. Hell of a day for "momentum after the 500."
6. Great job by Dixon and Honda.
7. Servia had another great day.
8. If you look at IndyCar's unofficial box score, Hinchcliffe didn't even race. Castroneves finished 17th and 21st.
9. I can not believe I am saying this: I am looking forward to Texas.
10. One reason is for NBC Sports Net. As for the racing, I am holding my breath.
Morning Warm-Up: Belle Isle 2012
Honda scored it's first pole of 2012 with Scott Dixon beating Will Power by 0.0044 seconds. A few surprises to the Firestone Fast Six this weekend. Alex Tagliani ended up third followed by the Honda of Simon Pagenaud. EJ Viso cracked the top five, just ahead of Ryan Hunter-Reay. Graham Rahal qualified 7th put will drop back ten spots after his engine failure during practice at Indianapolis. In his first road course race with Chevrolet, Sebastien Bourdais will start from 9th on the grid. Row seven will be occupied by James Hinchcliffe and our most recent winner Dario Franchitti. One now has to wonder, who will be first to 32 career wins between Bourdais and Franchitti. Bourdais has not won since the final ChampCar race of the 2007 season in Mexico City. However he not race at any IndyCar races between 2008 and 2010 due to Formula One and sport car commitments. Other notables deep on the grid will be the aforementioned Rahal in 17th, Tony Kanaan 18th, JR Hildebrand in 19th, Rubens Barrichello in 20th and Marco Andretti in 23rd. Simona de Silvestro will start 25th after an engine change as well.
With five great races to start 2012, Belle Isle very well could be the first snoozer of the season. Passing has always been difficult here but we said passing would be difficult at Barber and Long Beach and almost everyone was wrong about that. One thing that could factor in this weekend is rain. After not missing a second of practice at Indianapolis, rain played a key role Friday and today the forecast calls for a few showers during race time. The chance of rain is listed at only 30% but all we need is one steady shower for thirty minutes to make things interesting.
Some fun facts: Last two winner at Belle Isle (Tony Kanaan in 2007 and Justin Wilson in 2008) started fourth. The previous two Belle Isle races did not go the scheduled 90 lap distance. In 2007, 89 laps and in 2008, 87 laps were completed. The last American winner at Belle Isle was Michael Andretti in 1996. He started 9th that day. Today, the highest starting American is Ryan Hunter-Reay in 6th place. The pole sitter has only won at Belle Isle twice, Robby Gordon in 1995 and Helio Castroneves in 2001 and the second place driver has won twice as well, Bobby Rahal in 1992 and Alex Zanardi in 1998. Danny Sullivan won in 1993 from 10th place, the furthest back a winner has come from the grid.
The IndyCar morning warm-up is at 10:45am. Coverage of the Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix begins at 3:30pm on ABC and green flag will be around 3:45pm.
With five great races to start 2012, Belle Isle very well could be the first snoozer of the season. Passing has always been difficult here but we said passing would be difficult at Barber and Long Beach and almost everyone was wrong about that. One thing that could factor in this weekend is rain. After not missing a second of practice at Indianapolis, rain played a key role Friday and today the forecast calls for a few showers during race time. The chance of rain is listed at only 30% but all we need is one steady shower for thirty minutes to make things interesting.
Some fun facts: Last two winner at Belle Isle (Tony Kanaan in 2007 and Justin Wilson in 2008) started fourth. The previous two Belle Isle races did not go the scheduled 90 lap distance. In 2007, 89 laps and in 2008, 87 laps were completed. The last American winner at Belle Isle was Michael Andretti in 1996. He started 9th that day. Today, the highest starting American is Ryan Hunter-Reay in 6th place. The pole sitter has only won at Belle Isle twice, Robby Gordon in 1995 and Helio Castroneves in 2001 and the second place driver has won twice as well, Bobby Rahal in 1992 and Alex Zanardi in 1998. Danny Sullivan won in 1993 from 10th place, the furthest back a winner has come from the grid.
The IndyCar morning warm-up is at 10:45am. Coverage of the Chevrolet Detroit Belle Isle Grand Prix begins at 3:30pm on ABC and green flag will be around 3:45pm.
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