Sunday morning

Sunday: The Atlantics are going out in a few minutes for their morning warm up. Champ Cars about an hour later. I don’t often get to write Sunday mornings, but the way things are set up here, I have a computer at my disposal. Its going to be a heck of a day, there’s no question about it. The weekend has been fun, but somewhat turbulent, both on and off the track. For the drivers, well literally turbulent on account of the bumps. But, hey, that’s racing and that’s what makes these drivers the toughest drivers in the world.

I am happy for Brian Herta, he’s a good guy and its nice to see him on the pole. I have to admit I am surprised that Danica didn’t qualify better. Rahal has been struggling this year, plain and simple. I heard that Rahal might be returning to the Atlantics next year to field Graham. Interesting. I guess the notion is that Graham has a future in sportscars, so running on some good road courses would be beneficial to his career. But that team has been anything but spectacular this year, although Vitor has had a few highlights. Its too bad, since they are getting so much attention.

Zwolsman has himself another pole and looks good. But he’s started on the pole 4 races in a row, but hasn’t won since Cleveland. So is there a curse of the pole? Or maybe I just haven’t had enough coffee yet. Oops, I gotta go talk some Atlantic! I’ll be back. I’m back. What’s also going to be real interesting is the new crop of drivers joining the ranks this series, all vying to make their mark early in their career. I’m talking about the likes of Phil Giebler, Alan Sciuto and Ryan Spencer-Smith. Of course, with the announcement of the future generation of the Atlantic, I think it’ll be phenomenal and its fantastic that Champ Car truly gets it. They understand the importance of the Atlantic to them and the world of open-wheel racing in America. We want the best Atlantic drivers driving in Champ Cars. We don’t want them to want or go anywhere else after their career. Should they choose a career in sportscars, that’s a different issue. But their main focus should be a ride in Champ Car and the series is going to do everything they can to make sure it happens.

So far, the Trans-Am made it through the first chicane clean, but the touring cars didn’t. So, 1 for 2. It’ll be interesting to see who can be smart and level-headed and who might bonsai their way up (or down) the grid off the opening green flag. The most important thing for Newman/Haas is to get through it clean. But with Paul Tracy behind you, its never easy. I’m looking at the middle of the starting grid and that is where its going to get real interesting. Nelson Philippe has been fast all weekend. Plain and simple, he’s been fast. He’s starting 6th, the highest of his career, so its all new pressure on him. Bjorn Wirdheim started the weekend slow, literally, but really picked it up when it counted and starts 8th. Between them is rookie Timo Glock. How are they going to handle the track? I can’t wait to find out. Team Australia will be using slick strategy as both start 17th and 18th, while Jimmy was able to jump to 10th on the starting grid, while his teammate still struggles, starting in 13th. Look for them to use alternate strategy also. Its an 1:45 hour race. So, its going to be about 105 laps. I don’t mind Champ Car experiencing with the idea of a timed race. Naturally, its nothing new in the world of auto racing. timed races have existed since the beginning of the sport. With the television restraints that Champ Car currently deals with (won’t be long before that changes), a timed race puts it all out there and nobody will be going home feeling cheated. It won’t change the dynamics of the race, since the teams will go on the assumption of about 105 laps. It’s a good move and a necessary move, for the time being.

Enjoy the race everybody!!