The IndyCar.com site is trying to mix it up this year by having the broadcast personalities write essays about what they are paying attention to during the 2007 ICS season, which is a great idea that unfortunately ends up producing pieces about as interesting as a bowl of soggy corn flakes. There just hasn’t been that much personality coming from these personalities.

Well, lo and behold Scott Goodyear of all people has stepped up and said something darn near controversial in his latest submission. In a piece entitled “There’s a big difference between scary and scared” auto racing’s most analytical analyst has unleashed his bad self and echoed what many fans have commented here and elsewhere: the racing is not nearly as exciting as it was.

Sure this is hard work, and only the brave need apply, but the fun factor has gone from something that use to be a natural high for drivers. We like to race the competition side by side, see how close we can run to the car next to us and be in control of giving ourselves a thrill. We like to push the edge and step over the line a couple of times a lap, always taking into consideration of the risk/reward ratio doing something we love. Yeah, we know it's dangerous. We figured that out by how much our life insurance premiums cost each year, but that's what makes this thrilling and causes our heart rate to soar to a point where you can feel your chest pound against the seat belts in the car.

As drivers, each Sunday we put our life on the line to make our paychecks. That's why the fans sit in the stands or tune in to watch on TV. We know we are in the entertainment business and we are paid to put on a show for the fans and give them a thrill on race day. Unfortunately, so far this year, the drivers' heart rates are up for the wrong reason and the fun meter is no longer showing green.

The thrill behind the wheel is gone.

Remember folks, this man gets paid to talk the league UP, not criticize it. Since Goodyear isn’t exactly the kind of guy who does a lot of belly-aching about mergers and driver ability and financial woes (like say certain reporters) it will be interesting to see if he is able to successfully lobby for what he thinks is the most necessary change: the return of final practice on race day (shocker!)

I can't remember the last time I saw so many teams struggle with the race setup of their cars on an oval. Many people have different opinions about why teams seem so far off this season. Whether you think it's aero related or Firestone providing a different tire at some tracks, the rules are the same to all who compete in the series.

That said, one common factor I hear from most drivers is they would love to see the final practice return so they can spend more time working on race setup and, more importantly, running in traffic to better prepare for race day. Without the final warm-up, when the green flag falls, we seem to have a couple of teams that have hit the setup for the track conditions of the day, a few other teams will run strong for a dozen laps or so, then the car starts to go off big time. The remaining teams have given their driver something that scares them so bad they wish they didn't come to work for the day.

It made some sense that the elimination of final practice would reduce the possibility of fans showing up and being told that certain drivers would not be able to participate on race day, but if safety and entertainment are driving the decision then the opposite has occurred. As Goodyear points out we have had several drivers unable to effectively participate in races because they haven’t hammered out their setup, and the remaining ones have said they would prefer to lay down some rubber on the track before they get underway.

As I’ve said before (and I’m certainly much lower on the opinion scale than Goodyear) this is exactly the kind of issue that should be dictated by drivers and teams. The fans don’t care about this kind of stuff because unless something goes wrong we don’t se the final practice. It’s generally a driver issue, but seeing Andretti park his car and watching Hornish fiddle with his setup at the start of a race are making this a fan issue. If bringing back the final practice will improve the level of competition to something other than having Dan Wheldon lapping the field then I’m all for it.

It’s unusual in the IRL to change the rules mid-season, but this looks like a rule that shouldn’t have been changed in the first place. Count this as one vote in support of Goodyear's quest get rid of the Rusty Wallace Rule. If we wanted boring racing we’d be watching another series.

UPDATE: AJ Foyt writes about the effects of losing final practice in his latest Foyt Files submission to USAToday. Although Super Tex doesn’t explicitly say they should get rid of it, it’s still worth mentioning that he’s even talking about this as a reason for being less competitive on race day.

I’m probably gonna get sued or asked to take this down since there are more than likely some copyright violations, but what the heck.

In case you don’t have an Insider pass to the four-letter network’s website then here is a transcript of the chat with Well Done yesterday. And yes, yours truly got to ask the first question straight out of the gate (although for some reason they must have edited “…and Jeff, LOVE the site” from of his response. Go figure.


Buzzmaster: (4:01 PM ET ) Hey everyone, Dan is running about five to ten minutes late. But keep sending in your questions and we will get around to them ASAP!

DW: (4:08 PM ET ) Thank you to all the fans that came out to Kansas. I hope everyone is fired up for the Indy 500! we are going to put on a great show for everyone!
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My Name Is IRL (Gilbert, AZ): Incredible performance on Sunday, Dan! Last year at Homestead you won by a nose, this year by about a mile. Which type of victory is more satisfying to you?

DW: (4:10 PM ET ) I think each victory that you have is very individualistic and they are all great for different reasons. This year it was sweet to open up my account for 2007 with a dominant win. But each win is very individualistic.
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Nathaniel: Fairfield, CA: Congrats on your win yesterday Dan, My question is about the Indy 500. Why is it necessary to have weeks of track practice leading up to the big big race?

DW: (4:12 PM ET ) I think to tell you the turth it is the extent of the race, and it has always been like that, and it is that history that makes it the Indianapolis 500 and makes it so great. I think there should be a lot of practice to try and bring some equality to the competitotrs. The key to the Indianapolis 500 is that is how it has always been and I think that history and tradition should remain.
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Mike (Indy): Looking forward to seeing everyone here in Indy. Do you forsee more cars trying to enter the 500 and creating more excitement on "bump day"?

DW: (4:14 PM ET ) I agree with you. Certainly the Indy car series seems to be growing quite a lot over the years. I would be surprised if you do not see 40 cars trying to qualify for the race. So yes I think you will see more cars trying to qualify for the race than in the past.
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Andrew Devon, PA: Dan, What is your favorite track on the calendar?

DW: (4:16 PM ET ) That is a very easy one: Indianapolis. Obviously because of the race and the fans and the history and tradition. And also because it is a very tough racetrack to race around. All four corners look the same but they could not be more different and with the change in temperature and wind it is always very challeneging.
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Darren, Indianapolis: Would you like to one day see the IRL schedule 50% Ovals and 50% road/street courses?

DW: (4:18 PM ET ) I would not say it is about that. I would like to see however many races we have, whether they be ten road course and seven oval or whatver, I want to see big, big events, and you are starting to see that with Kansas and Indianapolis and St. Pete's. The fans are what make a series, so I would like to see more big events. I think we should be focused on that. I think right now we have a pretty good mix as far as ovals and road course.
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RC (Cincy): It seems like every year qualifying speeds keep increasing - do you have a speed you're looking to acheive on pole day?

DW: (4:21 PM ET ) That is a very difficult question to answer because it is so hard to predict. The main thing for everyone is to have the quickest car without jeopadizing your race preparation. We just aim to be the quickest. If we don't think we can be the quickest without jeopardizing our preparation then so be it.
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Nathaniel (Fairfield, CA): Hi Dan, You seem so disappointed whenever you finish 2nd or 3rd in a race. Do you expect to win every race?

DW: (4:24 PM ET ) I think I am always gracious in defeat. But when you are an Indy car driver and blessed with being in good things, you do have, and this is what Chip is great at, getting the best equipment possible, and as a result you have a chance to win every race you are in. It is not that I am disappointed to come in second, I am just disappointed when you should win and you don't. I have been very happy with finishing fifth if I maximize the car. It is not that I am a spoiled brat, it is just frustrating anytime you are in a position to win and don't and I have been fortunate enough to be in a situation where we have a chance to win every week this year.
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Malik Boston MA: If Mclaren-Mercedes wants you to drive instead of Alonso or Hamilton next year in Formula One, Would you say yes or no ? Why ?

DW: (4:26 PM ET ) No because I have a contract. But each time your contract comes up you have to evaluate and do what makes you happy. But I am very happy here, and right now that is not an opportunity I can think about. But once my contract is up I will entertain different options.
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Jill (St. Pete, FL): Dan, where's your favorite place to hang out in St. Pete? (Don't worry-- I'm not some crazy stalker-- just curious). Congrats on a great race this weekend as well.

DW: (4:27 PM ET ) Lot's of different places! I like to spend time on the beach, or going downtown to dine. It depends what I am feeling. With Florida there are so many things you can do!
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lee london england: after your majestic win sunday,i bet your full of confidence for the indy 500.you have my full support mate-good luck

DW: (4:29 PM ET ) Lee thank you very much. The big thing is about the Indy 500 is that I have seen the best and the worst. It's good to have confidence going in, but you must also be very respectful of the track. So yes I am confident, but I understand that circumstances have to work out for you as well. But I will give myself the best possible shot at winning.
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AF (Villanova, PA): What do you feel about the changes in the rules to encourage pack racing?

DW: (4:32 PM ET ) I don't think they encourage pack racing but encourage safety. It is very difficult to control speed increases. So I think the rules are there to control speed and create a safer environment. And it is great that Brian is so concerned with safety. I think that is one of the reasons why people love racing in the series.

DW: (4:34 PM ET ) Thank you to all the Dan Wheldon fans and all the fans that are helping the Indy series grow. It is a pleasure to race for you. And this should be one of the most competitive Indianapolis 500's we see in a while. I look forward to seeing you there!

Hey everybody, it’s the Month of May! (Woo-Hoo!) No further embellishment is required.

There are several news items floating around that may or may not be of interest, so instead of making a half dozen or so posts how’s about you just pick and choose as you see fit.

Trackside Online is spreading the news that the Hotness known as Leilani Munter (sorry, I can’t find an umlaut on my keyboard) will soon be announcing her plans to race in the remaining oval events in the Indy Pro series, starting with the Freedom 100 at IMS. Looks like Ms Munter noticed her stock car career was stalling while the ICS is tripping over itself when women want to join their series. While waiting for here first race be sure to read this article from the Kansas City Star on women in the ICS. You can change all the “Milka” references to “Leilani” and the reprint it next year.

The St Petersburg Times says the promotions group led by the Andretti/Green tandem have renewed their contract with the city of St Petersburg and locked in the street race for a few more years. You know what this means: Two more years of girls in cages.

The UK Sun has a brief mention of Dan Wheldon and his success this weekend and how he will be contending again at Indy, but really it’s only worth linking because of the pic of Dan in full “Captain Hairdo” mode.

The IndyStar reports that Playa Del Racing will place Buddy Lazier’s brother Jacques in their Indy 500 entry. This is noteworthy because Jacques was blamed for causing the accident involving Lyn St James and Sarah Fisher back in the 2000 Indy 500. He was also the guy that got smacked in the noggin after wrecking with Danica a few years ago. Milka, stay clear of the #21. He is, how do you say, “Blacques Jacques”.

Vision Racing co-owner Patrick Dempsey (who seems to be some sort of TV star) will be driving the pace car at Indy. One could crack a joke that the “Atomic Orange” Corvette is the only Vision car that will be leading the pack, but given the impressive performances by Tomas Scheckter this year it wouldn’t be advisable.

American Idol fans will get a special treat this year, as former finalist Chris Daughtry and his band (that would be “Daughtry”) will be performing live on race day at Indy. I should have seen this coming because the last time we went to Disneyland P1 spotted another contestant – Ace Young. I imagine we’ll bump into local resident Jordin Sparks the next time we go to a Suns game.

And finally, a couple of very fast Brazilians will be in Iowa today. Tony Kanaan and Helio Castroneves will be participating in a closed test at Iowa Speedway. That right, it’s closed. Don’t even try to go there.

I realize it's less than an hour away, but you can chat with Dan Wheldon at ESPN.com at 4pm Eastern today. Click here.

CORRECTION: The chat session is TUESDAY - that would be tomorrow. Whew.

Well Done, Dan, on annihilating the field in Kansas on Sunday for your third straight win on a 1.5-mile oval, but in the process you have begun to make these superspeedway races unwatchable. It’s darn near preening out there the way you dominate the field. Oh sure, your teammate tried to make it interesting, but then Barnhart flagged him for his improper pit entry and it was all she wrote.

Seriously friends, this was a case of the best driver in the best car having everything go his way. Iceman gets the penalty, Tony Kanaan had his pole winner taken down in a crew-faulted collision with his teammate, and Penske is suddenly lost on the ovals. It appears the Vision Racing team swapped oval setups with Penske Racing, but I have no direct evidence other than what I see on race day.

But Dan, really. Try to mix in a little drama for the people, will ya? Just because MoneyCJ picks you doesn’t mean you can’t make it interesting.


The Good
Well Done is looking like the class of the field, and certainly the favorite to win at Indy. Throw out St Pete and he’s led 482 of 600 laps! Good heavens, man!

Tomas Scheckter continues to get the most out of his Vision Racing equipment by snagging a Top 5 at Kansas. He’s finished no worse than 9th all year, turning in one solid performance after another.

Mr Judd landed on the podium for the second race in a row, and is now the highest AGR driver at 4th in championship points. 7th, 5th, 3rd, 2nd – that’s a nice progression leading into Indy.

Milkalicious did what she had to, which was finish the race and not wreck – thank you! That alone moved here up to 14th, where she stands alone in Bombardier Rookie of the Year standings. Hey, it’s a major award.

The Bad
With so little drama at the front, it was exciting to see Iceman pushing his teammate...until Barnhart called the illegal pit entry and threw that drama out the window. Big Chip said they told race control it was fuel-related, but they didn’t buy it. Bummer for those of us who wanted to see a close finish, even among teammates.

Sukiyaki had to park his car early. I’m sure he was disappointed, even though Jack Arute didn’t go ask him. He has not finished higher than 16th in any race this year. Ouch.

Seeing Uncle Sam sitting in the pits while his team was struggling with his setup during a race was surreal. A top driver on a top team on a track that’s been raced before in a chassis that’s been around a few years – problems don’t happen in this scenario.

I said this at the beginning of the year (and kudos to the ESPN crew was asking the teams on Sunday about this as well) but the decision to eliminate final practice seemed like a snap judgment as a result of heavy promotion by Rusty Wallace. With the Month of May upon us it might seem like a good time to review this policy for the remaining oval races, since at least half a dozen cars were encountering handling issues at the start of the race. From what I can tell the teams want some rubber on the road before the race starts, and the fans don't want to see their drivers parking their cars on race day.

The Ugly
If you worked for AGR and weren’t named Franchitti, you had a bad day. El Nariz had his day and possibly his championship hopes ruined by the pit miscue, and was unavailable for comment after the race. Even worse, Jack Arute reported that Kanaan had told his team “If this ever happens again I will never drive for you!” Heat of the moment stuff, but still unexpected from the AGR standard bearer.

Danica! also lost position in the fracas and seemed to be fighting her car the rest of the day. From what the in-car camera showed she did an admirable job fighting to stay off the wall and out of the way. Despite all this she gave a level-headed interview after the race, and although she was adamant in explaining it wasn’t her fault she was careful not to throw her crew under the proverbial bus.

And Marco, oh man. Are we done with the championship talk for Andretti 3.0 now? Once again he was quickly off the track at the super speedway, talking afterwards about feeling like the wings were upside down and the front of his car had no grip. This doesn’t bode well for his chances at the brickyard, but at least his setup appeared sound there last year.


Next up: Indy. Oh yeah!

Almost as if to prove last weekend's oval-ish victory at Motegi was no fluke, Tony Kanaan has gone and won himself the pole at Kansas. This marks the first time in 16 races a member of the Big Four/Red Scare/Red and White Brigade/Four Horsemen of the open-wheel apocalypse have not won the pole. Huzzah for parity!

This weekend also represents a different type of apocalypse as "blogger buddy" (that's Jamie Little's term, not mine) Pressdog is live and reporting from the Kansas Lottery Indy 300 this week. How he got in is not to be asked, but if you want a different kind of trackside report check out his coverage.

Meanwhile, here is the pecking order for tomorrow festival of speed from the race no longer held around Independence Day. Should be fun to see if nicer weather helps attract a crowd. Well, that and Milkalicious serving as the official ICS caboose (I'm talking about the car, boys) this weekend.

1. Castroneves - If you happened to catch the last two races you might have noticed that Spiderman pulled away from the field at the start of both events. He dinged his car at Motegi, but I'll assume he will return to the front despite finishing no better than 6th here the last 3 years.

2. Wheldon - Hold you arms as far apart as you can. OK, a little farther than that. That's about the margin of defeat for Well Done the last few races at Kansas. He led a combined 156 laps in both races, so you can assume he will find the front at some point.

3. Kanaan - Congratulations, you won the pole. Now try winning this year on something other than fuel strategy so we can all breath easier about the level of competition. Oh by the way, El Nariz has never finished worse than 5th at Kansas.

4. Hornish - He's the defending champion and even finished second twice in his Panther Racing days. But Uncle Sam hasn't looked his dominant self at all this season. Three races and the only laps he's lead were when Kanaan and Wheldon pitted for fuel last week.

5. Dixon - Don't forget that while his teammate "Captain Hairdo" was running away at Homestead, Iceman was unchallenged in P2. Incredibly, never better than 4th in four tries at Kansas.

6. Franchitti - Kanaan referred to him as his "wingman" this week, although Mr Judd will be starting a couple rows back from his teammate. Dario has two 4ths in the last three years, so he could make this a six car race.

7. Meira - Had circumstances been different, Meira might have been thought of as a dark horse. Three podiums at Kansas in his last three attempts are unmatched, but Panther has looked shaky so far and the Mirror Man is said to still have some back pain from his crash in practice last week.

8. Scheckter - Remember how all the Vision Racing entries looked so competitive at Homestead? Well, here we are again at a 1.5 mile oval and Tomas has qualified 7th - right where he finished last year at this track for Tony George's team. Let's see if Homestead wasn't a fluke and if they can keep his camera mount on the car.

9 - 18.Marco Andretti, Ed Carpenter, Sarah Fisher, AJ Foyt IV, Darren Manning, Kosuke Matsuura, Danica Patrick, Buddy Rice, Scott Sharp, Jeff Simmons - Let's just cut the through the grabage and give a bunch of shrugs for this group. Arguments could be made for or against any of them in this race, none of them very vehemently. Just keep Spock and Sukiyaki apart if possible.

19. Roth - Different race, same Moto Marty. However, with the additional entries he's poised to become the Leader of the Back Pack.

20. Barron - Why are they still qualifying behind Marty Roth? Maybe the haven't worked out all of their mechanical issues from Homestead in the last month. Bummer.

21. Duno - Don't wreck and don't cause anyone to wreck. And be sure to smile at all those reporters who have said you shouldn't be here before you've even turned a single lap. But seriously, don't wreck.

Money Says: "Dan Wheldon will emerge victorious at Kansas. God has told me that Penske will be back....just not quite yet."

Can any among us doubt him at this point? MoneyCJ also said something about Wheldon being "hungry" although as I recall Dan shouldn't have any trouble with meals. Enjoy the show!

Hey, it's all Milka Duno all week long.

Check out this video of her training here in town at the Bondurant school as you can ride in the passenger seat, watching as Milkalicious learns proper breaking technique and and chats up the camera in her most charming Charo impersonation.

But after checking all the Duno press recently it needs to be asked: does this lady only own one shirt? I know she has all these engineering degrees, but from what I can tell she's gone the Einstein route and has a closet full of the same outfit.

It wasn't only the month gap since Milka Duno announced she and SAMAX Motorsport would enter the IndyCar Series that had the veteran sports car racer on edge. Travel problems and rain at Kansas Speedway on April 25 postponed her much-anticipated rookie test.

Finally, the team found a window in the overcast skies and Duno passed the speed-phase test for her Indy Racing League license. IndyCar Series technical director Kevin Blanch observed the activity on the tri-oval banked in the corners at 15 degrees.

She will be allowed to participate in on-track activity during the Kansas Lottery Indy 300 race weekend. Duno and 20 other competitors will participate in the first (split) practice session beginning at 10 a.m. (EDT) April 28. (MORE)

Note that in a shocking coincidence, Duno was featured in a large story in USAToday today.

It's not THE league-wide sponsorship we were all speculating, but IndyCar.com tells us Double A (honk honk) M-C-O has signed a deal and any corresponding checks to became the new sponsor of pole position winners at all ICS events.

AAMCO Transmissions will serve as the "Official Automotive Transmission Repair Company" of the IndyCar Series. As part of the agreement, the top qualifier will be presented a $10,000 check. The award increases to $100,000 for Indianapolis 500 qualifications on May 12.

Well, technically that is "league-wide" and the logo sure looks groovy.

BTW - The title of this post refers to one of my favorite lines from "A Christmas Story". My first fantasy team that ever won a championship was "Pink Nightmare", so be aware I will probably mix in references to that flick (Flick!) more often than necessary.

It’s almost May, so it must be time for Tony George to start wearing an “Ask me about Champ Car!” button.

Scanning the newswires I came across this story discussing possible Champ Car entries at this year’s 91st Running of the Indianapolis 500. I was shocked (shocked, I say!) to discover CCWS Overlord Kevin Kalkhoven had mentioned to the media how he recently chatted with Mr George about bringing a half dozen CCWS drivers ton compete at Indy if the IRL comp’d them some free engines.

Free engines? To drivers in another series? Excuse me?

Of course I had to solicit opinion on this subject from Mr Unification himself, our friend Pressdog. (That picture is from the rear wing window of his ride.) Experience indicates the My Name Is IRL readers are on different sides of this kind of debate, so in move of glasnost I thought it best to give voice to both sides of this idea – even though it’s got no chance of actually happening since Big Tony has already dismissed it.

Normally I’m not so self-indulgent as this, but I thought you might enjoy reading this civilized discussion of such matters while we all pass the time until the cars hit the track at Kansas.


MyNameIsIRL: did you see that KK said he made TG an offer to get some Champies at Indy?
MyNameIsIRL: "if you give us free engines we'll buy some chassis" kind of thing
Pressdog: Your favorite, Robin Miller, with a pretty good idea, I think.
Pressdog: Since CCWS and IRL fans hate each other, why not turn the 500 into a big battle royal, super bowlish show down between the two?
Pressdog: Everyone makes mongo cash off that.
MyNameIsIRL: I don't see this as a "win" for the IRL. What do they stand to gain?
Pressdog: um, tons of cash. packed IMS. increased ratings. maybe even new teams who get a taste of the IRL competition.
MyNameIsIRL: I'll let you know when I'm there, but IMS is already pretty well sold - no?
MyNameIsIRL: I mean, do the numbers bear out that there are THAT many extra CCWS fans out there who would watch or attend?
MyNameIsIRL: Doesn't it seem counterintuitive to unity if they are PROMOTING the split?
MyNameIsIRL: I mean, if there were some big name drivers in Champ Car, then I can see the benefit. But other than maybe Bourdais and Rahal, who would know the other drivers from say Jacque Lazier?
MyNameIsIRL: I can see how this would benefit CCWS, but I'm still reading to see Millers "analysis"
Pressdog: here's the main argument FOR turning the I 500 into a big Champ Car/IRL super bowl.
Pressdog: The Cowboys would not be as great a team without the Redskins.
Pressdog: A bitter rivalry increases interest. It makes fans spend their asses off to watch and root and pray that Team X beats the shit out of Piece of Shit Team Y.
Pressdog: Champ Car vs. IRL. Does it get more passionate than that?
Pressdog: Toss them together and, 1, you get MONSTER press. Bitter Rivals Square off in the Indy 500.
Pressdog: You get Bourdais the Champ Car King against Hornish/Wheldon (is there a difference?) the IRL Kings.
Pressdog: Ratings balloon. That's money in the bank for IMS.
Pressdog: If you believe that IMS sells out every year, you still putt teeth under your pillow. It doesn't.
MyNameIsIRL: ok, the rivalry argument i get
MyNameIsIRL: but that doesn't apply in this case because no one was suggesting the cowboys and redskins merge
MyNameIsIRL: and Champ Car WENT to Indy earlier this decade, and it wasn't exactly a huge ratings bonanza
Pressdog: Right now you got, um, Wheldon vs. Hornish? yeah, that's bitter. IMS is trying to get Danica vs. Sarah going, but the two are in such unequal teams that it's a stretch.
Pressdog: IRL and CCWS isn't going to merge any time soon. Accept it. KK and TG just won't do it.
Pressdog: real bumping
MyNameIsIRL: plus - and this is important - if you give them free engines AND chassis there is still no way ANY part-time team comes close to Penske, TCGR or AGR
Pressdog: That is Forsythe's point.
MyNameIsIRL: it's more like a flogging then a rivalry
Pressdog: Would having CC teams in the 500 improve it? Not make it perfect, but improve it?
Pressdog: yep
MyNameIsIRL: sure, but not to the point they need to give them free engines
MyNameIsIRL: free? come on.
Pressdog: Can TG give engines to the rival league, politically? Probably not.
MyNameIsIRL: out of pocket expense to promote another league? come on.
Pressdog: He could have done it behind closed doors. The current teams hear about it and they're all pissed about TG helping the Hatfields.
MyNameIsIRL: do you think D&R would like some free engines?
Pressdog: Promoting the 500. he's investing in improving his product.
Pressdog: How does this promote CC?
Pressdog: the run no ovals.
Pressdog: so fans from IMS are going to rush out and tune in to watch them run street races?
MyNameIsIRL: if he acknowledges CC he promotes them. he doesn't need to give them money to watch drivers from the ICS kick their tails on his track.
Pressdog: I disagree with your first sentence. It gets back to the bitter rival rationale. Both sides benefit.
MyNameIsIRL: why not give free engines to Robbie Gordon or some NASCAR driver?
MyNameIsIRL: that would have as much or more of a ratings boost.
Pressdog: how do you know TG doesn't give the equivalent of free engines to the field fillers.
MyNameIsIRL: I don't - but field fillers are not products of another racing league
MyNameIsIRL: in fact, I'm almost certain he kicks in cash to fill the field.
Pressdog: of course he does.
Pressdog: why?
Pressdog: because it's a good investment. the end product (the 500) is better for it and repays his investment handsomely.
Pressdog: what he took some of that money and gave it to KK to get the evil, hated, bastard other team to his home race? you're saying that wold be a bad business move.
Pressdog: Derek Daly put it pretty well. Unification is being held up because people are making emotional decisions rather than business decisions. Including CC in the 500 is a great business decision from both perspectives.
Pressdog: Tony gets a great show. IRL fans get a villain to hate and scream at. CC drivers get a much bigger stage than they will ever sniff in CC.
Pressdog: PLUS, CC fans get the same benefits as IRL fans. They can say "we're taking down those bastards in their own home track!"
MyNameIsIRL: I don't see how CC drivers bring that much to the table individually. first off, these drivers do not have a great deal of oval experience.
MyNameIsIRL: I mean, say what you want about Marty Roth but he has more time on ovals in the last two years than anyone in CC
MyNameIsIRL: second - individually they have nearly no name recognition among most fans. if they are simply "the CC drivers" they may as well be Tyce Carlson or Townsend Bell
MyNameIsIRL: last, this idea is counterintuitive to the ICS long term goals. it's no secret they are hoping to achieve a merger by having CC disappear, and promoting them does the opposite towards achieving that.
Pressdog: good points.
Pressdog: Sebastien Bourdais is a brilliant driver. I'm not a huge fan of his, but he's The Shit. He proved that pretty well in the 2005 500. OK, sure, he crashed, but he had moved up about 7 spots before then. Junk got taken out by Quattro or something. Not his fault.
Pressdog: So driver quality is not an issue. Tracy. Wilson. They all can wheel it.
Pressdog: You promote the rivalry. Don't even be slightly oblique about it. "Champ Car's Best INVADE the Indy 500 to show the IRL who is king of open wheel." NASCAR it up a little.
Pressdog: Your last point is the best one, I think. If Tony's strategy is to just let Champ Car gag and die, then, no, he probably shouldn't go for this idea. But, again, I don't see a lot of Indy 500 fans and viewers tuning in for a street race any time soon.
Pressdog: That's one of the reasons they moved Snorenoma from the race following the 500, to keep any viewers who tune in to the next race after the 500.
Pressdog: Street races are great and I enjoy them, but I'm among the 5% of Americans who care about them.
MyNameIsIRL: I wasn't meaning to infer Bourdais and Tracy can't drive - they certainly can - but that oval skills are different and they haven't been honing them recently.
MyNameIsIRL: The main thing for me is that the rivalry argument makes no sense. At this point it would be like having the Colts play an Arena Football League team. Two different forms of racing.
MyNameIsIRL: Wouldn't you rather see TG hand free engines to TCGR or Penske and say "pick any driver you want" and see if they can get a big name driver from ANY series in a quality ride?
MyNameIsIRL: I mean, get Michael Schumacher in here if we're handing out free goodie bags.
Pressdog: not real realistic. no champ car driver or NASCAR would be able to say yes to that deal. and it wouldn't be sweet enough to attract a Schumacher-esque driver.
MyNameIsIRL: How about Jacques Villenueve?
Pressdog: I think you exaggerate the talent/ability gap between CC and IRL on ovals. The best champ car drivers lap the IRL field fillers.
Pressdog: again, you remove the hook. "Tune in to see Villenueve challenge the IRL's best."
Pressdog: The hook is the league rivalries.
Pressdog: Like AFC/NFC. Maybe that's the key to unification. Have divisions but then have common races. So it's AFC vs. NFC all the time. Then TG controls the Super Bowl but shares a bit of the cash flow with KK.
MyNameIsIRL: I ain't seeing it.

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