well, it looks like we will have but 17 cars on the grid this weekend in Houston. I held out hope that someone would come in and drive for someone, but it didn't pan out. Oh well. I don't exactly know how I feel about this, whether I am upset or not. On the one hand, 18 cars has been the minimum for the last two seasons mainly because of television purposes. But since Kalkoven evidently owns everything now, the number 18 has no real significance. Is there a big difference in fielding 17 cars as opposed to 18? not really. But a part of me still feels sour. Maybe I am merely preparing myself for the backlash that we might have to hear about this from the naysayers. That's probably it, that's probably where my frustration lies. Knowing that some people in the media and the 'darkside' will have a field day with this. But why do I care what they say or write in their stupid blogs? (that was a little joke at my expense there). I am going to do my best to avoid any negative media and concentrate on the product we have on track, which continues to be superior than all the competition.
Or maybe, just maybe, its because Mr. Jimmy Vasser isn't in this race. after 211 consecutive starts, it ends in Houston. As many of you know, I have had an interesting relationship with Jimmy since I started doing Overheard at the track. Even if for the longest time he was unaware of the videos, I still tried to find him every time I filmed so I can get the ol' Boomhower voice out and have some fun with it. I've also interviewed Jimmy once or twice for Canadian television and the highlight is still Jimmy telling me, in full serious mode "that's the sillyest question i've ever heard". It probably was, it was the Players webpiece we did when we pitted the vets versus the rookies. I suspect Jimmy was in a bad mood that day because all the other drivers had some fun with it. Either way, its a memory I will have forever, because it was my first encounter face to face with, one on one with Jimmy.
Jimmy and I had our big moment last year, which I wrote about on this blog, when he finally saw Overheard At the Track and called me on it. That was a highlight because it was during the autograph session and the other drivers around him were laughing and laughing and the people seeking autographs were laughing and laughing. Obviously Jimmy was a good sport.
The good news is that he's still around. He's an owner and if he wanted, could end up on any broadcast team. Still, there will be something missing at the drop of the green flag on Saturday night. a huge presence won't be there and I think that's what has gotten me sad. its not the number 17, its who isn't the 18th driver.

Houston picks:

Who’se your pic?

This new track is a great opportunity for all the drivers because they are starting on the same foot as Bourdais and Newman/Haas. Although they are quick to adapt to any track and Boursdais can drive the heck out anywhere in the world, he’ll still need some adjustment, and he’ll have nothing to rely on previous years. No doubt a solid teammate helps in this situation, but a lot of teams have a solid one-two punch. This type of layout seems to play in favor of Rusport and I wouldn’t be surprised to see Justin win the race on Saturday night. Ahh, but it’s a night race, another new element for a lot of these drivers. Some have done it before, none have done it on a street track. an 8pm start is a late start too, so it’ll be interesting to see who is up and who is mellow. Kind of like when in other professional sports, they have afternoon games and night games. Some players perform better at night, some during the day. Who is a nighthawk amongst the drivers? Who is an early riser who is usually ready for bed around 9pm? No doubt these drivers will be ready to go, but it certainly helps if you are at your most aware during the evening. Kind of like me. I love nightraces because I would rather sleep-in then go to bed early. I expect to be at my best!! Finally, a race suited for the track announcer who likes to sleep in!

My pic? It’s a tight track with some great turns. I’m looking at turn 3, 4 and 5 and thinking anything can and likely will happen. I could say “I’ll tell you after turn one, lap one” but that would be cheating. I’m going to go with Justin to take this one. He seems to be able to keep his nose clean and, like I said above, Rusport is going to excel here, I have a feeling. Probably not right off the bat, but as the weekend goes on, they will get better and better. Also watch for DaMatta. Its these types of tracks (I’m thinking Dale Coyne last year in San Jose) where a lot of unexpected driver can surprise you. At the end of the day, there’s a reason why Bourdais is Bourdais and Tracy is Tracy. They usually finish at or near the top. But a new track, a different climate, anything can happen!