Great race today at Barber. Just about the best Road Course race I've seen since the merger. Lots of on track passing, a lot of hard work to get around each other, and some minor-drama.
A fantastic race. Power wins, Dixon second. Franchitti continues to struggle. Bourdais continues to lead the "Lotus Class" by a mile. Andretti getting race-y, not afraid to rub the wrong way on some drivers. Very assertive.
I really enjoyed that Barber race as well. I'm eager to see how this new car performs over the course of the season, particularly in person when they come to Texas Motor Speedway this summer. So far I've liked it.
I like the different types of tracks that the IICS offers and don't consider myself an all-oval or all-road/street guy. With that being said though, I'm really curious to see how these cars race on the ovals. I am liking this new car the more I see it. Plus, its nice to have some different engine manufacturers in the series again.
By the way, the Verizon IndyCar mobile app is great! The radio and scanner feeds are very interesting to listen to.
So I'm writing now for OpenPaddock.net and Examiner.com as their Indycar beat Writer. Here's some work I've recently done regarding the Lotus engine issues....
Hinch has been very impressive so far (as has RHR. Marco, yikes), but I too am interested to see AA and everybody else on the ovals.
Which is why I kind of wished they had an oval race before Indy.
Oh I agree, I'm hoping they can get something going with Phoenix for next season, or at least any particular oval. I'm really curious to see how these cars perform on those.
Seabass did phase 1 of the refresher program this morning, and completed with flying colors. Lady Kat takes her ROP at 11 today. We're looking at exactly 33 cars right now.
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IZOD Indycar Series beatwriter @ OpenPaddock.net
"I do my best work while chock full of whiskey & cheese" --Beef Invictus
I'm thrilled for Briscoe on getting the pole today, though it would've been really cool to see Hinch get it. I think my pick still has to be Power, though it feels like this could be another 500 as equally interesting/entertaining as last year's.
Not sure how true this is, but I've been hearing that the likes of A.J. Foyt, Carpenter, Fisher and Sam Schmidt could be entering another car tomorrow for the sole purpose of bumping the Lotus cars (who are 10+ mph off the pace). Drivers speculated include Alex Lloyd, Vitor Meira and Pippa Mann.
In my opinion, if they decide to enter the extra cars, Simona and Alesi should be among the drivers considered. They've been there all month and have been getting royally ****** by Lotus and their inability to supply them with a proper engine.
And if they don't enter any other cars it's a safety hazard because the Lotuses will be in the way all race. Alesi has already expressed concern and is considering withdrawing.
Last edited by Brock Anton: 05-20-2012 at 02:29 AM.
All depends on how long the green flag runs are. Take into account that Ryan Briscoe was roughly 4 seconds faster per lap than Jean Alesi in Quals.... I know Briscoe won't be turning laps at 226 in race trim with a full fuel load, but Alesi won;t be up at 210 either, so it should balance out. I think the Lotii are out by Lap 20.
The only thing that'll really help them is plenty of cautions. There's also speculation they may run half fuel loads and simply pit more often to maintain a higher track speed.
All depends on how long the green flag runs are. Take into account that Ryan Briscoe was roughly 4 seconds faster per lap than Jean Alesi in Quals.... I know Briscoe won't be turning laps at 226 in race trim with a full fuel load, but Alesi won;t be up at 210 either, so it should balance out. I think the Lotii are out by Lap 20.
The only thing that'll really help them is plenty of cautions. There's also speculation they may run half fuel loads and simply pit more often to maintain a higher track speed.
I will say that I feel bad for HVM and Fan Force because they're pretty much there to fill the field and have -100% chance at finishing anywhere higher than 30th. Bourdais has to be the happiest man in the paddock, he probably can't wait to get back on a road course.
As for the rest of the field, Andretti Autosport look awfully strong (even Beatriz) and have to be the favorites heading into race day (Hinch is impressing the hell out of me), Penske are right there too. Odds are the winner is going to come from AA or Penske.
I've not followed the practices all month, but how has JR Hildebrand and Panther Racing looked? Panther always seems like they are competitive come race day. I don't know that they should be counted out.
Hildebrand's looked alright. He wasn't consistently on the top of the speed charts, but he was stalking around the Top 10 usually. He's in a Panther ride, which means he'll finish the 500 in second place again since it seems to be a Panther tradition.
for anyone who's interested, here's a link to my breakdown of the field for this year's Indy 500. Later today, there'll be an interview I did with James Hinchcliffe on OpenPaddock.net as well.
I don't like switching predictions (that's why I said Dixon was my "early" prediction ), but here's my guess at the top 5:
1. Ryan Hunter-Reay
2. Tony Kanaan
3. Ryan Briscoe
4. Scott Dixon
5. Marco Andretti
Dark horse: E.J. Viso - As you said in you're article Kev, he's been very impressive this month. He's got a quick car and if he can stay patient and not overdrive the car, I think he can be a real factor. I am starting to see a little Kanaan in him, TK must be rubbing off on him quite well.
I don't know why, I just feel that RHR has it this year. He's in a strong car finally and I feel he's one of the most underrated oval racers out there.
for anyone who's interested, here's a link to my breakdown of the field for this year's Indy 500. Later today, there'll be an interview I did with James Hinchcliffe on OpenPaddock.net as well.
Good breakdown of the field. I always look forward to Indy (my hometown race) but this year I'm even more excited for it. I think I have stick to Power as my favorite though I'm not willing to count Hinch out of it. It would be cool to see RHR win, especially after his last month of May. I have long been a fan of Briscoe and would be thrilled to see him win again.
I also ordered my tickets for Texas tonight. We'll be sitting coming out of the fourth turn and facing the entrance to pit lane.
While on the topic of races, has anyone had a chance to check out the merchandise stands at the track this year? I really like the offerings that Lids has on their website, however, I'm curious what they may be carrying at the track. They only offer M/L driver hats on the website, and I need a L/XL (or bigger).
Gotta say i was very impressed by the on track merch at Barber. Lids and IZOD have done an INCREDIBLE job of making some good looking merch. There were some larger size hats at the track. Best looking gear was the Lotus stuff... Too bad the engine didn't match. Since I write, I try not to get team/driver oriented merch, so I like manufacturer gear. Bought a SWEEt blue Dallara t-shirt.
Gotta say i was very impressed by the on track merch at Barber. Lids and IZOD have done an INCREDIBLE job of making some good looking merch. There were some larger size hats at the track. Best looking gear was the Lotus stuff... Too bad the engine didn't match. Since I write, I try not to get team/driver oriented merch, so I like manufacturer gear. Bought a SWEEt blue Dallara t-shirt.
I'm glad to hear that. I have a big head, so finding a good fitting hat can be a bit of a challenge. I have to avoid buying them online completely. Its also why I have an extensive collection of MLB 5950 hats.
I like the vertical number driver tees that Lids is selling on their site. I don't really have a driver or team that I dislike, and I'm debating between getting the Briscoe, Power, or Dixon shirts... I can completely understand about not getting into the team/driver oriented gear. Its good to see the different engine manufacturers getting involved. Just really unfortunately what's happened with the Lotus engine. I really hate it for Simona and Jean Alesi.
), but here's my guess at the top 5:
