September 26

The Atlantics season has come and gone and, in my estimation, will be remembered as one of the best seasons of all time. I am truly blessed to have had the privileged to announce these drivers, to speak to them on the podium and to have gotten to know them better. You know, I make it a point to keep a certain distance from drivers for professional reasons, I don’t want to be buddy-buddy with any particular driver so that it causes some sort of bias in my job; but I can tell you there are a few of these Atlantic drivers that I am proud to know and would be happy to call friends. It really was a quality group of kids this season, one that will leave a lasting impression on the world of open-wheel racing.

The Atlantics banquet was wonderful, as it’s been in the past. The speeches were genuine and the emotions were true. The top 3 finishers gave a speech and each left their own special mark on the crowd. Yokohama representatives were VERY emotional in their farewell speech and it’s obvious that the person who made the decision (Yokohama is leaving after 18 years in the series) was someone ‘upstairs’, unfamiliar with the series and all its value. The Yokohama reps that I have gotten to know over the last two seasons are as passionate about racing as anybody out there and I’m sorry to see them go because, like I mentioned, its obvious it was a decision from the big bosses and if it were up to them, they would be back next year (kind of like the situation of yours truly, come to think of it).

Perhaps the funniest moment of the night was when Simon Pagenaud, to ease his nervousness a little, simply said ‘Ricky Bobby’ in all his French accent, which I must admit was pretty much identical to the French driver-Character in Talladega Nights. The crowd had a good laugh with that one. He went on to thank many people; amongst others was Claire and Sebastian Bourdais who have really helped him out.

I got the impression last night that next year we will see Graham Rahal and Simon Pagenaud in Champ Cars and possibly other drivers. I know it seems like old news, but last night it seemed like it was all but a done deal for those two drivers next season. We’ll see. I suspect Andreas Wirth will also find his way on the grid in 2007 and maybe even one or two more. I think Bomarito’s win at Road America will do wonders for him as now he’s not just a good driver with good results, but has proven he can ‘get er done’ and sustain all the pressure that comes with it. If I was an owner, I would definitely take a closer look at him. Not to mention Matos, Martinez, Maia (who has the advantage or disadvantage of being in his mid-twenties) and frankly, anybody who finished in the top 10.

Oh, and Kalkoven assured us that the 2-million dollar prize wasn’t a one-time thing to attract attention to the series, and that prize money is back for next season also. You know a lot of drivers and teams in the room were VERY happy to hear that news.

Speaking of news, the 2007 schedule comes out on Wednesday, but I got a sneak peak at it and here it is…ahh I can’t do that! Then that would really seal the deal on my future with the series. I’ll just wait until Wednesday, but I will admit that one particular event made me go “really!?” in a good way! Next year will be fun!

And finally, I just want to thank everybody at the Atlantics this season who have helped me out for the last two years. We’ve had a lot of fun together and I have learned so much from you. The Atlantics personnel are truly a family and truly have a passion for what they do and better people you’ll never find in any type of organization. I’ve been blessed to have had the privilege of working and getting to know all of you. Thank you for accepting me into your Atlantics family.