He was clearly out! Strike three, inning over, this game is going into extra innings. Not even an issue. How did I know that the next batter would hit a game winning double? Because only in baseball do you have these situations. No instant replays, no clock to beat, just a batter outwitting not only the offense, but also the umpires. Strange, yet pretty special, this game of baseball! Even though I think I’m cheering for the Sox, he was clearly out. Case closed. Its everywhere this morning! He was robbed!

I’m still a little ticked off about this Hunter Reay situation. Talk about getting a raw deal. Last two races and I read he’s actually over in Australia promoting the race? Is this true? Can anyone confirm this? It seems unbelievable! I mean, if he’s not even going to race, why is he there? That’s a seat on a plane that could have gone to yours truly! Okay, that’s pretty selfish of me. We should both be going, he driving the champcar and me? Well, causing trouble mostly, as I try and understand the Australian accent of those fine people.

Last time I was there (in Australia) we had an early flight out, so we were waiting for the cab at the hotel room at about 4am when Bruno came stumbling back from the driver party. At that point, even though he had just lost the Championship, he didn’t seem too bothered. I can’t remember if he had a Miss Indy contestant in his arms to console him or not. But nevertheless, he was feeling allllrrriiight at that point.

I’d like to know your thoughts on the Nations cup. It’s the one statistic that I never mention on this blog or on the air at a race. I don’t know why, I just don’t think that much of it as a competition. Am I wrong? Should we be cheering for (in this case Canada) to make a run at France? If France does win the cup, does Nelson really go up there to accept it with Bourdais? Has Nelson earned any points at all towards this Cup? I don’t even know how the scoring system works. It was explained to me once. Then again. Then again. Its probably me. I’m probably the one who doesn’t get it. Can someone explain it to me (not the rules, but the concept)

how badass is this:
sorry if they are fuzzy.

Well, the rumors are running rampant that Ryan Hunter-Reay may not be in a car for the remainder of the season. I don’t personally know what the situation is, I have no other insight as opposed to what I read on the internet. I will tell you that I heard this rumor almost immediately following Las Vegas. Needless to say, I am not happy about this at all. I’m a fan of Ryan, not only because he’s a very nice guy, nice enough to join us at many Fan Forum’s this year, even though he’d inevitably have to talk about his cold streak. I’m a fan because he has stuck it out with his team and always tries to be positive.
I’m not comparing Ryan to anybody else, but a driver who wins a race, let alone two, has demonstrated the skills. Ryan has got the skills to at least finish in the top 7 every race and has proved that in the past. I hope he doesn’t lose his seat. The team and Ryan missed something this year. Nobody really knows who’s to blame and whatnot. I just can’t help but feel that in this case the problem is much deeper than the driver. The team itself needs to look at each other and start asking questions. They have to look around and see PKV and MiJack developing nicely as a team and having the results to prove their progress. Heck, they need to look over at the #8 and see what made that squad gel so nicely. Chemistry is everything in racing. Maybe this team doesn’t have it. Heck, maybe its Ryan’s fault, what do I know? Becky Gordon, in Las Vegas, said that Hunter was under contract for next season. Which is very positive. The series can’t lose Ryan under any circumstances. You may remember that Ryan had an offer from Chip in 2005 but chose to remain with Champ Car, unlike other drivers in the past. Ryan has shown his true colors and in this battle with the IRL, we need true soldiers and Ryan is one of our soldiers.

Well, congratulations to Panoz and Elan for getting the Chassis spec contract for 2007 and two more years following that. I think the car looks good. I have two issues with the car. The small wings in the back will be good for aerodynamics, no question about it. I just don’t necessarily LOVE the look. I’ll get used to it. But my main issue is that the cars still have the ability to interlock wheels. I was hoping the design would resemble Bruce Ashmore’s design from earlier this year, when he made sure that it was near impossible for wheels to touch. There was definitely some improvement in that area though and that’s positive. The onboard starter will facilitate things, which is cool. Sometimes during those long yellows, I just don’t know what to talk about anymore. I’m sure the Track announcer and his ability to adlib during a yellow flag was put into consideration when designing this chassis. Thanks Panoz. Or Elan. Which would you like to be called?

By the way, I sent was is likely to be the final Overheard at the Track to Champ car last week. Actually, it seems like I sent it a while ago now. It’s in their hands.

welcome to the jungle

Happy thanksgiving to all the fellow Canadians out there. I would especially like to wish a happy thanksgiving to Ben Mulroney, Rachel MacAdams and Paul Shaffer. Why those three? I have no idea.

The farewell tour continues in NASCAR as the Viagra car pulled into victory lane this weekend. First the 88, now the 6. But Stewart extends his points lead. Why is it that I think the chase is already over and that we should give it to him right now? Hopefully I’m wrong, though I am a Stewart fan. I just finished reading the cover article on Tony in EPSN magazine and his story is pretty incredible. I must admit that I learnt some interesting tidbits on Tony.

Yanks-Angels tonight on Fox. I expect it to be the game of the year. As long as my Yanks pull one out of their hat. If you don’t watch baseball, 1) give your head a shake 2) at least try and watch ONE playoff game at Yankee Stadium. Even on television the atmosphere is electric. Hopefully you caught some of the game last night. Hopefully we will be able to have this conversation this week when the Yankees eliminate the Angels.

Lots of talk these days in the world of Champ Car as to the potential Rahal-Andretti-Foyt-Unser battles of the future. Racing is a sport with a rich family history and this could be big for the sport, should the kids earn their stripe. I’m NEVER a fan of nepotism or cronyism, but if the kids are good, then there names can take us a long way.
Bring on Rahal vs Unser vs Foyt vs Andretti vs Gagnon.
That’s right, I am throwing my name in the ring. I want part of this epic battle!