Going full throttle for two hours straight is more boring for me.
Agreed. Before tonight, I was calling for Texas to be removed from the schedule. But with the modified aero package they're running here, this was a great race. No more pack "racing," no more flat-foot driving.
The race was given back to the drivers. They had to actually DRIVE this thing.
Great racing, I'm ready for Texas 2013 if it's like that.
I sat just outside of turn 4 last night. That one was easily one of the best races I've seen live since I started going to races in 2000. I've probably seen close to 20 (in various series) at this point. This race was exactly what I like to see out of oval races. Not the side-by-side for lap after lap stuff that Texas was known for. From my viewpoint, I thought there were about 60K in attendance. I'm hoping this one stays on the schedule for a long time.
My observations:
Have I mentioned how much I love this new car? Asides from the Detroit race last weekend, I think this is one of my favorite seasons in recent memory. I really liked seeing how the race was put into the hands of the drivers. I saw passes throughout the field.
Texas Motor Speedway is an awesome facility.
Even though Dixon looked as if he had far and away the best car last night, I thought there were 4-5 other cars who had an equal chance for the win. I never had the feeling that he was going to run away with it, like he would've with the old car. I thought Rahal, Power, Wilson, Hinchcliffe, and Briscoe were all going to keep it interesting as the race wore on.
Power particularly impressed me until he got called for blocking. He worked his way back from 20th at one point.
I had a clear view of both Dixon and Kimball hitting the wall. Not sure what exactly happened with Kimball.
Wilson drove a superb race, and I thought his teammate, Jakes did too. I had a feeling he was going to be in the mix at the end. This was the first IndyCar race I've seen that a Penske or a Ganassi did not win. I'll always be happy seeing him win.
I am really liking what I saw out of Simon Pagenaud. I think he was even a lap down at one point last night.
They opened up the garage area about 30 minutes after the race was over. As my wife and I were walking through the garages, Graham Rahal and his girlfriend went right by us, unnoticed. Graham even took off his hat at one point. I think my wife and I were the only ones who recognized him.
Wilson drove a superb race, and I thought his teammate, Jakes did too. I had a feeling he was going to be in the mix at the end. This was the first IndyCar race I've seen that a Penske or a Ganassi did not win. I'll always be happy seeing him win.
Firstly, despite how much of this quote I chopped off, I loved reading your post. Love the reviews. I wish there was a race near me.
BUt did you hear that Wilson got caught with an illegal part? They docked him 5 points, and are considering DQ-ing him if you believe the rumors.
The No. 18 car Dale Coyne Racing car driven by Justin Wilson was fined $7,500 and docked five entrant points for not complying with the sidepod top deck aerodynamic element of Rule 14.6.4.13.
Firstly, despite how much of this quote I chopped off, I loved reading your post. Love the reviews. I wish there was a race near me.
BUt did you hear that Wilson got caught with an illegal part? They docked him 5 points, and are considering DQ-ing him if you believe the rumors.
Thanks! I appreciate that.
I don't consider myself a racing expert by any stretch, but I thought the race Saturday night was great. What really scored points for me at TMS was the feeling that it was going to be unpredictable. This one kept my attention all the way through, even when Dixon looked like he was going to be unstoppable.
I did hear about Wilson's car being caught with an illegal part. That's really unfortunate IMO, as I feel like it taints the win. However, I have to give Wilson credit, he ran a great race. I am curious how well he would've fared if he didn't have the illegal part on his car.
I did see in the news today that they cancelled Qingdao and are considering making a return to TMS in October. If so, I'll be putting my tickets on order again, much sooner than I originally expected.
I followed through the Verizon IndyCar mobile app. It was a pleasant surprise to see Ryan Hunter-Reay win the race, especially after I feared a Dario domination with the way the race started.
I'm crossing my fingers in hopes that Hinch becomes the next Andretti driver to win a race. RHR back-to-back! My early day yesterday resulted in me dozing off during the last 25-30 laps, Dixon was leading and when I woke up, RHR was celebrating in victory lane.
I know Power's only got a 3 point lead, and I know anything can happen... but with the series headed back for the Twisties, it's really Power's to lose. But Power has imploded the last couple of years down the stretch. It will be interesting to see if he can keep a level head.
Either way, it surely looks like we'll have a new Champion at the end of the season.
And how about Pagenaud! Just go ahead and give him the rookie of the year away.
You know... his second rookie of the year award....
Of all the days for me to have to leave the house during the race...
I get home and see that RHR has won (kinda hoping he wins the title this year), and not only that, but Charlie Kimball has finished 2nd! This is continuing to be one of my favorite seasons in recent memory.
Wow, only three races left in the season! My understanding is that China was beyond the series' control, but I have to say I hope they add at least another 2-3 races for next season. I've enjoyed the series immensely this season.
Wow, only three races left in the season! My understanding is that China was beyond the series' control, but I have to say I hope they add at least another 2-3 races for next season. I've enjoyed the series immensely this season.
I keep hearing 19 from Randy Bernard. Not sure if that's what he wants, or what he's got though.
