August 2nd

That victory in San Jose for Bobby D might have very well been a turning point in the series. It was one of those moments where you scratch your head and wonder what just happened. It was one of that win that have people talking and that’s always a good thing. This victory by Robert Doornbos signifies what the series wants: good cars, great drivers and ultimately equal opportunity. We sometimes hear people gloating about the equality of champ cars and that every team has a legit shot at a podium, as opposed to the other series. Well, as much as that rings true, its nice to see it once in a while. Granted, this was Bobby D winning and not Alex Figge, but the fact that he was in last place and that it was total strategy on his team’s part demonstrates that Champ Car is the way to go not only if you are a fast driver, but also if you are a thinker. A planner. A strategiser (is that even a word?). And that’s exactly what will entice new teams and drivers to the series. Its one thing to say “everybody has a chance to win”, it’s another to prove it and Sunday really proved it.


I’m very happy that PKV is starting to flex its muscles a little. While still a young team, they underperformed last year. And while this year started slow, they are coming around and Jani appears to be a threat for a podium at most events now. They are a good group of guys and they deserve success.

On the flip side…. what can you say about Justin Wilson? If he didn’t have bad luck, he’d have no luck at all. Punted on a yellow? As I watched the incident, I thought to myself “I wonder if Race Director will simply park Dan”. Then it occurred both were in the pits at the same time and I wondered if we’d have another fight, this time being two British drivers instead of Canadians. I sympathize with Dan Clarke. I really do. It seemed he had turned a corner after Edmonton. Like he had an epiphany. But alas, he falls right back to his old habits the very next race. He’s such a nice guy, one of the guys that you want to see improve. This has been a forgettable season for him, no doubt. And does anybody else think Wilson would fit in nicely in that #1’s seat should Bourdais exit the series?

I apologize for the lack of podcast this past race. As some of you may know, Mr. Kalkhoven was generous enough to throw a party at his (estate) house for all of the CC employees. Jim Swintal was an obvious invited guest while yours truly was also there, but I was working the video camera. J
Anyway, I flirted with the idea of doing the podcast on location, but unfortunately things didn’t work out. Thursday was the only day we were available. We’ll get back at it before Road America

Congrats to Raphael Matos on winning the Atlantics championship. He had an incredible season, no question about that. I look forward to watching his career progress next year in the champ car world series. I also look forward to watching the Atlantics in 2008, as this year’s crop were very good, but very young also. A full year under their belts and the racing should be awesome in 2008.