I apologize for my lack of blog entries this week, I took a ‘weekend’ off where I turned my cellphone off and enjoyed some nice ‘holiday’ time. Lots has happened in the world of motorsports and its good to be back. Maybe I could get a guest writer. anybody wanna apply?


First of all, I read that Panther Racing will not be joining the Champ Car World Series following talks with the owners. I have to say I am disappointed. I really thought they would be joining the ranks of the Champ Car family. But they have apparently chosen to stay put in the IRL, but field a Champ Car driver for the Indy 500. Many people saw this as an opportunity to ‘steal’ a big team from the IRL and hope that it would have had a domino affect. What disappoints me the most, I must admit, is not seeing Thomas Sheckter run our tracks. His father was a legend. These things tend to run in the family. He’s doing a good job over there, but it’s like watching a master chef work at a fast food joint. There’s only so much that chef could do with the equipment. Maybe some day we’ll get to see what the chip off the old block can do.

This San Jose race looks to be quite interesting, as the Champ Cars officially enter the second half of the season. 5 winners in 7 races and nobody taking a commanding lead in the chase for the V. The series should easily beat last year’s total attendance and will beat it in the number of better races too. They are on a roll. Now they need to return to network.

Pocono 500 or any NASCAR race at Pocono is the longest race in history. I’m fairly sure that the Coca-Cola 600 is shorter. I don’t know what it is about that track. The action is good, but dang it they seem slow.

I am truly shocked at AGR’s action in Milwaukee. Remember when they boycotted the mandatory autograph session because Danica had her own Security guard and line? Why is it that every story I read about this always wrote that the AGR team boycotted a ‘mandatory autograph session. Or ‘the mandatory autograph session’ at 4:30. we got it, it was Mandatory!! Anyway, it is extremely pathetic on their part and its frankly something that shouldn’t be excused lightly. I mean, bottom line is that they attacked Danica directly. No matter what they say about the reasons for the protest, the team completely pitted itself against her. She has enough to deal with on any given day on top of concentrating on her rookie campaign. She’s still fighting for ROY and credibility from her teammates and skeptics. This is something that AGR could have addressed privately. There was no reason to shun Danica and maybe more importantly, the fans who waited in line. I know, they had their own session later, but was it addressed over the PA? did anybody who didn’t happen to walk by know about this?

Mr Dave Despain addressed the negative emails he received on account of calling the Edmonton race a ‘festival’ and that San Jose will be the same. He has a point. Its true that most people who will attend San Jose will not go see a race at Laguna Seca. But what Dave fails to see is his admittedly ‘past’ bias is not proper for today’s world. What he fails to see is that today’s street tracks have become some of the nicest tracks made in the USA (or Canada). What he fails to see is the current track layouts which offer room for passing, clean run-offs, safe pits and a nice combination of straight-aways and turns. He’s old school. He admits it. he has no problem with it. he’s entertaining because of his old stubborn ways. Doesn’t mean he’s always right. J props on his part for addressing the issue though.

I have sent Champ Cars the latest installment of Overheard at the Track and ‘This or that. This OHATT is called ‘Overheard in Canada’. Hope you enjoy and remember: I’m Canadian. I’m allowed to make jokes.