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[VNAF Ace]

2008 Miami 300 Starting Lineup
The 2008 Miami 300 airs tomorrow at 8:00 PM EDT on ESPN2!

 

[TS]

2008 Miami 300 Starting Lineup
The 2008 Miami 300 airs tomorrow at 8:00 PM EDT on ESPN2!

Poor Jay Howard, he was on his warm up lap when he crashed out. I was hoping that this would be a way for Graham Rahal to start, but I'm guessing NHL racing doesn't want Graham to risk injury by crashing out again in somebody else's car.

 

[Omnis]

Okay, I'm back. Man, that race was awesome. Only thing that sucked was that I forgot my earplugs, so after the first few laps I went down to the bathroom and stuffed my ears with wet paper towels. Yum. So my feet and ears are sore, but whatever.

Before the race, I went to the infield and walked around the back to check out the road course. So I wound up entering the paddock from the middle and saw Ganassi's team and the rest of the teams east of start/finish. I ran out of time before I could see the other side of the paddock (after or west of the start/finish) where Andretti Green was stationed. Oh well. I'm just surprised at how small the cars actually are. Maybe it's because I'm used to seeing all the short drivers next to them on TV.

Anyway, Tony Kanaan was flying tonight. It's really a shame that he crashed out like that-- especially at the last few laps. The people in front of me were big fans and they were really disappointed. Same goes for Milka and Penske 6. I didn't see how Milka lost it, but it's unfortunate that #6 got caught in it as well. Meanwhile, the Sonny's BBQ sponsored car was the comic relief as it kept pitting and sputtering down the circuit. Poor guys... their pit crew didn't even look that big or anything.

Okay, so here are the pics I took with my iPhone:

 

[RACECAR]

Man, can we say domination? Chip Ganassi just dominated Miami this weekend and now has both drivers leading in points as well.

 

[JohnBM01]

John's Debate! - What Did We Learn (Oval Racing)?
One race is in the books as Indy Car and Champ Car both race around Homestead's oval. So... what did you learn from watching Indy and Champ Car racers go around Homestead? How do you think the Champ Car stars did in their first foray into the IndyCar Series (former Champ Car/CART stars nonwithstanding)? Who were you most impressed with among Indy and Champ Car stars?


My congratulations to Scott Dixon out of sportsmanship.

 

[Omnis]

Man, can we say domination? Chip Ganassi just dominated Miami this weekend and now has both drivers leading in points as well.

They didn't dominate at all. Kanaan and Andretti were blowing by the Target cars. They just got the lucky break when Kanaan got taken out.

They ran a great race, but I wouldn't call it total domination.

edit: I found a good race-recap video.



Man, after seeing what happened to Tony, it makes me feel even worse. That really sucks for him. I wonder if the black Cirrus car tried driving down like that to get out of the way or if he just had no control at all over the car and rolled that way.

 

[Studentdriver]

I read on the recap at ESPN.com that he blew a tire. Also, I said it there and I'll repeat it here...

Milka Duno = Yuji Ide

Revoke her license, please.

 

[RACECAR]

They didn't dominate at all. Kanaan and Andretti were blowing by the Target cars. They just got the lucky break when Kanaan got taken out.

They ran a great race, but I wouldn't call it total domination.

I meant that his team dominated the race weekend at miami by winning both the Gainsco Grand Prix(courtesy of Scott pruett & Memo Rojas) and the Gainsco 300(Courtesy of Scott Dixon).

 

[Omnis]

I meant that his team dominated the race weekend at miami by winning both the Gainsco Grand Prix(courtesy of Scott pruett & Memo Rojas) and the Gainsco 300(Courtesy of Scott Dixon).

oh ok. Well, yeah, I guess they did. AG clearly had the better cars though. Dixon even said he thought so post-race.

 

[TS]

John's Debate! - What Did We Learn (Oval Racing)?
One race is in the books as Indy Car and Champ Car both race around Homestead's oval. So... what did you learn from watching Indy and Champ Car racers go around Homestead? How do you think the Champ Car stars did in their first foray into the IndyCar Series (former Champ Car/CART stars nonwithstanding)? Who were you most impressed with among Indy and Champ Car stars?

I think that all Champ Car refugees (well, except Graham) are happy that their cars are still in one piece, on the trailer and are headed back to the shops getting ready for St. Petersburg next Saturday.

oh ok. Well, yeah, I guess they did. AG clearly had the better cars though. Dixon even said he thought so post-race.

Yep, Marco & Kanaan's luck at Homestead have been terrible, it was good to see Marco finally finish there, that incident with Viso was just another example of TK's **** luck.

 

[JohnBM01]

I was most impressed at how Dan Wheldon climbed through the field to eventually lead the race. How was he able to do it? That's why he's Dan Wheldon. Oriol Servia was the highest-ranked Champ Car star finishing... I believe 12th. My favorite driver, Danica Patrick, didn't fare too well. At least she finished unlike that spinout from last year heading into the pits.

All in all, I'll be very interested to see the series play itself out. Maybe in my next post, I'll offer my own opinions about a shorter-than-usual schedule.

 

[Omnis]

So let me get this straight...

Are there more drivers than actually raced on Saturday? If so, why?

Also, all drivers will be in indy cars on ovals and champ cars on street circuits? Is that why there seemed to be a big disconnect between the slow guys and the fast guys? Basically, all the slow guys are from champ car?

 

[Studentdriver]

Are there more drivers than actually raced on Saturday? If so, why?

Graham Rahal crashed his car in practice Tuesday, and there was no backup car available. You probably didn't know this as you were at the race, but he was watching from up above with his dad.

Also, all drivers will be in indy cars on ovals and champ cars on street circuits? Is that why there seemed to be a big disconnect between the slow guys and the fast guys? Basically, all the slow guys are from champ car?

Champ cars will only be used at Long Beach, which is splitting the weekend with Twin Ring Motegi. It is yet to be seen who will race where. Concerning pace, experience isn't the only issue. The IRL teams have had this car for five years compared to about a month now for the Champ Car teams.

 

[TS]

I was most impressed at how Dan Wheldon climbed through the field to eventually lead the race. How was he able to do it? That's why he's Dan Wheldon. Oriol Servia was the highest-ranked Champ Car star finishing... I believe 12th. My favorite driver, Danica Patrick, didn't fare too well. At least she finished unlike that spinout from last year heading into the pits.

All in all, I'll be very interested to see the series play itself out. Maybe in my next post, I'll offer my own opinions about a shorter-than-usual schedule.

Danica I think made a mistake by trying to get track position with fuel strategy, I don't know what her strategist was thinking by telling her that if she ran the car on full lean she would be close on fuel, with 65 laps to go. Longest anyone ran on fuel was 54 laps (IIRC) by Wheldon.

So let me get this straight...

Are there more drivers than actually raced on Saturday? If so, why?

No, there weren't.

Also, all drivers will be in indy cars on ovals and champ cars on street circuits? Is that why there seemed to be a big disconnect between the slow guys and the fast guys? Basically, all the slow guys are from champ car?

Nope, all transitioning teams will be using the Dallara Chassis, Firestone tires + Honda engine provided by Tony George/existing IRL teams, the only time the Panoz DP01 will be used will be at long beach, with Firestone's and the Honda engine.

Champ cars will only be used at Long Beach, which is splitting the weekend with Twin Ring Motegi. It is yet to be seen who will race where. Concerning pace, experience isn't the only issue. The IRL teams have had this car for five years compared to about a month now for the Champ Car teams.

I'm sure that all transition drivers will do Long Beach, they'll get points for it, so it doesn't matter. Plus, I would highly suggest to Penske that Helio does Long beach, as Long Beach is close to Hollywood where he got all the exposure for dancing with the stars, this would be a great way to increase the IndyCar fan base, plus it would give Sam Hornish Jr. a chance to feel happy that he's able to be competitive in a race series.

 

[JohnBM01]

We've seen the drivers do oval racing. Anyone want to speculate on the St. Petersburg event and how that would go? My debate question had "Oval Racing" as the subtitle. Expect to see a debate on "Road Racing" in my next debate.

 

[TS]

I am Coca-Cola, one soda, all the caffeine with none of the calories!

IndyCar sponsor announcement

The IndyCar Series and Coca-Cola North America have forged an agreement that will make Coca-Cola, one of the world's most recognized brands, an official sponsor of the IndyCar Series through 2010.

The agreement builds on Coca-Cola North America's relationship with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Indianapolis 500. Through this expanded association, Coca-Cola will develop retail marketing programs to help enhance the IndyCar Series racing experience for fans.

The partnership follows the announcement last year of a 10-year sponsorship agreement between Coca-Cola North America and International Speedway Corporation, owner of five tracks on the IndyCar Series 2008 schedule. Coca-Cola also has relationships with several other tracks on the schedule.

"Coca-Cola is truly a global brand, and we're thrilled to have them on board with the IndyCar Series," said Terry Angstadt, president of the Indy Racing League's commercial division. "Coca-Cola's enormous brand recognition and marketing capabilities create some very exciting activation opportunities as we go forward. This announcement also adds to the sponsorship momentum that we've been building over the last several months. The growing number of partnerships we're making with quality organizations like Coca-Cola and others is really helping to build an exciting future for the IndyCar Series."

Along with Coca-Cola, the Company markets four of the world's top five nonalcoholic sparkling beverage brands, including Diet Coke, Fanta and Sprite, and a wide range of other beverages, including diet and light beverages, waters, juices and juice drinks, teas, coffees, energy and sports drinks. Through the world's largest beverage distribution system, consumers in more than 200 countries enjoy the Company's beverages.

"This new association with the IndyCar Series allows Coca-Cola to build on our long and successful history with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Indianapolis 500," said Beatriz Perez, senior vice president, Integrated Marketing, Coca-Cola North America. "By joining forces with the entire IndyCar Series, Coca-Cola will be able to create customized programs designed to bring IndyCar fans closer to their favorite sport."

Also, Saturday night's race set a new record for viewers! (on ESPN2 anyway)

 

[Alex.]

I dont know if this is the correct place to say but I'll go ahead anyway.
I just watched Gordon Smiley's fatal crash and I am so shocked. The car just bloody vaporised until the back wheels!

 

[F1KimiFreak]

I really liked champcar but since it has merges no tv channel shows it here anymore 800.000 viewers thats very low

In holland the last formula one race had more then 900.000 viewers in a country with 15 million people 👍

Anyone knows if EuroSport will show IRL/Champcar this year?

 

[JohnBM01]

Here is a brief point I wanted to get into. I may do something more detailed in the future.

I don't think the Indy Car Series should stop early just because of football season. I love me some college football and watching/supporting my Houston Texans. However, don't just stop the season so early because of this. Look at NASCAR. Do you think they care if football season is coming while the NASCAR tour is going about? I'll watch racing and football. That's even if there is a #1 vs. #2 game in college football in college while a Saturday night race is on. I want to see them run more races. Hell, even make the Houston race take place in October or something. I'd be okay seeing Indy car action in late October or even early November. Just don't cut it short to just give in to football season.


What do you think about a shortened schedule?

 

[F1KimiFreak]

I dont see how a racing series can be effected by football series, it would make more sense if they sort the racing series that there are no races at the same time, like f1 and motogp do...

 

[TS]

Anyone knows if EuroSport will show IRL/Champcar this year?

I believe that indycar.com and espn360.com carry live web casts of indy car races.

I don't think the Indy Car Series should stop early just because of football season. I love me some college football and watching/supporting my Houston Texans. However, don't just stop the season so early because of this. Look at NASCAR. Do you think they care if football season is coming while the NASCAR tour is going about? I'll watch racing and football. That's even if there is a #1 vs. #2 game in college football in college while a Saturday night race is on. I want to see them run more races. Hell, even make the Houston race take place in October or something. I'd be okay seeing Indy car action in late October or even early November. Just don't cut it short to just give in to football season.


What do you think about a shortened schedule?

It's not necessarily shortened, but it's been shifted around to start in late March and finish in early September, similar to the MLB schedule (except the MLB extends in to late October), really I think the goal of the schedule being in it's current state is to hopefully improve ratings of races, after the split, ratings haven't been very good for either series. As I posted earlier, there were record ratings for the race last Saturday on ESPN2 at only 800,000 viewers out of about 300,000,000 people that live in the United States.

 

[JohnBM01]

We're going to get our first road racing look at the IndyCar Series this weekend. Anyone want to share any thoughts about this weekend's race on the streets of St. Petersburg, FL?

 

[TS]

We're going to get our first road racing look at the IndyCar Series this weekend. Anyone want to share any thoughts about this weekend's race on the streets of St. Petersburg, FL?

I have a feeling that the CCWS transition drivers will have a much better weekend now that they're on somewhat familiar territory on the street course.

Also, an interesting find I made today on My Name is IRL:

Not everything was good (at Homestead), however, as it is still plainly evident that Milka Duno is not capable of controlling an IndyCar on an oval for a full race. The problem is that Townsend Bell doesn't have enough sponsorship to run a full season in Dreyer & Reinbold's 2nd car. Thus, Milka gets to run the other races with her Citgo sponsorship. I'm thinking about starting a "Park Milka" campaign in order to get Mr. bell the necessary backing he needs to displace Milka and send her back to the type of racing she's good at: sportscars. I'll check around for pertinent figures as well as D&R's mailing address and post more info when I find it. I harbor no personal animosity towards Ms. Duno, by the way, I just think that she needs to leave the whole "female IndyCar driver" thing to those who are good at it, like Danica Patrick and Sarah Fisher.

 

[kjb]

Those are some harsh words. Is she that bad?

 

[Studentdriver]

According to Wikipedia, she's retired from 5 of her 8 IndyCar races, with no top 10s, and she withdrew from Nashville last year.

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

 

[JohnBM01]

I actually like Milka Duno. I'm giving her a chance (even though I've given plenty). I'm not going to give her some kind of mentality like NASCAR has in which those outside of the Top 35 in points (in NASCAR terms) should have to qualify on time and not be a full-time contender. The stories I've read on Milka Duno state that her love of motorsports came rather late. I think she's at least 35. I've seen her in sportscar racing mostly (Grand-Am and ALMS). I remember her doing very well racing for Dick Barbour Racing and winning LMP2/LMP675 honors along with Didier de Radigues. So it's not like she's a complete newbie that has a snowball's chance in Hell of being a serious contender. People talk about how Danica Patrick is a pretty face that can't race. Well, Milka Duno's smoking hot... but hasn't turned too many heads in the IndyCar Series. I think her racing career also consists of Formula Nissan. I've seen Milka Duno be on the winning team of a race for a Grand-Am race in the Citgo Pontiac-powered Crawford a few years ago.

It goes to show that you have to be at a great skill level for oval racing. Not as easy as it looks. You have to carry a consistent top speed while also taking care not to make any dumb/regrettable moves at speed. And in an Indy car, you can't fender anybody in NASCAR. Just try tapping wheels until you break one of the other drivers' tierods. It sounds like I'm making excuses for Milka Duno, but I don't think she's terrible. This, speaking as a guy who's followed Milka Duno and learned more about her. She's not even a full-time driver, so it's not like you can enjoy lackluster driving for every race of the schedule.

I'm actually more forgiving as a person. Look at it like this. People ripped Toyota to shreds when they joined NASCAR's truck series. I gave Toyota a chance because they've been wonderful in their racing. Look what happened a season later when Toyotas really went on a roll. I even remember positions 1-6 either in a race or championship points in which it was all Toyotas. I don't think Duno is going to retire from racing. Only thing I WOULD question is if Milka Duno will somehow get let go from her IndyCar team for lackluster performance. I don't know if Duno would get the boot from her team much like Jeff Simmons was last year or two years ago.

What are the chances (out of 100%)...
a.) ...that Milka Duno may not have a ride for the rest of the season or next season from poor performance?
b.) ...Milka finishes at least 10th in her IndyCar career?

 

[Studentdriver]

I can't speculate on those questions, but I just can't help but wonder why she only runs on ovals when she's had such success on road circuits in other series. I think that if Townsend Bell gets significantly (and perhaps just marginally) better results than Duno, Bell will be promoted to the first seat and Duno will be released.

 

[VNAF Ace]

2008 Miami 300 Race Results
Congratulations to Scott Dixon for winning the 2008 Miami 300.

Sorry for not posting the results earlier. I've had a busy week.

 

[JohnBM01]

Maybe Milka is doing this to get oval racing experience. It explains why people like Colin Braun(?) try to get into oval racing. Same goes for when Tomas Enge went to the IndyCar Series for a spell. It explains Marcus Ambrose trying his hand at NASCAR after being an Australian V8 Supercars star. You want oval racing (not to sound pro-American)? Come to America. Now that you mention Milka Duno in road racing, I wonder myself why she'd do this unless if for oval racing experience. I'd probably see her do something like a regional-level stock car series or maybe some sprint car racing. The IndyCar Series requires some extra ability to handle cars like these Indy cars.

 

[kjb]

According to Wikipedia, she's retired from 5 of her 8 IndyCar races, with no top 10s, and she withdrew from Nashville last year.

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

Thanks. If she only drives on ovals why the complaints. I look at like this race a lot of the time isn't about your skill but it about the your team, the car, things like that.