I don’t know how the divine world works, I don’t know if we are given signs as to what actions we should take, I don’t know if anybody is controlling our destiny or if its all random. But sometimes people, when trying to make big decisions, look for signs. They don’t know where the signs are going to come from, but they are keeping their eyes and ears open. Do I believe in this? I have no idea and this is hardly the time and the place to discuss such a spiritual discussion.

But, if Jimmy Vasser is looking for a sign as to which way to lean in 2006, then all he has to do is look at his performance the last two months and it should be clear to him that he needs to come back in 2006. PKV racing is close to becoming equals with Forsythe Championship Racing. This team has done remarkably well this year and although it hasn’t always been rosy, the team is finishing strong and that means that their confidence level will be very high going into the offseason when they do their testing. That team is getting better and better with each race. They are a bunch of hard working individuals on that team who see more than just the bottom line. This team has the potential to be explosive (figuratively speaking of course) in 2006. And they need Jimmy at the helm.

Yes, Jimmy will be around no matter what. He’s the V in PKV. He ain’t going anywhere and nobody in the world doubts that he will be a great boss and a great trainer for a young driver. However, the last few races he’s shown flashes of the old Vasser, circa 1996. It’s more then just the back to back podiums in Vegas and Oz. He’s been there all weekends, getting faster and faster and, perhaps more importantly, when there has been a problem with the car, the team and Jimmy have been able to fix it and get it optimized for race day.

Bringing in a young driver is the inevitable step in the future. Jimmy has to retire sometime. But I think that the team is just starting to find its groove. This team is just starting to compete with the big boys legitimately and not just on paper. As important as the team’s knowledge and whatnot, Jimmy is also a key ingredient in their success. You can’t buy that kind of experience and know-how. Right now, he’s the perfect compliment to PKV. Bringing in a young driver to replace the number 12 might mix up the recipe. This team, in my opinion, is on the brink of huge successes. But when I say team, I mean Jimmy as a driver, not just an owner.

If I were Jimmy, I would come back for another year. I would do a Paul Tracy-like fitness regiment in the off-season and come back in 2006. He’s been driving too well this season to quit now, just when the team is about to really take off. I don’t know that the team can take off without him driving. Eventually yes, of course. But right now, Jimmy as a driver is the key ingredient in that dish.
Jimmy has talked about whether this is his last season or not. He’s not even sure himself at this point. Maybe he’s asking for a sign to help him make the decision. How about two podiums in a row? That’s seems like a good sign to me.

You guys know how I feel about Chuck Zwolsman, he’s my boy. Aside from never knowing where to put a Z or a S after the L, I like everything about his driving. This weekend, he gets to showcase his efforts in front of 300 thousand people driving for Team Australia. I’m very happy he’s getting the opportunity, but I worry that the newly arrived 3rd car may not be up to par on a track like Mexico. This is a natural road course, where I think Charles may excel, but the car needs to be perfect on a track like this. And when your running with the Bourdais and Tracy’s, there’s little room for error on the car. Hopefully they can quickly find the right set up on the car, so then he can worry about getting used to all those horses and then the track. Its very cool that he’s got the track to himself on Thursday. A very good idea on Champ Car’s part. It’s a safety issue, first and foremost. Hopefully he can get some tips from Alex Tagliani about the car and the track. Is it me or is Alex Tagliani becoming a little like Jimmy was a few years ago in the fact that he’s the perfect teammate because he can help you out like no other driver. I don’t know how much Alex shares or the insides of Team Australia, but he sure does know everything there is to know about driving a champcar and wouldn’t mind having him on my side. Now he just needs a few more wins under his belt. But I have a feeling those are coming in 2006. I know we often say that about Tags, but I believe it. I’m a firm believer in Karma and he’s been doing this right this year. He’s due for some good fortune to go along with his great driving.

My friend joked the other day that without baseball and Auto racing, I would go into serious withdrawal and I’m starting to think its true. Although I have been working professionally for Champ Car for 5 years, this year I was more involved with the series than ever. From the Overheard at the track to hosting the fan forums to writing this blog, to meeting all the great fans. I was so consumed with racing during the thick of the season and I couldn’t have been happier. Sure, my mom will tell you that I need a woman in my life to be truly happy. But, that’s moms for you. :)
This summer especially, ChampCar was my lady and boy did we have a good time together. I don’t know what the future holds for me with regards to Champ Car. I hope I can come back in 2006, but nothing has been decided yet. In the meantime, I know that a lot of people would be interested in a dvd or something with all the old OHATT clips, so I will start working on that project shortly. I’ve got a couple of non-racing things on the go right now, but will not forget about this project. I will give you regular updates on the progress (i.e. November 5th: figured out how to turn on computer after 6 days of trying).