Thus tweet-eth @curtcavin.
Scott Sharp has signed to drive for Panther at Indy. He'll drive the No. 16 car.
And right after that the Braintrust at TrackSide Online added this.
TSO has confirmed that Panther Racing has signed Scott Sharp to a full month program for the Month of May at Indy. Look for the official announcement with details on Dan Wheldon's new teammate to arrive very shortly.I believe the kids today would sat "w00t!"
To the surprise of no one, Sharp's ride will be backed by Patron Tequila, and given both Panther's abilities and fact that Sharp has historically been pretty quick at Indy, we can add this car to the list of people that will have a legit shot at being a first day (top 11) qualifier.
UPDATE: Scott's so excited he interviewed himself.
"If I get in on the first day that allows us to use the second day to work on race set up.Does he have a back-up plan? Read for yourself.
"The second week of course I will be committed to the fourth round of the American Le Mans Series with Patrón Highcroft Racing at Salt Lake City.
The return of Club Patron is big, as is the return of Sir Blocks-A-Lot
"Sir Blocks-A-Lot" !!! :) :) :)
I predict he will qualify 12th or 14th & finish 10th.
Does Sir Blocks even sample his sponsor (when not driving) ??? Me lil' birds have told me... NO!
He doesn't block anymore than Helio or Dixon.
Mario Andretti didn't qualify his car in 1981, Wally Dallenbach did. Scott Goodyear didn't qualify his car in 1992, Mike Groff did.
In other words, if Sharp doesn't get in the first weekend, he'll finish second.
In other words, if Sharp doesn't get in the first weekend, he'll finish second.
Best. Comment. Ever.
This is fantastic news. So very glad he will be back in an IndyCar!
He doesn't block anymore than Helio or Dixon.
That's debatable among his fellow drivers... & Helio & Dixon are usually "blocking" for the WIN (Indy 500 or regular IRL race..) Scott usually threw the blocks for 6th, 9th or even 13th!!!
Sorry, but true.
Fair comment, but doesn't in any way change the fact that it helps water down the on track product. Truth be told if blockings to be done, I'd rather it be somewhere towards the back--keep the clean racing up front. Just saying.
Actually, what I've seen out of Dixon is generally more of a brake check the field restart kind of thing--which is considerably more dangerous--see the chaotic restart crashtacular at Richmond last year. There was a particularly savage block by Dixon at Belle Isle in 07 done to Dario.
I have missed him. I wish he had a full-time ride. But I could say the same thing about
1) Buddy Rice
2) Tomas Scheckter
3) Sarah Fisher
4) Buddy Lazier
5) Foyt 4
Oh. And. Helio Castroneves.