Official St Pete Race thread..

[SarahFan]

96 hours 13 minutes until cars are on track for 2009


a couple lingering thoughts..... who will be on the Grid?

who can/will take it too Dixon and gannassi?

how competitive will the 'fast six' be?





whats on your mind as the season looms near?

[Chamoo]

On a side note, will there be ICS pick 'ems this year?

[maxmach]

I cannot wait, racing starts, finally. Seems like it has been a long long off season, but with F1 yesterday and Indy this weekend, makes me feel good all over. Even with all the unkowns....about everything.

[The instant classic]

im kind of Torn between the first indycar race, or the nascar practice this weekend

[Chamoo]

I believe that BoilerIMS has found a volunteer to take his place. It should be firmed up shortly.

Ok. I wasn't sure how it worked but I was looking forward to them.

[F1boat]

I think that unlike F1, the order will be the same in the IRL. I expect Ganassi to dominate, Penske and AGR to fight behind them In St. Pete, however, I can see Briscoe or Power winning the race, but for the championship, I bet that it will be Dixon again.

[methanolHuffer]

Was there any speculation on why Rahal was successful there and very little elsewhere the rest of the year?

[The instant classic]

Was there any speculation on why Rahal was successful there and very little elsewhere the rest of the year?
my view
one lucky win
everyone has them

[drewdawg727]

Agreed - right place at the right time, but a win is a win.

[drewdawg727]

A couple of my lingering thoughts are what happened to Buddy Rice? I dont remember D&R dropping him, and I thought he'd be a teammate to Mike Conway...maybe Milka will be in a second car.
Aren't Moraes, Wilson and Viso supposed to have teammates? I thought that they all were testing second cars, but maybe not.

[NickFalzone]

According to Curt Cavin, Scheckter is set to confirm a full season ride today or tomorrow. It's possible he'll be at D&R. It's good to have Scheckter back in the series, but I'm disappointed to see Rice still on the sidelines.

[SarahFan]

According to Curt Cavin, Scheckter is set to confirm a full season ride today or tomorrow. It's possible he'll be at D&R. It's good to have Scheckter back in the series, but I'm disappointed to see Rice still on the sidelines.


cool...rice and PT would round things out nicely at this juncture

[vintage]

I think Rahal ended up in front based on pit strategy due to the rain - basically a gas mileage ploy. Interesting that he got a pass on it, where Danica didn't.

[harvick#1]

I think Rahal ended up in front based on pit strategy due to the rain - basically a gas mileage ploy. Interesting that he got a pass on it, where Danica didn't.

I don't think anyone was expecting him to win in only his 2nd Indy car Start either

[DanicaFan]

Might as well put this here too... ;)

Well, here is the entry list for this weekend's Honda Grand Prix. Conquest Racing hasnt announced the driver yet, its either Jaime Camara or Alex Tagliani. The main site has TBA for Vision's #21 car but my inside sources say Ryan Hunter-Reay is in that ride.

Car # & Driver / Car Name / Team / Race Strategist

1. #2 Raphael Matos / Luczo Dragon Racing / Luczo Dragon Racing / Jay Penske
2. #3 Will Power / Team Penske / Team Penske / Tim Cindric
3. #4 Dan Wheldon / National Guard Panther Racing / Panther Racing / John Barnes
4. #5 Mario Moraes / KV Racing Technology-Votorantim / KV Racing Technology / Mark Johnson
5. #6 Ryan Briscoe / Team Penske / Team Penske / Roger Penske
6. #7 Danica Patrick / Motorola / Andretti Green Racing / Michael Andretti
7. #9 Scott Dixon / Target Chip Ganassi Racing / Target Chip Ganassi Racing / Mike Hull
8. #10 Dario Franchitti / Air Wick / Target Chip Ganassi Racing / Chip Ganassi
9. #11 Tony Kanaan / Team 7-Eleven / Andretti Green Racing / George Klotz
10. #13 EJ Viso / PDVSA HVM Racing / HVM Racing / Michael Cannon
11. #14 Vitor Meira / ABC Supply Co. AJ Foyt Racing / AJ Foyt Enterprises / AJ Foyt
12. #19 Justin Wilson / Sonny's Bar-B-Q / Dale Coyne Racing / Bill Pappas
13. #20 Ed Carpenter / Menard's-Vision Racing / Vision Racing / Jeff Britton
14. #21 Ryan Hunter-Reay / Vision Racing / Vision Racing / Neil Fife
15. #24 Mike Conway / Dad's Root Beer- Dreyer & Reinbold / Dreyer & Reinbold Racing / Dennis Reinbold
16. #26 Marco Andretti / Andretti Green / Andretti Green Racing / Kyle Moyer
17. #27 Hideki Mutoh / Formula Dream / Andretti Green Racing / Kim Green
18. #34 TBA (Tagliani or Camara) / Conquest Racing / Conquest Racing / Brandon Fry
19. #98 Stanton Barrett / CURB-Agajanian-Team 3G / CURB-Agajanian-Team 3G / Owen Snyder
20. #02 Graham Rahal / McDonad's Racing Team / Newman-Haas-Lanigan Racing / John Tzouanakis
21. #06 Robert Doornbos / Newman-Haas-Lanigan Racing / Newman-Haas-Lanigan Racing / Todd Malloy

[anthonyvop]

. The main site has TBA for Vision's #21 car but my inside sources say Ryan Hunter-Reay is in that ride.

Would your "inside" source be almost every motorsports website?

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/146323-indycar-series-breaking-news-ryan-hunter-reay-signs-with-vision-racing

http://www.versus.com/nw/article/view/77731/?tf=bruce_martin.tpl

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/74020

shall i go on?

[EagleEye]

Would your "inside" source be almost every motorsports website?

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/146323-indycar-series-breaking-news-ryan-hunter-reay-signs-with-vision-racing

http://www.versus.com/nw/article/view/77731/?tf=bruce_martin.tpl

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/74020

shall i go on?
Car # & Driver / Car Name / Team / Race Strategist

1. #2 Raphael Matos / Luczo Dragon Racing / Luczo Dragon Racing / Jay Penske
2. #3 Will Power / Team Penske / Team Penske / Tim Cindric
3. #4 Dan Wheldon / National Guard Panther Racing / Panther Racing / John Barnes
4. #5 Mario Moraes / KV Racing Technology-Votorantim / KV Racing Technology / Mark Johnson
5. #6 Ryan Briscoe / Team Penske / Team Penske / Roger Penske
6. #7 Danica Patrick / Motorola / Andretti Green Racing / Michael Andretti
7. #9 Scott Dixon / Target Chip Ganassi Racing / Target Chip Ganassi Racing / Mike Hull
8. #10 Dario Franchitti / Air Wick / Target Chip Ganassi Racing / Chip Ganassi
9. #11 Tony Kanaan / Team 7-Eleven / Andretti Green Racing / George Klotz
10. #13 EJ Viso / PDVSA HVM Racing / HVM Racing / Michael Cannon
11. #14 Vitor Meira / ABC Supply Co. AJ Foyt Racing / AJ Foyt Enterprises / AJ Foyt
12. #19 Justin Wilson / Sonny's Bar-B-Q / Dale Coyne Racing / Bill Pappas
13. #20 Ed Carpenter / Menard's-Vision Racing / Vision Racing / Jeff Britton
14. #21 Ryan Hunter-Reay / Vision Racing / Vision Racing / Neil Fife
15. #23 Milka Dunno / Citgo / Dreyer & Reinbold / TBD
16. #24 Mike Conway / Dad's Root Beer- Dreyer & Reinbold / Dreyer & Reinbold Racing / Dennis Reinbold
17. #26 Marco Andretti / Andretti Green / Andretti Green Racing / Kyle Moyer
18. #27 Hideki Mutoh / Formula Dream / Andretti Green Racing / Kim Green
19. #34 Tagliani / Conquest Racing / Conquest Racing / Brandon Fry
21. #98 Stanton Barrett / CURB-Agajanian-Team 3G / CURB-Agajanian-Team 3G / Owen Snyder
22. #02 Graham Rahal / McDonad's Racing Team / Newman-Haas-Lanigan Racing / John Tzouanakis
23. #06 Robert Doornbos / Newman-Haas-Lanigan Racing / Newman-Haas-Lanigan Racing / Todd Malloy
24. #TBD Tomas Scheckter / G / TBD

[downtowndeco]

21/24 OW cars pretty much standing on their own without too much (if any) funding from the series isn't too bad. Darn good actually, considering the economy.

[SarahFan]

just under 48hours until cars take too the track....


with recent driver announcements the middle of the grid is beginning to look very stout

[SarahFan]

39 hours.... and another unanswered question will be the potentially improved and certainly extended TV coverage on Versus vs. the lower TV reach and potentially lower overall ratings?




http://www.versus.com/nw/article/view/77554/?tf=indycar2.tpl

^gotta give credit when it's due... the above is pretty cool

[EagleEye]

Car # & Driver / Car Name / Team / Race Strategist

1. #2 Raphael Matos / Luczo Dragon Racing / Luczo Dragon Racing / Jay Penske
2. #3 Will Power / Team Penske / Team Penske / Tim Cindric
3. #4 Dan Wheldon / National Guard Panther Racing / Panther Racing / John Barnes
4. #5 Mario Moraes / KV Racing Technology-Votorantim / KV Racing Technology / Mark Johnson
5. #6 Ryan Briscoe / Team Penske / Team Penske / Roger Penske
6. #7 Danica Patrick / Motorola / Andretti Green Racing / Michael Andretti
7. #9 Scott Dixon / Target Chip Ganassi Racing / Target Chip Ganassi Racing / Mike Hull
8. #10 Dario Franchitti / Air Wick / Target Chip Ganassi Racing / Chip Ganassi
9. #11 Tony Kanaan / Team 7-Eleven / Andretti Green Racing / George Klotz
10. #13 EJ Viso / PDVSA HVM Racing / HVM Racing / Michael Cannon
11. #14 Vitor Meira / ABC Supply Co. AJ Foyt Racing / AJ Foyt Enterprises / AJ Foyt
12. #19 Justin Wilson / Sonny's Bar-B-Q / Dale Coyne Racing / Bill Pappas
13. #20 Ed Carpenter / Menard's-Vision Racing / Vision Racing / Jeff Britton
14. #21 Ryan Hunter-Reay / Vision Racing / Vision Racing / Neil Fife
15. #23 Darren Manning* / Citgo / Dreyer & Reinbold / TBD
16. #24 Mike Conway / Dad's Root Beer- Dreyer & Reinbold / Dreyer & Reinbold Racing / Dennis Reinbold
17. #26 Marco Andretti / Andretti Green / Andretti Green Racing / Kyle Moyer
18. #27 Hideki Mutoh / Formula Dream / Andretti Green Racing / Kim Green
19. #34 Tagliani / Conquest Racing / Conquest Racing / Brandon Fry
21. #98 Stanton Barrett / CURB-Agajanian-Team 3G / CURB-Agajanian-Team 3G / Owen Snyder
22. #02 Graham Rahal / McDonad's Racing Team / Newman-Haas-Lanigan Racing / John Tzouanakis
23. #06 Robert Doornbos / Newman-Haas-Lanigan Racing / Newman-Haas-Lanigan Racing / Todd Malloy
--. #TBD Tomas Scheckter / Team 3G / TBD[/quote]*

*Missed the driver on the 23. Milka's $$ did not arrive, but the car was on the way there anyway, which you heard here first. TS will be in Long Beach.

The big news is there is already talk of one major driver being dropped becuase their funding has yet to come in. This might happen before/after Indy, or if the $$ arrives.

In any event the race should be a good one.

[SUBARUTEAM]

thats a deep field. once they get some faster cars in 2010 or 2011, this series could be getting close to the good old days of CART.

[F1fanru]

21/24 OW cars pretty much standing on their own without too much (if any) funding from the series isn't too bad. Darn good actually, considering the economy.

Standing on own? Count the cars with blank sidepods.

[F1fanru]

thats a deep field. once they get some faster cars in 2010 or 2011, this series could be getting close to the good old days of CART.

Thank god there's ride buyer interest from the EU, or the ICS would be back to 18 cars.

[downtowndeco]

What is your point? Are you saying that the IRL is funding a large part of the field? If so, we'd like a link please. Otherwise why don't you explain what you are really getting at?

Whether a driver brings his own money to self fund a car is entirely a different matter. Ever since racers started to race there have been drivers who have bought their rides. That's true in F1, NASCAR and the NHRA.


Standing on own? Count the cars with blank sidepods.

[SUBARUTEAM]

Thank god there's ride buyer interest from the EU, or the ICS would be back to 18 cars.


unlike f3, formular masters, gp2, A1GP AND F1????

[Chris R]

Regardless of the funding source for the team, blank sidepods are not good....

That being said - lets see how many are actually totally blank before we go jumping to any conclusions....

[downtowndeco]

Just so we're on the same page here, exactly how many cars have blank sidepods?


Standing on own? Count the cars with blank sidepods.

[SarahFan]

Cars are on track...

Indycar.com has streaming video and live timing...


Currently matos top the times

[DanicaFan]

Cars are on track...

Indycar.com has streaming video and live timing...


Currently matos top the times
Im watching it too but as for the times, they seem a little goofy like its not scoring right so I wouldnt take too much creedance in them right now. We will have to wait and see the report when its done. Tony Kanaan and Dario Franchitti havent taken any times yet.

[SarahFan]

Im watching it too but as for the times, they seem a little goofy like its not scoring right so I wouldnt take too much creedance in them right now. We will have to wait and see the report when its done. Tony Kanaan and Dario Franchitti havent taken any times yet.

session is over....Dario tops the times and Danica is 18th... Kannaan didnt turn a lap

[SarahFan]

wilson in p3 .....darn impressive!!!!

[DanicaFan]

Practice Session 1 results are in. Dario Franchitti tops the speed chart in this first practice. Tony Kanaan didnt run any practice laps.

Here are the times..

Rank / Car# & Driver / Time / Speed / Best Lap

1. #10 Dario Franchitti / 01:04.5032 / 100.460 / 9
2. #9 Scott Dixon / 01:05.1481 / 99.466 / 12
3. #19 Justin Wilson / 01:05.1836 / 99.412 /17
4. #6 Ryan Briscoe / 01:05.2055 / 99.378 / 9
5. #4 Dan Wheldon / 01:05.3390 / 99.175 / 12
6. #13 EJ Viso / 01:05.3966 / 99.088 / 17
7. #26 Marco Andretti / 01:05.6370 / 98.725 / 11
8. #3 Will Power / 01:05.6496 / 98.706 / 17
9. #5 Mario Moraes / 01:05.7412 / 98.568 / 14
10. #02 Graham Rahal / 01:05.8199 / 98.450 / 14
11. #06 Robert Doornbos / 01:06.0882 / 98.051 / 18
12. #14 Vitor Meira / 01:06.2692 / 97.783 / 14
13. #2 Raphael Matos / 01:06.3043 / 97.731 / 26
14. #34 Alex Tagliani / 01:06.3868 / 97.610 / 14
15. #21 Ryan Hunter-Reay / 01:06.4209 / 97.560 / 14
16. #24 Mike Conway / 01:06.5339 / 97.394 / 14
17. #27 Hideki Mutoh / 01:06.7729 / 97.045 / 7
18. #7 Danica Patrick / 01:07.3126 / 96.267 / 16
19. #20 Ed Carpenter / 01:08.5418 / 94.541 / 11
20. #23 Darren Manning / 01:08.6726 / 94.361 / 4
21. #98 Stanton Barrett / 01:10.6443 / 91.727 / 10

[SarahFan]

Practice Session 1 results are in. Dario Franchitti tops the speed chart in this first practice. Tony Kanaan didnt run any practice laps.

Here are the times..

Rank / Car# & Driver / Time / Speed / Best Lap

1. #10 Dario Franchitti / 01:04.5032 / 100.460 / 9
2. #9 Scott Dixon / 01:05.1481 / 99.466 / 12
3. #19 Justin Wilson / 01:05.1836 / 99.412 /17
4. #6 Ryan Briscoe / 01:05.2055 / 99.378 / 9
5. #4 Dan Wheldon / 01:05.3390 / 99.175 / 12
6. #13 EJ Viso / 01:05.3966 / 99.088 / 17
7. #26 Marco Andretti / 01:05.6370 / 98.725 / 11
8. #3 Will Power / 01:05.6496 / 98.706 / 17
9. #5 Mario Moraes / 01:05.7412 / 98.568 / 14
10. #02 Graham Rahal / 01:05.8199 / 98.450 / 14
11. #06 Robert Doornbos / 01:06.0882 / 98.051 / 18
12. #14 Vitor Meira / 01:06.2692 / 97.783 / 14
13. #2 Raphael Matos / 01:06.3043 / 97.731 / 26
14. #34 Alex Tagliani / 01:06.3868 / 97.610 / 14
15. #21 Ryan Hunter-Reay / 01:06.4209 / 97.560 / 14
16. #24 Mike Conway / 01:06.5339 / 97.394 / 14
17. #27 Hideki Mutoh / 01:06.7729 / 97.045 / 7
18. #7 Danica Patrick / 01:07.3126 / 96.267 / 16
19. #20 Ed Carpenter / 01:08.5418 / 94.541 / 11
20. #23 Darren Manning / 01:08.6726 / 94.361 / 4
21. #98 Stanton Barrett / 01:10.6443 / 91.727 / 10

danica p18.... is your optomism waning?

[DanicaFan]

It's only the first practice. I have faith in her. She will be in the Firestone Fast 6 tomorrow.

[SarahFan]

It's only the first practice. I have faith in her. She will be in the Firestone Fast 6 tomorrow.

and you base that on what?

she has been squarely at th bottom of the times at both test sessions and now at St pete?

I understand she is your favorite driver...

but what exactly makes you say she will in the fast 6 tomorrow?

[TURN3]

and you base that on what?

she has been squarely at th bottom of the times at both test sessions and now at St pete?

I understand she is your favorite driver...

but what exactly makes you say she will in the fast 6 tomorrow?

Yeah? What exactly makes you say that based on....oh let's say her entire career?

[SarahFan]

http://sports.espn.go.com/rpm/schedule?seriesId=1&year=2008

in 2008 Danica had an average starting position on R/S coarses of 15.7... closest she got to the fast 6 was 9th....

[TURN3]

http://sports.espn.go.com/rpm/schedule?seriesId=1&year=2008

in 2008 Danica had an average starting position on R/S coarses of 15.7... closest she got to the fast 6 was 9th....

Sorry, re-read my post and it looks like I was in disagreement with you. I was in fact reinforcing your point to a particular fan out of touch with reality.

It's sad, even posting OBVIOUS facts some people still don't get it. I've gone so far before to post her career stats all the way back to day 1 in Atlantics. There is definately a pattern...care to take a guess what it is? Look at today's practice 1. I'm sure practice 2 we'll see some major improvement...if you compare her times to Lights. Wait, she did outpace the GT2 class in ALMS!

[SarahFan]

Sorry, re-read my post and it looks like I was in disagreement with you. I was in fact reinforcing your point to a particular fan out of touch with reality.

It's sad, even posting OBVIOUS facts some people still don't get it. I've gone so far before to post her career stats all the way back to day 1 in Atlantics. There is definately a pattern...care to take a guess what it is? Look at today's practice 1. I'm sure practice 2 we'll see some major improvement...if you compare her times to Lights. Wait, she did outpace the GT2 class in ALMS!


I know you were... but I did have to read it a couple of times

[SarahFan]

green for the second session...

Kanan is on track

[SarahFan]

and Dario is again atop the time sheet.....

Marco brings out a yellow

Danica P20

[SarahFan]

contact!

wheldon stalls at pit out... strange place... and moreas clips him


opps ...appears it was miera not moreas

[SarahFan]

20 min togo..... looks like everyone is on reds....time to lay down a few flyers!

[SarahFan]

Wilson again p3.... impressive in a coyne machine

[SarahFan]

and just like tht graham to p1

and viso to p4

[SarahFan]

and danica lays down a flyer .... p8

[SarahFan]

wilson p2 in a coyne machine.... can't say I or any of us saw that coming... stellar job

Briscoe and Dixon did put down some flyers at the end to get to P6 and 7....

but I am very suprised one of them wasn't P1 today

[F1boat]

Seems very interesting, I am happy that IRL looks so cool after the crisis. I saw that there are 17 cars in ALMS - I am very sad :(

[DanicaFan]

Practice Session 2 is over. Danica was much improved up to 10th place. Way to go girl! Graham Rahal takes P1 in this 2nd session.

Here are the results..

Rank / Car# & Driver / Time / Speed / Best Lap

1. #02 Graham Rahal / 01:03.4078 / 102.196 / 18
2. #19 Justin Wilson / 01:03.5881 / 101.906 / 17
3. #10 Dario Franchitti / 01:03.7007 / 101.726 / 3
4. #13 EJ Viso / 01:03.8156 / 101.543 / 15
5. #11 Tony Kanaan / 01:03.8454 / 101.495 / 17
6. #6 Ryan Briscoe / 01:03.8603 / 101.471 / 22
7. #9 Scott Dixon / 01:04.0071 / 101.239 / 17
8. #3 Will Power / 01:04.0851 / 101.116 / 6
9. #14 Vitor Meira / 01:04.1641 / 100.991 / 4
10. #7 Danica Patrick / 01:04.2777 / 100.813 / 17
11. #23 Darren Manning / 01:04.2820 / 100.806 / 16
12. #24 Mike Conway / 01:04.3041 / 100.771 / 19
13. #34 Alex Tagliani / 01:04.5407 / 100.402 / 20
14. #26 Marco Andretti / 01:04.5955 / 100.317 / 18
15. #27 Hideki Mutoh / 01:04.6573 / 100.221 / 14
16. #06 Robert Doornbos / 01:04.7011 / 100.153 / 14
17. #5 Mario Moraes / 01:04.7751 / 100.038 / 18
18. #2 Raphael Matos / 01:04.7968 /100.005 / 22
19. #4 Dan Wheldon / 01:04.9190 / 99.817 / 6
20. #21 Ryan Hunter-Reay / 01:04.9882 / 99.710 / 18
21. #20 Ed Carpenter / 01:06.0942 / 98.042 / 22
22. #98 Stanton Barrett / 01:10.3202 / 92.150 / 4

[TURN3]

Give credit when credit is due...DP improved to top half of field today! That's great!! Good Job DP...way to go girl! If cracking the top half of the field is setting the bar, I'm really impressed, seriously.

So based on this session, Graham is the man to beat? I don't see how anybody is going to be able to compete with him and Danica this weekend...it is OVER! It's their championship to lose.

On the other hand, given the green track, numerous red's in P2, and the fact lap times were coming down exponentially during the final few minutes, it might have just been a case of who got a clean lap or 2 before session ended. We'll see won't we?

[Mad_Hatter]

Pics up here (http://www.indycar.com/multimedia/photos/gallery.php?series_id=1&event_id=898&track_id=18&eventDate=2009-04-03) and here (http://motorsport.com/photos/select.asp?S=INDYCAR&E=St._Pete/Friday_practice_1&Y=2009).

[DanicaFan]

Here are the Qualification Groups for Tomorrow's Qualifying..

Group 1

#2 Raphael Matos
#3 Will Power
#7 Danica Patrick
#10 Dario Franchitti
#11 Tony Kanaan
#14 Vitor Meira
#19 Justin Wilson
#27 Hideki Mutoh
#34 Alex Tagliani
#98 Stanton Barrett
#06 Robert Doornbos

Group 2

#4 Dan Wheldon
#5 Mario Moraes
#6 Ryan Briscoe
#9 Scott Dixon
#13 EJ Viso
#20 Ed Carpenter
#21 Ryan Hunter-Reay
#23 Darren Manning
#24 Mike Conway
#26 Marco Andretti
#02 Graham Rahal

[F1boat]

I still support Danny Wheldon, although he is 19th in the second session... duh.

[SarahFan]

15 13 Viso, EJ D/H/F 01:03.8296 101.520 0.9920 0.0898 4 5
16 21 Hunter-Reay, Ryan D/H/F 01:03.8410 101.502 1.0034 0.0114 13 14
14 27 Mutoh, Hideki D/H/F 01:03.7398 101.663 0.9022 0.0872 15 15
12 6 Briscoe, Ryan D/H/F 01:03.4845 102.072 0.6469 0.0815 5 10
13 2 Matos, Raphael (R) D/H/F 01:03.6526 101.803 0.8150 0.1681 16 18
17 23 Manning, Darren D/H/F 01:03.8650 101.464 1.0274 0.0240 13 13
21 20 Carpenter, Ed D/H/F 01:04.9111 99.829 2.0735 0.3552 17 17
22 98 Barrett, Stanton (R) D/H/F 01:07.3533 96.209 4.5157 2.4422 14 17
20 34 Tagliani, Alex D/H/F 01:04.5559 100.378 1.7183 0.0250 8 9
18 7 Patrick, Danica D/H/F 01:04.1378 101.032 1.3002 0.2728 13 15
19 5 Moraes, Mario D/H/F 01:04.5309 100.417 1.6933 0.3931 10 17
11 24 Conway, Mike (R) D/H/F 01:03.4030 102.203 0.5654 0.0095 10 17
4 26 Andretti, Marco D/H/F 01:03.2337 102.477 0.3961 0.2196 13 14
5 06 Doornbos, Robert (R) D/H/F 01:03.2511 102.449 0.4135 0.0174 12 15
3 9 Dixon, Scott D/H/F 01:03.0141 102.834 0.1765 0.0572 16 18
1 3 Power, Will D/H/F 01:02.8376 103.123 --.---- --.---- 16 20
2 10 Franchitti, Dario D/H/F 01:02.9569 102.928 0.1193 0.1193 6 10
9 19 Wilson, Justin D/H/F 01:03.3676 102.260 0.5300 0.0368 9 13
10 14 Meira, Vitor D/H/F 01:03.3935 102.219 0.5559 0.0259 7 14
8 4 Wheldon, Dan D/H/F 01:03.3308 102.320 0.4932 0.0417 15 15
6 11 Kanaan, Tony D/H/F 01:03.2805 102.401 0.4429 0.0294 7 10
7 02 Rahal, Graham D/H/F 01:03.2891 102.387 0.4515 0.0086 10 14
Rank Car Driver Name C/E/T Time Speed Diff Gap Best Lap Total Laps
310 Total Laps:
(R) Rookie

[SarahFan]

first group just qualified....
Power top the times..

tag second

suprise is matos goes 6th and doornbos 7th..

wilson runs P3.... without useing any reds...


Danica already out of the fast six with an 8th place run..... and she used both sets of reds, which will not be good for the race tomorrow


group 2 is out

[DanicaFan]

Well, unfortunately Danica didnt make the first Fast 6 in group 1. She was 8th quickest out of 11 in the first group.

The drivers that moved on to the Fast 12 from Group 1 are..

Will Power
Dario Franchitti
Alex Tagliani
Tony Kanaan
Justin Wilson
Raphael Matos

2nd group is now on the track.

[DanicaFan]

Group 2 is done now. The fastest 6 were..

1. Graham Rahal
2. Scott Dixon
3. Mike Conway
4. Dan Wheldon
5. Ryan Briscoe
6. Darren Manning

Mike Conway crashed on the last lap. He kept his 2 fastest laps but was unable to advance to the Fast 12.

[SarahFan]

alot of talk about reds by the announcers

[DBell]

Was Barrett having car issues preventing him from setting a representative lap or is he really 7 seconds of the pace?

[DanicaFan]

Was Barrett having car issues preventing him from setting a representative lap or is he really 7 seconds of the pace?
He appears to be another Marty Roth or Milka Duno unfortunately.

[SarahFan]

top 12 on track!

[SarahFan]

is it just me.... or looking at the stands were there more folks there yesterday than today... by a large margin

?

[DanicaFan]

I dont know why Graham Rahal's team put the red tires on when they were at P1. Wasting a set of reds to me.

[SarahFan]

dario runs the fastest time of the weekend..... on blacks!

[SarahFan]

dixon and briscoe putting and sticker reds!

[SarahFan]

wilson goes P1.... in a coyne car....outstanding

[DanicaFan]

wilson goes P1.... in a coyne car....outstanding
And this guy almost didnt get a ride, sad... :confused:

[TURN3]

I dont know why Graham Rahal's team put the red tires on when they were at P1. Wasting a set of reds to me.

? So he is supposed to assume his time will hold up and sit there to wait on Danica to pass him? You should know that the times get faster and faster with every minute that goes by and the track gets rubbered. Pretty much every team out there will use brand new reds at the last possible moment.

So if it is true Danica used not 1 but 2! sets just to try and get out of qual 1, what is your excuse for that? She's hosed for tomorrow's race...not that she had a chance anyway.

[DanicaFan]

? So he is supposed to assume his time will hold up and sit there to wait on Danica to pass him? You should know that the times get faster and faster with every minute that goes by and the track gets rubbered. Pretty much every team out there will use brand new reds at the last possible moment.

So if it is true Danica used not 1 but 2! sets just to try and get out of qual 1, what is your excuse for that? She's hosed for tomorrow's race...not that she had a chance anyway.
I thought it was a bad move. He was sitting at P1 late in the session. He was not going to lose all those spots in a couple laps. I wouldnt of done it, sorry.

Yeah, Danica didnt make it but she will be fine tomorrow.

[DanicaFan]

The 6 that move on to the Fast 6..

Dario Franchitti
Tony Kanaan
Justin Wilson
Graham Rahal
Will Power
Ryan Briscoe

[SarahFan]

wow.... that was fast and furios at the end...


5 teams represent the top 5... that is awesome....

Dixon misses the fast 6


wilson has the "most" fleft from a tire standpoint....


*and Dfan....come on...Danica is P15!...

[DanicaFan]

wow.... that was fast and furios at the end...


5 teams represent the top 5... that is awesome....

Dixon misses the fast 6


wilson has the "most" fleft from a tire standpoint....


*and Dfan....come on...Danica is P15!...
Dario is in as good shape on the reds as Wilson is.

Yeah, trust me, she will do just fine.

[SarahFan]

Yeah, trust me, she will do just fine.

why?

you keep saying that.... but she keeps running at the back...

yesterday she put the reds on and ran a single quick lao to get to p10 in the second session... but it was only a single lap, nothing consistant

[SarahFan]

Kanaan goes p1 on blacks

[DanicaFan]

Kudos to Graham Rahal for getting the pole.

[SarahFan]

outstanding run by graham on the blacks....


But Wilson p2 in the coyne is unbelievable......



going to be a competitive top 10 tomorrow...

that transition onto the concrete is going to be trecherous during the race

[NickFalzone]

I like to see Dario running so well after a year off, but he really killed Wilson's fast lap. No question in my mind that Wilson would have been P1 if Dario had not slowed down so much on his out lap. It does look like a very competitive top 6-10 though so should be a good race tomorrow.

[SarahFan]

last year graham was the youngest winner ever.... today he becomes the youngest ever to garner a pole...

pretty impressive young carer

[drewdawg727]

Kudos to Graham Rahal for getting the pole.

...Pole Qualifying is this afternoon.

[SarahFan]

and a side note...

anyone having a problem with Roger hiring Will right about now?

[DanicaFan]

Here is the starting grid for tomorrow's race...

1. #02 Graham Rahal
2. #19 Justin Wilson
3. #11 Tony Kanaan
4. #6 Ryan Briscoe
5. #10 Dario Franchitti
6. #3 Will Power
7. #34 Alex Tagliani
8. #9 Scott Dixon
9. #2 Raphael Matos
10. #23 Darren Manning
11. #4 Dan Wheldon
12. #24 Mike Conway
13. #06 Robert Doornbos
14. #21 Ryan Hunter-Reay
15. #7 Danica Patrick
16. #13 EJ Viso
17. #14 Vitor Meira
18. #26 Marco Andretti
19. #27 Hideki Mutoh
20. #5 Mario Moraes
21. #98 Stanton Barrett
22. #20 Ed Carpenter

[SarahFan]

Here is the starting grid for tomorrow's race...

1. #02 Graham Rahal
2. #19 Justin Wilson
3. #11 Tony Kanaan
4. #6 Ryan Briscoe
5. #10 Dario Franchitti
6. #3 Will Power
7. #34 Alex Tagliani
8. #9 Scott Dixon
9. #2 Raphael Matos
10. #23 Darren Manning
11. #4 Dan Wheldon
12. #24 Mike Conway
13. #06 Robert Doornbos
14. #21 Ryan Hunter-Reay
15. #7 Danica Patrick
16. #13 EJ Viso
17. #14 Vitor Meira
18. #26 Marco Andretti
19. #27 Hideki Mutoh
20. #5 Mario Moraes
21. #98 Stanton Barrett
22. #20 Ed Carpenter

Matos and Conway gotta be stoked..... Marco probably not so much

Moreas at 20th is disapointing based on his pre-season testing


gonna be a long day for (you)Danica(fan) tomorrow

[harvick#1]

tough break for EJ, hes been so quick all week, hopefully he'll move up,

awesome job by Tags, can't wait for tomorrow, expect the big players to move up.

anyone know if its suppose to rain

[SarahFan]

tough break for EJ, hes been so quick all week, hopefully he'll move up,

awesome job by Tags, can't wait for tomorrow, expect the big players to move up.

anyone know if its suppose to rain

yahoo weather on my iphone, which can be a bit off, says sunny and warmer with a high of 86..... with rain on monday

[NickFalzone]

I only watched a handful of CC races, but of all the drivers that have come over in the last year I have to say Tagliani has impressed me the most. He's gotten thrown in cars at the last minute with barely any prep, hasn't had much familiarity with the Indy car at all, and yet he's still run up near the front in every race. I like how on road and streets the driver is so much more in control of the results than the car, which is why Tags in a moderate car with no prep can drop in and record a top 7 qual, well ahead of many more expensively parted and tested cars down the grid. Manning impressed me in this way as well. Hopefully one or both can get a near full season ride.

[TURN3]

Is anybody interested in a bet of some sort as to how many laps it takes Vitor and EJ to get past Danica? We can use number of blocks Danica uses as a tie breaker.

Seriously though, looking at the 4 cars on the AGR power team, how long can they go with 1 good driver out of 4 cars? I know it has everything to do with sponsorship and the father/son relationship, but I just don't see how Mikey can stand losing much longer. I will not be surprised to start seeing some other drivers getting their shot in AGR cars by years end...especially in Toronto.

[Chamoo]

Looking forward to the race. There will be a bunch of movers and shakers during the race, as there are some bigger name guys 8 through 14 who will battle their way through the crowded streets.

I am happy for Tags and his 7th place finish. Hopefully he can pull it together and pull out a top 5 finish tomorrow to impress some of the sponsors they are trying to wow.

[F1boat]

Wow, Newman/Haas starts the season from pole... ominous!

[DanicaFan]

The drivers that suprised me the most so far during this qualifying are..

Alex Tagliani, Mike Conway, Darren Manning, Raphael Matos, and I know Justin Wilson is good but I didnt expect him to be this strong so early. Its nice to see this new talent.

[Easy Drifter]

Tags and Manning are not exactly new talent and if you followed racing closely you would know none of them are really 'new'.

[TURN3]

Tags and Manning are not exactly new talent and if you followed racing closely you would know none of them are really 'new'.

He was surprised by nearly 25% of the field. Which explains why he thinks Danica will be "fine" tomorrow. She has that great history of passing cars on track and coming from the back, right?

[jimispeed]

Justin Wilson taking second with his team is HUUUGE!!!

I expected Robert Doornbos to do a little better, especially on a road course. He's a tough competitor in a race though, so we'll see!!

Is it just me, or did the engines sound a little better? Not awesome, but certainly better.

[Mad_Hatter]

I also expected Doornbos to do better.


Really looking forward to this race tomorrow. It's been a long off season.

[SarahFan]

final practrice is done and the season officially starts in a few hours!

final practice always holds a suprise or two.... but what a mish mash of times

15 5 Moraes, Mario D/H/F 01:04.1573 101.002 1.1289 0.0846 17 19
16 6 Briscoe, Ryan D/H/F 01:04.2002 100.934 1.1718 0.0429 10 18
14 26 Andretti, Marco D/H/F 01:04.0727 101.135 1.0443 0.0991 14 18
12 27 Mutoh, Hideki D/H/F 01:03.9648 101.306 0.9364 0.0511 15 20
13 02 Rahal, Graham D/H/F 01:03.9736 101.292 0.9452 0.0088 7 18
17 21 Hunter-Reay, Ryan D/H/F 01:04.2227 100.899 1.1943 0.0225 15 15
21 20 Carpenter, Ed D/H/F 01:05.0906 99.554 2.0622 0.4317 18 24
22 98 Barrett, Stanton (R) D/H/F 01:07.7645 95.625 4.7361 2.6739 7 15 20 24 Conway, Mike (R) D/H/F 01:04.6589 100.218 1.6305 0.2491 11 17
18 7 Patrick, Danica D/H/F 01:04.3238 100.740 1.2954 0.1011 9 16
19 4 Wheldon, Dan D/H/F 01:04.4098 100.606 1.3814 0.0860 10 18
11 14 Meira, Vitor D/H/F 01:03.9137 101.387 0.8853 0.0375 18 19
4 10 Franchitti, Dario D/H/F 01:03.5804 101.918 0.5520 0.2032 6 18
5 23 Manning, Darren D/H/F 01:03.5846 101.911 0.5562 0.0042 15 18
3 06 Doornbos, Robert (R) D/H/F 01:03.3772 102.245 0.3488 0.2201 17 18
1 13 Viso, EJ D/H/F 01:03.0284 102.811 --.---- --.---- 13 18
2 9 Dixon, Scott D/H/F 01:03.1571 102.601 0.1287 0.1287 15 21
9 11 Kanaan, Tony D/H/F 01:03.7709 101.614 0.7425 0.0999 18 18
10 3 Power, Will D/H/F 01:03.8762 101.446 0.8478 0.1053 21 22
8 19 Wilson, Justin D/H/F 01:03.6710 101.773 0.6426 0.0120 19 19
6 2 Matos, Raphael (R) D/H/F 01:03.6066 101.876 0.5782 0.0220 14 21
7 34 Tagliani, Alex D/H/F 01:03.6590 101.792 0.6306 0.0524 9 21
ank Car Driver Name C/E/T Time Speed Diff Gap Best Lap Total Laps

[DanicaFan]

That chart is confusing.... All jumbled up. :confused:

[DanicaFan]

Here is the chart for this morning's practice session..

http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee236/DanicaRules/practice1.jpg

[SarahFan]

Danica seems to be at p18 alot doesn't she

[DanicaFan]

It's only practice. Wait until after the race when she is on the podium.. :)

[SarahFan]

It's only practice. Wait until after the race when she is on the podium.. :)

want to wager a pepsi?

[Mad_Hatter]

Anyone know why Doornbos doesn't have Shell backing as the Dutch always seem to strongly support their racers???

[SarahFan]

anyone have racecontrol up on there computers?

[SarahFan]

Anyone know why Doornbos doesn't have Shell backing as the Dutch always seem to strongly support their racers???

no clue... I don't recall them being mentioned as a sponsor at all...

ING was rumored, and some of Milks citgo money.... but never heard Shell

[TURN3]

It's only practice. Wait until after the race when she is on the podium.. :)

Just think, if 15 cars go out of the race due to attrition, she has a shot at winning! I'll double the pepsi bet that she makes ZERO competitive passes on track today. By competitive, I mean if a car has spun or limping back to pits, it isn't a competitive pass. I'm talkinig straight up competing for track position, out braking and driving off corners like a real race car driver.

[SarahFan]

want to wager a pepsi?


D....?

[Mad_Hatter]

no clue... I don't recall them being mentioned as a sponsor at all...

ING was rumored, and some of Milks citgo money.... but never heard Shell

I just meant since Shell is a Dutch company at its origins, I thought they might have stepped up.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Dutch_Shell

[SarahFan]

Danica:....'just tryin to be nicer and smile more'


*chucklechuckle*

[SarahFan]

wow.... none of the commentators picked a penske or gannassi...that is interesting...



I have found myself over the past couple seasons rooting for briscoe... and he is my pick to win the championship and the race today....

But i find myself really rooting for Wilson and Coyne today... that would be very cool!

[F1boat]

Is there an online link, like justintv for F1?

[SarahFan]

Justin... only driver to run a 103sec lap at 103.4.....


stanton barretts fast lap is 106.9.....

[SarahFan]

my apologies... graham has a 103.8

[harvick#1]

here we go :laugh:

[underpowered]

Will Power.....what a muppet.....how hard is it to pull in to the right pit box?! I dont think I have seen a race yet where Will hasn't made a dumb mistake.

[Nikki Katz]

Am I the only person that's cringing every time Barrett comes in shot?

[Nikki Katz]

I did actually write that before he crashed!

[veeten]

and now you have reason, Nikki...

[veeten]

at least there's no rain, unlike other races... :p :

[Mandiblard]

Fantastic win by Ryan :) I was on the edge of my seat there, fun race

[Lousada]

I thought it was a great race! Too bad about Doornbos, he was completely alongside Wheldon. In my opinion Wheldon should have lifted sooner so they both would have made the corner. Still a solid first performance from RobertD.
Man of the race I think Justin Wilson. Awesome driving and good moves in that Dale Coyne car. RHR, Manning and Wheldon (until the incident :mad: ) were also great. It looks like it's very competitive this year!

PS. Why does every other car in the ICS have to be red/white/blue. Very confusing.

[DanicaFan]

Here are the final results for today's race..

1. #6 Ryan Briscoe
2. #21 Ryan Hunter-Reay
3. #19 Justin Wilson
4. #10 Dario Franchitti
5. #11 Tony Kanaan
6. #3 Will Power
7. #02 Graham Rahal
8. #8 Darren Manning
9. #14 Vitor Meira
10. #34 Alex Tagliani
11. #06 Robert Doornbos
12. #98 Stanton Barrett
13. #26 Marco Andretti
14. #4 Dan Wheldon
15. #27 Hideki Mutoh
16. #9 Scott Dixon
17. #13 EJ Viso
18. #20 Ed Carpenter
19. #7 Danica Patrick
20. #2 Raphael Matos
21. #5 Mario Moraes
22. #24 Mike Conway

[NickFalzone]

Coverage was good, competition was good, only complaints were not enough passing zones and too many yellows. Also would have liked to see Wilson take the win, but Briscoe has been dominating since Milwaukee last year. He has to be the favorite for the championship this year if Dixon doesn't perform.

[DanicaFan]

Danica was running strong until Raphael Matos takes her out early. She would of been up there running for the lead. :mad:

[TURN3]

Danica was running strong until Raphael Matos takes her out early. She would of been up there running for the lead. :mad:

And there we have it...the dumbest comment on the forum. I knew it was just a matter of time. She didn't get taken out by Matos for starters. Secondly, the best she could've done today even if she wouldn't have squeezed Matos into the wall would've been 10th. Is that how many cars ended up running at the end? She finished in 19th, right about where she's been in every single test and practice session to this point. News flash, she'll be there again at LBGP just like every road course up till now, and every road course from here on out.

I'm now 100% convinced now you just make these stupid assertations to get things going. The joke is on me, right? Dude, you're ruining her all by yourself. People are hating on her more and more and more because of things like this. If you truly lust for her, then back off and her fan base won't continue to dwindle.

[garyshell]

Even Jon said during the broadcast that it was Matos fault. I agree that Danica never had any hope of finisihing better than as a back marker, but the wreck was not her fault.

Gary

[TURN3]

Even Jon said during the broadcast that it was Matos fault. I agree that Danica never had any hope of finisihing better than as a back marker, but the wreck was not her fault.

Gary

I agree it wasn't her "fault", I don't think it was anybody's fault. This is racing, she got checked up, he had momentum, he was there at the apex and she obviously wouldn't expect him there (although she said she saw him there in her mirrors). These things happen or it would be a parade, not a race. I will give her credit for acting like a professional for the first time after one of these.

[SarahFan]

had she not bobbled 2 corners the door would never have been opebed.... was it an optomistic move on matos part?... sure it was..

but to suggest Danica didn't play a part in it is just silly...

racing incident

[NickFalzone]

You two (Danicafan and Turn3) are like yin and yang. Both extremes and both usually wrong. Yes, Danica is overrated, and yes Danica was essentially taken out by Matos on a turn that NO ONE was making passes on. Why don't we just make a sticky "Danica Talk" thread where you to can have at it. Very little of the broadcast was devoted to Danica, no one here really gives a # one way or another. If you don't like DanicaFan's comments, just hit the ignore button. I don't see anyone other commenter making Danica comments all the time, so this kind of discussion is hardly representative of what most of us care to talk about. It's funny, because for all those that complain about Danica getting too much talk and exposure, it's those same people that keep bringing her up and making a discussion out of it.

[garyshell]

I will give her credit for acting like a professional for the first time after one of these.


Did anyone else notice her walking behind the fence with her hand on Matos' shoulder? I don't know if she was berating him or not, but it didn't appear that way. And in the latter closeups with him sitting on the wall her demeanor certainly looked MUCH better than in the past. Maybe her comments to Jack before the race had some real substance!

Gary

[harvick#1]

You two (Danicafan and Turn3) are like yin and yang. Both extremes and both usually wrong. Yes, Danica is overrated, and yes Danica was essentially taken out by Matos on a turn that NO ONE was making passes on. Why don't we just make a sticky "Danica Talk" thread where you to can have at it. Very little of the broadcast was devoted to Danica, no one here really gives a # one way or another. If you don't like DanicaFan's comments, just hit the ignore button. I don't see anyone other commenter making Danica comments all the time, so this kind of discussion is hardly representative of what most of us care to talk about. It's funny, because for all those that complain about Danica getting too much talk and exposure, it's those same people that keep bringing her up and making a discussion out of it.

+1

back to Topic

WTG BRISCOE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :bounce:

RHR also did a fantastic job getting P2 in not having a ride up until a week or 2 ago

[NickFalzone]

One promising sign in the show was the interview with Servia. It sounded like he's getting close on a deal. Anyone know if he's got something going with KV, or is it elsewhere? With the way Moraes has been performing, KV has to be looking into any kind of sponsorship they find to get Servia back in the fold. A very young driver like Moraes as a one-car team, the only info for the engineer, is not a good situation. Bringing a vet like Servia in could really help Mario out.

[TURN3]

If you don't like DanicaFan's comments, just hit the ignore button.

There is an ignore button? If somebody could teach me that I'd be happy to ignore him. If it is up to me to ignore the comments I don't like you could surely do the same right? AND...I'm rarely wrong so not sure where that came from.

As for the race and coverage, I think VS did great. Roger gave them a great plug at the end. I knew I had VS from my provider but just realized before race we actually get it in HD here AZ. All the fear of going to VS may be realized in sponsorship but from a fan's point of view we've scored.

Firestone is supposed to be bringing a bigger differential red/black to LBGP. As predicted, tires didn't really have too much impact on the on-track racing aside from the marbles.

[anthonyvop]

A couple of questions.

Why wasn't Kannan penalized for his 1st corner stupidity?

Why does Danica have mirrors on her car?

[DBell]

I thought the first race was decent. A little rough, but pretty good action.

Versus did a good job. The announce team made a big difference from watching last year.

Stanton Barrett is hopeless, at least on road courses. He'd be a back marker if he was racing a field of Atlantic cars. I'll never understand why a sponsor would put money behind a guy as out of his depth as he is. Must be family connections or something.

[harvick#1]

Why wasn't Kannan penalized for his 1st corner stupidity?


that is a good one, he was alittle over anxious on the start, it was a shame for Rahal

but he pitted anyway, so he went to the end of the line, so fair punishment i guess

[garyshell]

A couple of questions.

Why wasn't Kannan penalized for his 1st corner stupidity?

Why does Danica have mirrors on her car?


Wasn't Tony pinched down on to the curbing which then threw him into Graham?

While I am no fan of Danica, I don't see your point. She said she saw him in the mirrors. She saw him trying to pass her on a corner where there was no hope of making a pass. Your suggestion that this incident was HER fault is ridiculous. It was a racing incident caused by Matos making an overly optomistic move.

Gary

[SarahFan]

although he made it thru unscathed i felt Dario was abit optomistic and cuased the melee at the start


but i also think PT was riding on his shoulder and whispering (yelling!!!?!?) in his ear

[anthonyvop]

Wasn't Tony pinched down on to the curbing which then threw him into Graham?

While I am no fan of Danica, I don't see your point. She said she saw him in the mirrors. She saw him trying to pass her on a corner where there was no hope of making a pass. Your suggestion that this incident was HER fault is ridiculous. It was a racing incident caused by Matos making an overly optomistic move.

Gary
So she said she saw him?

Did they asked her if she did see him why did she slam down on him?

Matos had a faster car, was being held up and attempted to pass her in a place where other passes taken place. She claims she saw him and yet she moved over on him and crashed out?

[SarahFan]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkqPAQE-43A

[SarahFan]

after watching that it was clearly an optomistic move on matos part...


but part of racing is making it to the checker.....she got held up passing a backmarker and matos was on her ass and had a run for two corners....she clearly had to have known that.... and he was90% of the way alongside (I believe even Jan having watched it more than a couple times would concede that)when she gave zero...ZERO room...part of racing is knowing when your being passed

to level all the blame on matos is unwarranted after watching it a few more time...


racing incident

[NickFalzone]

I don't think Matos had a faster car. However, he was driving faster than her at that point of the race. Some drivers, ie not Danica, would have let Matos go with him breathing down their neck. But Danica 1, did not know he was there until too late, and 2, is not friendly on the track. She's generally not aggressive enough to make a move like Matos did, but she also is a real pain to get around when she's slower, as many drivers said last season. I'd still say it was 70/30 Matos' fault.

Edit: actually watching it again on that Youtube clip, I put it 100% as Matos' fault. He should not have been trying to make that move at that section of the track. If his car was that could he could good have waited to get her at turn 1. I think he didn't do that because he knew she had faster straightline speed across the start/finish and so tried a really dicey move at a bad part of the track.

[ozrevhead]

Coverage was good, competition was good, only complaints were not enough passing zones and too many yellows. Also would have liked to see Wilson take the win, but Briscoe has been dominating since Milwaukee last year. He has to be the favorite for the championship this year if Dixon doesn't perform.
He and Penske look very good last night - I would love to see him win the championship but I dont want to get to excited untill the last race either :D

[drewdawg727]

after watching that it was clearly an optomistic move on matos part...


but part of racing is making it to the checker.....she got held up passing a backmarker and matos was on her ass and had a run for two corners....she clearly had to have known that.... and he was90% of the way alongside (I believe even Jan having watched it more than a couple times would concede that)when she gave zero...ZERO room...part of racing is knowing when your being passed

to level all the blame on matos is unwarranted after watching it a few more time...


racing incident

90% of the way alongside? I don't think Danica's RR hitting the forward part of Matos' sidepod attributes to him being 90% past...if that were the case then it would have been Matos' LR with Danica's RF contact. Get your percentages straight.
Matos' was just downright impatient in that corner, he is FULLY to blame for that incident. What was Danica expected to do? Straightline that right-hander? The road was Danica's and not Rafa's. He could've waited until Turn 1.

We watched it a "few more times". As a matter of fact, we watched about 8 replays altogether and each replay said the same thing.

[SarahFan]

90% of the way alongside? I don't think Danica's RR hitting the forward part of Matos' sidepod attributes to him being 90% past...if that were the case then it would have been Matos' LR with Danica's RF contact. Get your percentages straight.
Matos' was just downright impatient in that corner, he is FULLY to blame for that incident. What was Danica expected to do? Straightline that right-hander? The road was Danica's and not Rafa's. He could've waited until Turn 1.

We watched it a "few more times". As a matter of fact, we watched about 8 replays altogether and each replay said the same thing.

it's racing.... and part of racing is occasionally being passed...

she bobbled .....he had a run...a darn good run..

in the end they both had a DNF

[jimispeed]

1. Very exciting race!!

2. Fantastic Wilson!!

3. Doornbos will be himself by Long Beach

4. Nice Commentary!!

5. RHR!!

6. Reminded me of Champcar!!

7. Even my wife commented on the engines sounding more like Champcar engines!! good thing

8. Tire compounds worked just as well as it did in Champcar!!

9. No PT :(

10. Still aching for Turbos, Push to Pass, and a sexier car without a bunghole.....

11. Not a Jack Arute fan...

12. Shouldn't Will Power have been penalized for the pitbox incident??

13. Nice production!!

14. Just like Champcars downfall, Indycar will need advertisement on other networks if they want to thrive in motorsports.

15. With all of that road course talent, they clearly need a "Vanderbilt Cup" trophy for the road/street courses.

16. "Face of Indycar"??

[anthonyvop]

I don't think Matos had a faster car. However, he was driving faster than her at that point of the race. Some drivers, ie not Danica, would have let Matos go with him breathing down their neck. But Danica 1, did not know he was there until too late, and 2, is not friendly on the track. She's generally not aggressive enough to make a move like Matos did, but she also is a real pain to get around when she's slower, as many drivers said last season. I'd still say it was 70/30 Matos' fault.

Edit: actually watching it again on that Youtube clip, I put it 100% as Matos' fault. He should not have been trying to make that move at that section of the track. If his car was that could he could good have waited to get her at turn 1. I think he didn't do that because he knew she had faster straightline speed across the start/finish and so tried a really dicey move at a bad part of the track.

According to race control Matos had a faster car.

http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/4582/88399974.jpg

Don't you know what that Blue flag with a yellow stripe means?

BTW I saw 3 different passes at the same spot and nobody even came close to comming together.

[Lousada]

I know some have a kick for TV-Ratings, so here are the Dutch ratings.
Starting time 20:30, Density 1.5, Share 3.4, Total 226.000.
On that channel it was the second highest show of the day only behind the F1 summary directly preceding it. The deal was only announced last week so perhaps not all racing fans have found it yet. When Doornbos starts getting some results the ratings will get better I think.

[drewdawg727]

The blue flag was waved for Barrett, not Danica.

[SarahFan]

Matos refused her blame.
"Danica made a big mistake passing a lapped car, and I really had a good run on her," he said. "I was halfway up on her. I thought she'd give me enough room to pass, but she didn't.
"It was very unfortunate and it's frustrating (and) it shouldn't have happened."

[Hoop-98]

The usual suspects...;n) and seriously Anthony, you are asserting the move over was for her?

[SarahFan]

http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/4582/88399974.jpg

.

interesting (telling!) photo... damn near side by side.... about 90% i'd say

[SarahFan]

Not sure about Nick, but I know very well what a blue flag means as I've used it often. In the first place, it is advisory and not a command flag. And in the second place, both were racing for position so the blue should not have been shown at all. During the race the blue is for lapped cars.


did you look at the photo?..... sure looks as if Danica is being advised a pass might just be happening

[anthonyvop]

The usual suspects...;n) and seriously Anthony, you are asserting the move over was for her?

Yes it was!!!!!!!

[anthonyvop]

The blue flag was waved for Barrett, not Danica.

Really?
And exactly who was Barrett suppose to move over for in that pic? A Seagull?

[anthonyvop]

You mean attempt at a pass don't you? There is no requirement for a driver to move over and let another by. Matos was "almost" along side - "almost" only counts in horseshoes & hand grenades. Could she have given him more room? Sure, and some drivers would have. Not great sportsmanship on her part, but legal. The responsibility to avoid contact always rests with the over taking driver. If he had been completely alongside, well, that would have been a different story.
You are right there is no requirement but it would have been the smart thing to do.

Danica was not in contention for a podium. Matos was faster. Instead of garnering much needed points she scored 0 and cost her team upwards of $100,000 on repairs.
A smart driver would have let him pass. And used pit strategy and hope for some lucky yellows. Even without the yellows she could have secured at least a top 10.

[harvick#1]

Really?
And exactly who was Barrett suppose to move over for in that pic? A Seagull?

I'm sure he was told on radio that a lead car was in front of the lead cars, Patrick and Matos already passed, but human instincts would still pull the flag out

[anthonyvop]

I'm sure he was told on radio that a lead car was in front of the lead cars, Patrick and Matos already passed, but human instincts would still pull the flag out
Are you? Sure?

[harvick#1]

the blue and yellow flag never comes out when drivers are fighting for position, only for lapped cars, they flag man only has a second or 2 to make a decision and its just human instincts, Patrick and Matos prolly paid no attention to the flag anyway

[anthonyvop]

Patrick and Matos prolly paid no attention to the flag anyway
The one thing we can agree on was that Patrick ignored the flag.

[garyshell]

I don't remember a blue flag being waved at a driver fighting for position unless the driver was obviously slower and blocking. I have NEVER seen it used when a driver had a momentary slowdown in one corner. Most times it is used on someone who is a lap down.

Gary

[downtowndeco]

She didn't ignore the flag, it wasn't meant for her. If you think otherwise please provide a link w/a quote from an IRL official stating that the "move over" was for Danica.

While you're at it could you also please provide the page & rule number in the IRL rule book that states that the officials can give the "move over" flag to any driver that is perceived to be slower than the car behind them, even if they are fighting for position on the track?

We'll be waiting for your response but I imagine all we're going to hear is crickets.



The one thing we can agree on was that Patrick ignored the flag.

[downtowndeco]

I pretty much agree except I think it's rare for them to ever display it if the drivers are on the same lap fighting for position. If they're obviously blocking they'll usually throw the black flag.


I don't remember a blue flag being waved at a driver fighting for position unless the driver was obviously slower and blocking. I have NEVER seen it used when a driver had a momentary slowdown in one corner. Most times it is used on someone who is a lap down.

Gary

[garyshell]

I don't remember a blue flag being waved at a driver fighting for position unless the driver was obviously slower and blocking. I have NEVER seen it used when a driver had a momentary slowdown in one corner. Most times it is used on someone who is a lap down.

Gary


I pretty much agree except I think it's rare for them to ever display it if the drivers are on the same lap fighting for position. If they're obviously blocking they'll usually throw the black flag.

I think it might be used to first warn someone who is blocking before resorting to throwing a black flag.

Gary

[ykiki]

I think it might be used to first warn someone who is blocking before resorting to throwing a black flag.

Gary

What's weird about this situation is that she's not blocking. In the now infamous blue flag photo, they're side-by-side.

Could she have given him room? Sure. Could he have waitied 'till the next corner? Sure. In any event, I'd personally just chalk it up to a racing incident and look forward to Long Beach.

[SarahFan]

She didn't ignore the flag.

except there it is crystal clear two corners after they both passed barrett

[jimispeed]

Why do we have to go on and on about the Danica? There were way more important things that happened during the race. What is your opinion if you were a Champcar fan? What is your opinion of the new drivers, if you weren't a Champcar fan? What would you like to see more of? Has it improved since last year? I think so!!


1. Very exciting race!!

2. Fantastic Wilson!!

3. Doornbos will be himself by Long Beach

4. Nice Commentary!!

5. RHR!!

6. Reminded me of Champcar!!

7. Even my wife commented on the engines sounding more like Champcar engines!! good thing

8. Tire compounds worked just as well as it did in Champcar!!

9. No PT :(

10. Still aching for Turbos, Push to Pass, and a sexier car without a bunghole.....

11. Not a Jack Arute fan...

12. Shouldn't Will Power have been penalized for the pitbox incident??

13. Nice production!!

14. Just like Champcars downfall, Indycar will need advertisement on other networks if they want to thrive in motorsports.

15. With all of that road course talent, they clearly need a "Vanderbilt Cup" trophy for the road/street courses.

16. "Face of Indycar"??

[downtowndeco]

Why do we have to go on and on about the Danica?

I agree with you. I think the reason some of these guys go on & on about it is because they STILL are not over Danica going to the IRL instead of CCWS. Look back at the old posts, before she went to the IRL. They loved her then. She was the darling. She goes to the IRL & suddenly they're all over every move she makes.

Jealousy and being sore losers is what drives those sorts of posts, IMO. As Hoop98 said, "The usual suspects...."

[mileman]

One more vote: Matos was completely at fault...and he paid the price. A totally amateur move...

[Hoop-98]

Anthony and Ken, if you insist you actually believe that the move over flag was being displayed to Danica, I'll have to move you into the DanicaFan category, so biased that it is silly to converse, I am sure that for AV that's no biggy, but I expect more from ken....


rh

[anthonyvop]

She didn't ignore the flag, it wasn't meant for her. If you think otherwise please provide a link w/a quote from an IRL official stating that the "move over" was for Danica.

While you're at it could you also please provide the page & rule number in the IRL rule book that states that the officials can give the "move over" flag to any driver that is perceived to be slower than the car behind them, even if they are fighting for position on the track?

We'll be waiting for your response but I imagine all we're going to hear is crickets.
Don't have to.
The flag was displayed. Rules are quite clear.

[bzcam]

1. Very exciting race!!

2. Fantastic Wilson!!

3. Doornbos will be himself by Long Beach

4. Nice Commentary!!

5. RHR!!

6. Reminded me of Champcar!!

7. Even my wife commented on the engines sounding more like Champcar engines!! good thing

8. Tire compounds worked just as well as it did in Champcar!!

9. No PT :(

10. Still aching for Turbos, Push to Pass, and a sexier car without a bunghole.....

11. Not a Jack Arute fan...

12. Shouldn't Will Power have been penalized for the pitbox incident??

13. Nice production!!

14. Just like Champcars downfall, Indycar will need advertisement on other networks if they want to thrive in motorsports.

15. With all of that road course talent, they clearly need a "Vanderbilt Cup" trophy for the road/street courses.

16. "Face of Indycar"??

I thought it was a boring, sloppy race. Too many yellows, too many restarts, too many cars out of the race at the end. Plus, the closed course makes for little excitement and too few opportunities to pass.

Wilson did well, especially considering who he rides with now.

Doornbos has been out of a car for a while and it showed.

The commentary team sucked - plain and simple. No journalism, just rah, rah, rah for Indycar! Jeez, ask a tough question. Question why SB is allowed to start. Why no sponsors on some of the cars? We can take it.

Love the tires. Adds a bit of complexity and strategy. Now, if only the depth of the driver talent would support it....

Love VSHD. Wall to wall, lots of imagry, lots of Indycar. More, more, more - I can't get enough.

Bottom line - nice to have good coverage, love Indy in HD, need better drivers, need better venues, need better cars.

Did anyone see the F1 GP of Maylasia? Now that was a race!!!

[anthonyvop]

I agree with you. I think the reason some of these guys go on & on about it is because they STILL are not over Danica going to the IRL instead of CCWS. Look back at the old posts, before she went to the IRL. They loved her then. She was the darling. She goes to the IRL & suddenly they're all over every move she makes.

Jealousy and being sore losers is what drives those sorts of posts, IMO. As Hoop98 said, "The usual suspects...."
Funny.

[Hoop-98]

Funny.

Funny is someone who would claim to be a journalist, saying that believed that you display a move over flag for position, that's frickin hilarious, laughs on ....

rh

[SarahFan]

Anthony and Ken, if you insist you actually believe that the move over flag was being displayed to Danica, I'll have to move you into the DanicaFan category, so biased that it is silly to converse, I am sure that for AV that's no biggy, but I expect more from ken....


rh

put wherever you feel the need hoop.....

I'm not insisting anything.... and haven't taken any blame away from matos...


but it's also true danica made a mistake and lost momentum allowing matos to get a serios run on her.... it appears he was about 90% besides her...

she has admitted she knew he was there.... and the flagger was flying the blue flag ..........and yet did nothing to avoid the accident...

what is equally true is that part of racing is being passed on occassion....

[SarahFan]

I agree with you. I think the reason some of these guys go on & on about it is because they STILL are not over Danica going to the IRL instead of CCWS. Look back at the old posts, before she went to the IRL. They loved her then. She was the darling. She goes to the IRL & suddenly they're all over every move she makes.

Jealousy and being sore losers is what drives those sorts of posts, IMO. As Hoop98 said, "The usual suspects...."


feel free to find and display said post(s)......

and as usual your not here to discuss anything regarding racing.... just to discuss posters and project your misguided perception of reality...

Starter?.... does this guy ever discuss racing or anything remotly involveing the sport... you can check his posting history as easily as others..... it's crystal clear he's not here for anything other than discussing forum members posting history

[Hoop-98]

put wherever you feel the need hoop.....

I'm not insisting anything.... and haven't taken any blame away from matos...


but it's also true danica made a mistake and lost momentum allowing matos to get a serios run on her.... it appears he was about 90% besides her...

she has admitted she knew he was there.... and the flagger was flying the blue flag ..........and yet did nothing to avoid the accident...

what is equally true is that part of racing is being passed on occassion....

I only assume you realize that Tonys' assertion is bizarre or unknowlegeable, since you do not care to affirm his position, we can assume the jpg is of no matter?


rh

[Mad_Hatter]

I thought it was a boring, sloppy race. Too many yellows, too many restarts, too many cars out of the race at the end. Plus, the closed course makes for little excitement and too few opportunities to pass.

Wilson did...

I disagree. I thought it was a good race, though there were too many yellows towards the end with people becoming impatient. I think that's the offseason rust. Maybe my feeling about the quality of the race was due to me hoping JW would win though.

I also expected more from Doornbos.

The commentary was ok to me, they dropped the ball a few times, but still better than anything in the recent past.

The camera work and number of angles was far more than I can recently remember.

I think they should include the car sponsor somewhere when they show a one driver graphic.


My question to any marketing minds, will the likely lower ratingsand thus sponsor exposure) be offset by the increased coverage?

[bzcam]

I disagree. I thought it was a good race, though there were too many yellows towards the end with people becoming impatient. I think that's the offseason rust. Maybe my feeling about the quality of the race was due to me hoping JW would win though.

I also expected more from Doornbos...

Don't get me wrong, I love Indycar - I just wish it was better. I got up Sunday and watched my DVR recording of F1 and then segued into St. Pete. Indycar has a long way to go if they want to present like F1. Seat buying, no sponsors, temporary courses, and old cars aren't going to get it done.

OTH, exciting drivers like Rahal, Wilson, Doornbos and RHR give us something to look forward to. If only we could have a non-Penske, Ganassi, AGR winner from time to time. If only....

BZ

[Hoop-98]

Don't get me wrong, I love Indycar - I just wish it was better. I got up Sunday and watched my DVR recording of F1 and then segued into St. Pete. Indycar has a long way to go if they want to present like F1. Seat buying, no sponsors, temporary courses, and old cars aren't going to get it done.

OTH, exciting drivers like Rahal, Wilson, Doornbos and RHR give us something to look forward to. If only we could have a non-Penske, Ganassi, AGR winner from time to time. If only....

BZ


We were close two times, in this case the favorite got lucky....

[DBell]

I agree with you. I think the reason some of these guys go on & on about it is because they STILL are not over Danica going to the IRL instead of CCWS. Look back at the old posts, before she went to the IRL. They loved her then. She was the darling. She goes to the IRL & suddenly they're all over every move she makes.

Jealousy and being sore losers is what drives those sorts of posts, IMO. As Hoop98 said, "The usual suspects...."


Looking over the "was it Danica's fault" posts in this thread, I didn't notice anyone bringing up CC until you did. All the others seem to have varying opinions on the incident, but your the one who brought the CC/IRL politics into it. That doesn't surprise me, but for all the bellyaching you do about CC fans not being able to let go, you sure do bring up CC a lot. I can't figure out if you keep picking at the scabs of the wounds of the split to rub it in to some CC fans or that you really miss CC and the split and all the posturing that goes with it. Either way, it's very boring.

[downtowndeco]

Looking over the "was it Danica's fault" posts in his thread, I didn't notice anyone bringing up CC until you did.

Of course they didn't bring it up. What are they going to say? "We're bitter CC fans and we can't get over TG winning?"

[DBell]

Of course they didn't bring it up. What are they going to say? "We're bitter CC fans and we can't get over TG winning?"

Your ability to read minds is amazing.

[AussieV8]

Don't get me wrong, I love Indycar - I just wish it was better. I got up Sunday and watched my DVR recording of F1 and then segued into St. Pete. Indycar has a long way to go if they want to present like F1. Seat buying, no sponsors, temporary courses, and old cars aren't going to get it done.


First off, don't get me wrong, I think the IRL this year is the best we've seen for this style of racing since CART 2002 (before most of the teams jumped). We've got a unified series with one season under their belt for the "transition" teams and a good balance of road/street/oval.

The cars are now the weakest link in the IRL. Lets face it, a single chassis and single engine supplier is just boring for people who are genuinely interested in the technology of open wheel racing, especially considering how long in the tooth the chassis are getting.

Look at F1 this year. It's great to see how each team and engine supplier has tackled the 2009 regulations. Even last year when it was more of an evolution than a revolution, the teams all had slightly different approaches to the regs.

There's no way that Indycar should go to exclusive chassis suppliers, etc.. like F1, but I reckon they need 2 or 3 chassis suppliers and a similar number of engine suppliers in the future.

Hopefully 2011/12 will see the return of multiple engines and the next iteration of the chassis after that will hopefully see an increase in competition in that department.

It used to be great to see the combinations of Reynard/Lola/Swift/Penske/whatever with Honda/Toyota/Mercedes/Ford/whatever back in the mid to late 90's in CART. Hopefully by the late 2010's after a few years of building the product IndyCar will be back at a similar level of competition.

[Hoop-98]

Just to clarify, it's not a move over flag. It's a someone faster than you is following closely or catching you flag.

In practice & qualifying it's shown quite a bit. That's because the slowest car in the field could be turning their fastest lap while the fastest car is running in tires or testing something. So all drivers see a lot of it.

During the race, it is not shown to drivers running on the same lap* and is reserved for lapping. The exception might be a driver going out of their way to hinder a faster car from passing (that would be more than 1 lap doing it). In which case it would be accompanied by a call from race control to the team.

*As a post somewhere earlier mentioned, the blue flaggers, most especially on a street course where the sight lines are short and obstructed, have only a second or at most two to see the cars, recognize them and then actually get the flag displayed through the little holes in the fence they must work with. (Try blue flagging an F1 sometime where all the team cars are the same and the only difference is the helmets.) You also have to remember who the flaggers are around the track. The vast majority are SCCA volunteer race workers. Many are very experienced and among the best in the world. Others are newer to the sport and not as experienced.

Good detail Starter, my only point is that it was absurd to think that Danica was being asked to allow a faster (.1 tenth) car around, simply silly IMHO.

rh

[harvick#1]

was the flag pulled out prematurely for Barrett? could someone have been behind
him also but wasn't in the pic yet?

it still would make no sense to pull it out for 2 drivers battling for position

[F1boat]

I watched the race, it was lovely :) Good start for the IRL.

[garyshell]

was the flag pulled out prematurely for Barrett? could someone have been behind
him also but wasn't in the pic yet?

it still would make no sense to pull it out for 2 drivers battling for position

I just got off the phone with a friend of mine who has been a racing fan longer than most of us here. He was in St. Pete in a highrise overlooking the incident and said that prior to the spot where "the picture" was taken, both Danica and Matos had been behind Barrett. There had been blue flags shown to him. Into the corner we see in the background they both got around Barrett, with Danica getting held up a bit more than Matos. He said Matos was actually carrying a bit too much speed. But he did get a run on Danica albeit insufficient to get past. (90% alongside is NOT a pass. If memory serves the "rule" is 51% in FRONT.)

But from what my friend said there wasn't enough time for the folks in the previous corner to report back to race control that the two had already gotten past the backmarker and then race control to contact the flag person we saw in the picture, so the flag was still out there, incorrectly. Apparently, there was some other chatter on the race control radio at the time.

Gary

[Marbles]

I enjoyed the race... more than I thought I would.