Outbreak

Posted by Iannucci | 7/09/2008 | 17 comments »
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TrackSide Online reports something worse than "Champ Car fever" has been detected in the aftermath of Watkins Glen.

The IRL held a mandatory teleconference earlier today for teams and drivers that participated in the Watkins Glen weekend.

Because we have gotten numerous inquiries, and to slow what is quickly becoming a rampant rumor mill, we will confirm that the meeting was in fact about an IRL driver coming down with a case of the mumps. And yes, according to various sources, the IRL is preparing a plan to address the situation.

We have not fully confirmed which driver has been affected by the formerly common and contagious illness, and will not print such information until confirmed by appropriate IRL officials.
Whoizzit? No idea and even if I did I wouldn't say (courtesy of HIPAA), but as much as he’s always kissing people in victory lane let's hope it wasn’t Kanaan. If he went all Typhoid Tony on us a serial smoocher like him could take out half the field.

UPDATE: IndyCar.com has revealed the name of the afflicted.

17 comments

  1. Nicky Scarfa // July 09, 2008 1:23 PM  

    It's got to be PJ Chesson. That guy gets around. Wait, did you say mumps or humps?

  2. Anonymous // July 09, 2008 2:03 PM  

    Doesn't the mumps cause enlarge testicles? Maybe that explains last weekend's performance by some of the drivers.

    In all seriousness though, this may cancel the race this weekend all together. I am sure the CDC is heavily invloved in this one.

  3. Anonymous // July 09, 2008 2:06 PM  

    Is this true?

  4. Anonymous // July 09, 2008 2:11 PM  

    It's EJ Viso. Check out indycar.com for details. HVM pulled his car out of this weekend's race in Nashville.

  5. Fred Hurley // July 09, 2008 2:26 PM  

    I don't think anybody in the paddock is tight enough with Viso right now to be at serious risk. I don't think many drivers were lining up to shake his hand. :-)

  6. Anonymous // July 09, 2008 2:51 PM  

    that's a coincidence... Viso on probation, people pi$$ed off at him and he's sick? great timing on his part.

  7. Anonymous // July 09, 2008 4:09 PM  

    Tony Kanaan doesn't think the mumps are as serious as his self-diagnosed hairline fracture.

  8. Anonymous // July 10, 2008 4:34 AM  

    It may be Milka she looks very swollen ...

  9. Anonymous // July 10, 2008 4:47 AM  

    As Curt Cavin reported in the Indy Star this morning, most Americans get the MMR series vaccines and ICS is testing all people who came in contact with Viso, as required by the CDC. I hardly think this would cancel the Nashville race.

  10. Anonymous // July 10, 2008 5:06 AM  

    Late news from the Panther camp, Vitor's car is infected.

  11. SS Minnow // July 10, 2008 6:59 AM  

    Talk about marketing to a new audience....

    "There is no such thing as bad publicity...."

  12. mikebdot // July 10, 2008 7:20 AM  

    I don't believe a word of it. Just like Michael Jordan's first "retirement". Punishment for gambling much?

    Viso is out, and that's good news for everyone.

  13. Anonymous // July 10, 2008 7:56 AM  

    ♫ I AM MUMPY ♫

  14. Jennifer Coomer // July 10, 2008 8:00 AM  

    At first reaction was "OH MY GOSH!"

    Then when I saw it was Viso I just laughed out loud.

  15. Anonymous // July 10, 2008 8:02 AM  

    Are we sure we're not talking about EJ coming down with the bumps and not the mumps? Mumps in an adolescent or adult male is nothing to sneeze about--it could cause sterility. How would Viso drive if he were a gelding?

    Yes, the timing is a little weird for this. I'm sure the conspiracy theorists are smelling something fishy in the Barnhart galley.

  16. Inspector // July 10, 2008 8:10 AM  

    I don't think fish can get the mumps.

  17. Ansen Bayer // July 10, 2008 2:31 PM  

    The iron hand of justice strikes!