Mr. Bourdais

When you finally see the interviews I did with the broadcast team, make note of the very last clip of part 3, cause although I was kidding around with Rick, I was actually quite serious about Sebastien Bourdais. Basically I ask Rick if there’s anything to stop Bourdais and he goes on and on about the competition and everybody stepping up their game and gunning for him. A political, yet accurate answer by Rick Benjerman. The problem is, in this case, I don’t think I agree with him. Sebastien is that damn good!

As you obviously know by now, he won the season opener. Before Long Beach, he had a 15-race streak where he qualified in the top 3. He just won the IROC race in Texas on Friday night, beating guys who do nothing but ovals on a full time basis. He’s run about a handful in his career.

He won the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach, and though he benefited from a timely pit stop, he nevertheless dominated the field at the last restart, despite running the regular Bridgestones, while the rest were running the Reds. He’s come in the series and has been totally dominated on 95 percent of his races.

Does it help running with Newman/Haas? Yes, obviously. But we are still supposedly running a ‘spec’ series here and he does beat his teammate on a regular basis. The thing with Bourdais is that he’ll win in just about any type of car. Regardless of what he’s driving or where he starts on the grid, he’s a real threat. That’s what makes him so special. Whether he’s in front of you or behind you, he’s someone you keep in mind.

Naturally, it’s too early to call Bourdais any kind of legend. He’s got many years of racing ahead of him. That, in itself, is a little scary. But what he’s accomplished in a short period of time is remarkable. The thing that’s truly annoying about the situation is the many question marks about his abilities, given the stature of Champ Car. It was proven when Sir. Frank Williams didn’t want to give him a Formula One test, stating something to the likes of ‘Champ Car ain’t what it used to be”. It’s an annoying tag that’s associated with Champ Car (but ever so slowly fading away). Given where Champ Car has been during the last few years, it’s slightly understandable that we are perceived that way. Again though, it’s changing. The field is getting better and the ‘spec’ series seems like a good idea. If you hear the rumblings from engine manufacturers in the other series, you know what I mean. The Cosworth engines have been fantastic and Bridgestone keeps raising bar. And if you hear about how the guys from Europe love coming here to drive Champ Cars, then you know what I mean.

But that makes his accomplishments all the more impressive. Which leads me to my question/point of this essay. Is this good for the series?

Forget about the strong field for a second. Forget about anything but what Bourdais has done and will very likely continue to do. Regardless of how you feel about him (though he’s one of the nicest people around, so you’d be hard press to find a non-fan out there), he is dominating the Champ Car World Series. (Presented by Bridgestone and powered by Ford) :)

When I see Formula One these days, I see a series that is doing whatever they can to keep ONE driver down. I see a team that is willing to spend as much money as possible for the best driver in that series. I don’t think what the series is doing is right. My feeling is if Ferrari is willing to shell out that kind of dough, and they have the best driver available, then they should win. I don’t think its right for the series to be taking this approach. It comprises the sport and all the traditions and customs associated with it.

If Bourdais has another dominant season like he did last year (and he’s off to a pretty good start), should Champ Car do something about it? No! There isn’t much they can do anyway, given that our series puts the emphasis on the driver and not the computers. But a series with a dominant driver, is that a good thing?

On the one hand, fierce and tight competition is always good. If a series has a handful of drivers vying for that championship, it makes for a more interesting story line, no question about it. But, on the other hand, you could argue that Bourdais is worth the price of admission alone. I mean, if you know nothing about a certain sport, but hear that when they come to town, an absolute phenom of the sport is participating; won’t you be more incline to tune in?

At the end of the day, this is still a question that remains to be answered. And of course, the season is so young and the competition is so fierce and he’s bound to have some bad luck through out the season. All in all, we are set for a fantastic season that had a very good season opener. All the while, we are all very privileged to be watching a special young man doing what he does best. And maybe one day, will be known as the driver who did it better than anyone else!

Champ Car Baby! Champ Car for Life!