One more thing: Mr. Barnhart, stop telling us what’s keeping the series from unifying is a PHILOSOPHICAL difference. I hear those words coming out of you guys all the time. There is no philosophical difference. Think about it. Just say it: Tony wants complete control or won’t unify. Say it. Don’t dance around, don’t give us prepared spheil about how ‘its time to unify’ and all that jazz. Most people would agree with you its time to unify.

You want to make progress in the talks? Then tell us what the REAL stumbling block is: Tony wants complete control!

Both the series want to be popular; both the series want as much revenue as possible. Both want to compete with NASCAR for viewers and fans. That’s the bottom line. Both share the same philosophy when it comes to the business side of things.

Both want their products and their drivers to be as competitive and safe as possible. Both want a very exciting product to bring to the fans. both share the same philosophy when it comes to the product.

There is no PHILOSOPHICAL difference!

By the way, I extend of offer to Barnhart or Tony to call me to settle this. Yes, me. Seriously. Try me.

Rob and Amber got married last night! Finally some closure! And I noticed in the promo for the show that they had Boston Red Sox great Johnny Damon. Cause you know, he’s Boston Rob. Cause you know, he wears a Boston RedSox hat. So she invited him to the wedding or to make an appearance or whatever. I imagine her invite went like this:
Hi Johnny, my name is Amber. I was on some cheesy reality show which you probably didn’t see and I’m getting married to this guy who was also on the cheesy reality show, which you probably didn’t see. Anyway, there was this all-star version of said show where we met, but you probably didn’t see that either. Then we were on another reality show, which I know you didn’t see, cause nobody else did. Anyway, CBS will pay you 300 grand to make an appearance. Thanks. Bye.

Well, I did it again. As I attempted to book my flight online for Milwaukee, 1) I booked my flight via Philadelphia, even though Toronto-Milwaukee is a 45 minute flight and 2) and even more stupidly, I booked my return flight on Saturday at noon. I ain’t missing much if I return Saturday the 4th at noon, am I?? man, I am no good on the Internet! I am just costing Champ car money. Luckily Kevin still had money to purchase Long Beach, despite my blunder.

The guys on Pardon the Interruption were chatting it up about Danica Patrick again yesterday, basically saying all the attention is great and a good way to bring in new fans and viewers to the sport. I couldn’t agree more. And I decided that I am very much in favor of the IRL’s massive marketing campaign behind Danica Patrick. That’s right, I am all in favor of them giving her a better engine for the 500. I am all in favor of David Letterman having her on his show 5 times a week! Why? Because the bottom line is we have a better product. And if the casual fan turns his/her attention to Danica and the IRL, then it’s a matter of minutes before they hear of the split and Champ Car. After the ‘greatest spectacle in racing’ takes place this week, the IRL goes back into oblivion and its only a matter of time before the casual fan notices Champ Car, its diversity, its intensity and its greatness.

It’s the old adage, build ONE restaurant in a deserted area, very unlikely people will show up. Build a few more, then you’ll draw people to the area. And of course, then the people chose their favorite restaurants.

We have a better product, plain and simple. If it takes their girl to bring new viewers in, fine. Let them sample their restaurant and then sample ours. They will keep coming back to ours. Guaranteed.
Champ Car baby! Champ Car for life!

To all the pretty women who have continually turned down my advances over the last few years in the beautiful city, I have but one thing to say to you: I’ll see you all in 2006!!!! And beyond and beyond and beyond! You can run, but you can’t hide! Okay that last line sounded a little creepy. But the point is, we gots the Long Beach! We gots the parties! We gots the series! We gots the hotties!! Bruce and the gang, I’ll see you next year!

Honda is next in the line in people who are trying to unify the series. So, we had Penske, Andretti and now Honda? Doesn’t it say something very significant that its all people on their end and payroll that are trying to unify? Nobody from Champ Car is on a path to unify. Granted, we’ll talk and listen. We are open to discussion. But you don’t see Cosworth or RuSPORT taking full page ads in papers begging the IRL and Champ Car to unify. Bottom line though, in my opinion, is that Tony George is too stubborn and his pockets are too deep for any real talks. Until he sees the light, until he realizes that its okay to admit mistakes and work with others, he’ll continue to take his ball and go home. You’ll excuse me if I don’t sympathize right now, after over 110 grand packed the stands last weekend and we are returning to our premiere American Open-Wheel Street race next year.

Speaking of LB, now its time to make this thing a HUGE event. I know, its big right now, no question, with the celebrity races and all the festivities. But I’m talking about the product on the track. Make it a million dollar purse. Make it a double points event. NASCAR opens with the Daytona 500, we open with the Grand Prix of Long Beach! We have the entire off-season to pump it. This is our Great American Race (though we call it something else of course. :) )

Now its time for Milwaukee to help us continue this awesome momentum the series is on. A nice Saturday afternoon race. Nothing better than that. Early enough to have a few drinks, then go paint the town red afterwards. Nothing on the tube on Saturday afternoon (save for this particular race, of course. But hey, your there live!). Come out in droves! I guarantee a great time, or I'll personally give you your money back! *

Paul Newman on David Letterman. Is he not the coolest of the cool? I wish I had a 1/1000 of his coolness. His quiet dignity, his quick wit and his generosity make him one of the better people alive today, if not the best. I genuinely mean that. Not only because of his charity and his support for Champ Car (hey Paul, I too have problems with their management!!). But really because he’s the coolest human ever. Man oh man, I was so excited after his visit. And you know what? Props to Letterman for asking him about the 500, knowing full well he wasn’t attending.

As for Patrick, well its always a little awkward when a driver is on the show. She was fine. Except maybe for that yellow top! But who am I to judge.

Champ Car baby! Champ Car for life!

* money back guarantee will not be honored. I don't have that kind of money. but I still promise a great time and I might buy you a beer afterwards.

ooohhh baby!

Oooohhh baby!!

Loved it. Loved every second of that race. On the edge of my seat the entire time. Trying to catch my breath. I just wish I could have been there to call it, cause what a race to call. Maybe its just me, but I like the semi-rough stuff. Yes, granted, the race was plagued with yellows. But I am a fan of the occasional bumping. I like the intensity. It makes for a more enjoyable race to watch. It certainly differs from the ‘parades’ of the past.

And what a line up. Nelson. Props. You showed patience and confidence and weren’t intimidated by the guys behind you. In fact, the one yellow I wish wouldn’t have happened was the one that caused you to lose your 10 second leads. I would have liked to see the battle between your final pitstop and Bruno coming around. Oh well. Good job anyway.

I would be lying if I predicted my boy Ranger on the podium! He drove the hell out his car, kept his nose clean and earned every bit of that 2nd place. His fellow Quebecker Alex Tagliani also had himself a very nice run and again, with a little help from lady luck, was at the right place at the right time. I never wish anybody misfortunes and whatnot, but two Quebeckers on the podium while that defector qualifies, what 23rd or something for the Indy? Guess who people will be talking about this week in Quebec?

I said it before in Long Beach and, sure the yellow’s helped yesterday, but what have the HVM team found in their engines that allow them to burn so little fuel?? Great job on their part and though Bjorn may have lost it at the end, his drive was nonetheless impressive and a sure sign of things to come.

This time its self-proclaimed, but I’ll say it anyway : Stupid Mario. He admitted it was his worse drive of his career and although these things happen, I am pretty upset with what happened to Jimmy as a result. He must have been ticked off. And then he signs an autograph??? And then the guy’s shirt???? Is there anyone BETTER than Jimmy to represent our series????? Didn’t think so.

The debate rages on as to what happened with Tracy and Bourdais. Regardless of whether he deserved a penalty or a fine or whatever, What he deserved (and could only get from lady luck) is to be OUT of the race like Tracy. When the contact happened, I told myself “well, at least both are out”. There is no way he should have been able to continue, much less finish with a top ten. But, you have to be lucky and good and he was definitely both in Monterrey. Felt real bad for Tracy, but a little added fuel, an increased rivalry between Forsythe and Newman/Haas is good for all involved.

I was looking forward to hearing DD and Calvin, but alas. I loved Jon in the booth. He definitely knows what he’s talking about. That goes without saying and he’s articulate when he’s saying it. But dang it, he was smiling and laughing and that is so contagious! That was my favorite part. When he got excited and was laughing, I felt excited! DD is good, no question about it. But Jon just brought this unbridled enthusiasm that is needed in Champ Car. Granted, he got himself a heck of a race to call, but nonetheless he made a very exciting product even more excited. And Chris Maclure did a fine job. Again, laughing, making light of his situation as a pit reporter trying to get a scoop but unable too. It was great! Rick was his solid self. Maybe needs to up his adrenaline a little. But he’s a good, solid host. All in all, I give this race broadcast an A. I genuinely enjoyed it. Good job Champ Car, and tv Azteca too for providing the pictures. Oh yeah, the ‘Behind the Wheel’ section is very solid, but what made it even more solid was the split screen. I was getting a little antsy for a moment when they had the Mario feature on full-screen. Luckily they split the screen soon after. Split screen is the way to go. If they want to do any kind of feature (I’m thinking of stuff Bronte did last year), that’s fine, just split the screen.

Now we head off to Milwaukee with a multitude of storylines. This are only going to get more interesting as the boys of Champ Car tackle the Milwaukee Mile where anything can (and usually does) happen on that historic one mile oval!!

Say it with me:

Champ Car baby! Champ car for life!!!