Continuing our look at this weekend’s race in Monterrey!

A lot of pressure for AJ this weekend and this year. I don’t know if that pressure is warranted or not, but there’s no question that AJ is the future of American Open-Wheel racing. He’s made it clear he’s not a fan of ovals and that his interest in Formula One isn’t that strong. Therefore he’s Champ Car, and he’s Champ Car for life! But the powers that be would no doubt like to see a young American star win a prominent open-wheel race one week before the Indy 500. Unlike the IRL, its impossible for the powers that be to do something about it, i.e. give him a better engine. All they can do is hope it happens. The thing is that AJ also knows he represents the future, whether that’s good or bad. That’s a lot of pressure on a young driver and its even more pressure to get results. With the new teammate, and the disappointing result in Long Beach, I see AJ putting a lot of pressure on himself this weekend and I also see him delivering, cause he definitely thrives under pressure.

Is Bruno happy always being a bridesmaid? Well, the money is good. The trophies are nice. What’s wrong with always finishing in second? Somehow I doubt that’s what he’s thinking. Yet it seems that’s the way he’s been driving the last couple of years. Bruno is going to have to start taking chances if he wants those early season wins. If I was Bruno, it would be first or bust. What’s the point of finishing another year in 2nd? I would be so aggressive that every race would either be a win or a DNF. Of course, I’m not him. I’m merely typing away at my computer as he gets ready to hit the track.

Mario Dominguez no doubt has a lot riding on his shoulder this weekend. After a strong debut with Forsythe in Long Beach and with a return to his homeland as the solo full time driver in the series, all eyes are going to be on him. He likes that. Mario loves the attention, be it from the ladies at parties or from the fans on the track. He’s going to be in cloud nine all weekend and will take full advantage of it. His record indicates very strong performances in his motherland. He also has a couple of wins under his belt. Put those two together and this could be a very special weekend for Open-Wheel racing in Mexico.

I have to admit that I was pretty disappointed with PKV in Long Beach. I love that team. I love what they stand for and I love what they bring to the series. Yet, there’s no question that they dropped the ball in Long Beach. They would be the first to tell you that. Most of the off-season talk revolved around PKV, whether it was Jim McGee or DaMatta. Expectations are high for this year, despite it being only their 3rd year in operation and second, all things considered. DaMatta didn’t come back to Champ car to sit lower midpack. No, he came back to compete. Whether the rumoured ride with Newman/Haas had any validity or not, DaMatta chose PKV and the time is now.

Champ Car baby! Champ Car for life!
p.s. isn’t it fun having all these drivers who have serious chances of grabbing that checkered flag?