It was my first Green flag race, since I started with Champ car in 2001 and the last was in 2000. It was weird because initially I really liked the pace and was amazed that these guys could go green for so long. Then, near the 1:30 mark, I was thinking that these guys must be exhausted and yellow would help (and bunch them up) and at the 1:40 mark, I no longer want a yellow, as I want the race to end so that everybody goes home safe. I doubt a yellow would have changed much, since Bourdais ultimately had a better car then Justin. Toe to toe he did, though maybe not initially. But this is why Newman/Haas is the best team in open-wheel racing, because when the chips are down, they find a way to get it done. Bourdais' win was a total team effort, based on his strategy to short fill and make up time. In Hindsight it was an even bigger gamble since there ended up being no yellows, but when he did pass Wilson, there was no doubt in my mind that he was going to win. He's just that good and the team is that good and they deserve their 100th win. In my 6 years working at Champ Car, I have NEVER a more focused outfit then Newman/Haas. Amazingly, as I learned this weekend, a lot of their team personnel have been there since 1983. There is no question that their chemistry is second to none and that I expect them to win another 100 years if they stay together.

The standing starts were a lot of fun to watch and everybody was relieved that they went off without a hitch. I admit, seeing them live was a trip, but I didn't see them on television, so I don't know how they looked there. I hope the tv guys were able to capture some of the quickness and the smoke. it looked good and dang it, it smelt good as they went by.

Aside from that, ultimately it was a pretty uneventful weekend. I am trying to figure out what is wrong with Neel Jani. This guy should be better than where he is right now. And, I suppose technically he shouldn't be beating his teammate. I think that Tristan is turning into a very pleasant surprise for PKV and ultimately Neel has to be a disappointment. I thought on a road course he'd fare better. I was wrong. At least for now. He's got a real good group of guys (and girls) behind him, and Tristan's good results proves that the team is capable. Like I said, I still have faith in him, but he needs to get better quick.

Oh great, I am going to be late for my flight. Let me just say this before I board, anybody who doubts David Higdon (the new vice president of communications) simply has to meet him. Your opinion will change after a few minutes, I promise.