Well I watched the All-Star shootout last night and chuckled since it was more or less exactly like Tony Stewart described the sport a month ago (and a topic we covered in our latest podcast). As in, 20 laps, then bunch 'em up. 20 laps, then bunch 'em up. Of course, this was the all-star challenge and its intent and purposes varied greatly from the usual Nextel Cup race, but nonetheless, the rules of the All-Star challenge mirror what Stewart thinks (or thought) of NASCAR. Get some laps and if you are in a good position, just hold it because they are going to bunch 'em up soon enough anyway and if you are way off the pace, just stay on the lead lap and you'll have another chance and if you are leading....well that sucks for you, but them the rules. Of course, as mentioned, the All-Star challenge is designed that way and everybody knows it. over 1 million dollars went to Harvick (who promised to share it with his teammates. you mean to tell me some drivers have opted to keep it all to themselves in the past?) who basically never started a segment further than 4th or 5th and was there when it counted. Ironically, I don't think I heard his name mentioned once in the broadcast until that final segment when he lead. I like a driver who sneaks under the radar and finishes well.
I also liked Carl Edwards as a special pit reporter. Naturally that wasn't planned, but kudos to him for doing a decent job. He was nervous, naturally, but I thought he presented himself quite professionally and, given all his recent television appearances that he's prepping for a broadcast career post NASCAR. I think he'll have a lot of success at it too.

I have also tried watching the Indy 500 qualifying the past couple of weeks and to be honest with you, I am downright confused with the new format. As far as I can tell, the top 3 teams occupy the top spots (except for Briscoe who is running with Penske Jr. team)and the rest are qualifying for grid position amongst themselves. I see Moreno is currently somewhere in the 30's, so there goes any speculation as to whether Champ Car would be at Indy. The answer is YES!!! That clearly means that the next step is a full-fledged merger! I have to admit that it would be pretty neat if there was only one series and we were all there qualifying for a race that was once so meaningful. I just wish I was there as an employee of Champ Car (or whatever one series would be called) instead of being there as one employee or another. Its a shame and the month of May is always harder than the rest. Of course, it doesn't help that there is a gap in the Champ car schedule, but that would only offer temporary relief, as May will always be known as Indy month. Once this time passes and we get back to Portland, then Cleveland, then the real busy stretch, we'll have forgotten all about this break and we'll be able to focus on what's important.

Well it looks as if we will know the fate of the Champ Car's three time champion in July, when he expects the Torro Rosso gang to make their decision on his future. I really hope he's able to land a ride with them, as I am sure it would crush him if the opportunity passed him by once again. He has tested with this team, they have showed interest in him, he knows Bernie really wants a French driver in the series, Bourdais has won the Vanderbilt Cup 3 times in a row and he's also 28 now, so there aren't going to be many more opportunities. At this moment, this is the best chance he'll ever get. He can't possibly accomplish anymore in CC than he already has and there is no other series for him to go show his worth. he's tested very well thus far with the F1 team and hopefully they will make the right decision (i.e. hire him). This would be an interesting marketing opportunity for Champ Car too, as well as ESPN in the 2008 season. If, big if, but if Bourdais wins the cup again this year and vacates for F1, what a glorious storyline for next season when the series moves full time to the ABC family. A new champion will be crowned no matter what. There will be more at stake then ever!

But, that is definitely getting ahead of ourselves. But at this point, given his track record, Bourdais is the favorite to win his 4th in a row. period. Yes, Power can challenge him and hopefully Oriol (if he gets the seat) and Tracy and even Wilson can put a few dent in his accomplishments in order to give Power the chance. But, right now, as we speak, Newman/Haas/Lanigan's number 1 car is the best car in North America and has been for quite some time.

Speaking of French people, how great is it to hear Gommendy's comments about loving Champ Car and wanting to be here for the next several years? Its the type of passion that motivates a driver to excel and, in my opinion, just became PKV's number one driver. It's no secret that people nodded in disbelief when they signed this unknown frenchman. But to his credit (both on and off the track), he has proven his worth and will soon rival Nelson Philip in popularity (of french born drivers that is). I am sorry that Nelson isn't in the series, but for the time being I am content with his unofficial replacement.
Actually, I am very content with his official replacement, that of Robert Doornbos. He's fantastic and hopefully will be even better on the natural road course that the team is embarking on very shortly. Although that will present some unique challenges for himself because while he's used to the road courses, he's never driven a Champ Car on a road course, so the braking, the acceleration will all be quite new to him. Braking is one adjustment that European drivers have to make. Hopefully he'll be able to carry the momentum he has into Portland and find himself on the podium.

I read that Jan Heylen is signed with Conquest for the European leg of the series and is looking to go full time. I hope it happens, he quickly became a fan favorite (especially with the ladies) and with a little more experience, he can compete. last year he seemed fast when he was out there alone, but a little tentative in traffic. That comes with experience. He'll get there if given the chance.