There’s a plethora of activities going on this weekend at the Mile, all culminating with the Time Warner Cable Roadrunner 225 at noon on Saturday (thanks Keith). But if you are planning on attending the race, make sure to not miss our pre-race show, which is all military-themed, so you KNOW its going to be cool. Check the listings to find out all the activities taking place, or go the our website or milwaukeemile.com for complete schedules. Boy its going to be fun. The two-hour practice session on Friday is going to be a treat. All the cars on the track, battling for qualifying order, which on a track like the Mile, is very important. Its going to be interesting to see how those Europe-based drivers handle Lady Mile. I suspect they’ll do well. Nigel Mansell won in 1993 in his rookie campaign, and despite his luck at the Mile, Bourdais has shown he can run on any ovals. Bjorn, as mentioned yesterday has the #4 HVM car, which is likely the best car going-in into the weekend. Timo had a hard run at Milwaukee during testing and was even taken to the hospital. Nevertheless, a guy with his grapefruits won’t let one incident slow him down. If anything, it’ll motivate him even more so.

Last year’s winner obviously returns, but 2nd and 3rd place finishers are not here this weekend (unless the weak-rumored of Carpentier going to Newman/Haas turn out to be true), so it leaves a lot of room at the top. Jimmy finished 4th last year and has even better equipment along with the most experience in the field at this particular track. Could this be Jimmy’s year? I hope so. He won it in 1998 so he’s due. Plus, I wasn’t around in 1998. do it for me Jimmy!

Since the CART/Champ Car era, only 7 pole sitters have gone on to win the race. So, we know the pole is important in terms of the points standings and setting the early tone of the race. But, it’s a long race, so no matter where one starts, if there car is there at the end, they have a chance. Which brings me to Oriol Servia. He’s had success at this track, he knows how to be patient and calm and if Dale Coyne can find the proper pit strategy, I look for big things this weekend from Mr. Servia.

I really look forward to the pit strategies, now that Champ Car has gotten rid of the mandatory pit window. It should be very interesting this weekend and I can’t wait!!

By the way, what a picture of yours truly on the champcar website! I look both angry and confused. Well, they captured the last part correctly at least.
Champ car baby! Champ car for life!