Indy Hump Day Report: ABC/ESPN future exclusive broadcast home thoughts, and NH picks

So another race weekend at Mid-Ohio; large turnout, loads of anticipation, no passing, no drama, no excitement. Sounds about right for a professional formula type series on a club racing course. Mid-Ohio is too narrow in its current set-up for cars as fast as the IZOD INDYCAR Series. It might produce great passing for a Honda Civic Si in Show Room Stock C, but it’s a cure for insomnia when really fast cars run there. Also it needs upgrades beyond the race course, most notably wooden garages. Did everyone miss…

Indy Hump Day Report: Things get rough in Canada,eh?

BREAKING NEWS: First I would like to inform everyone, A.J. Foyt’s team will be powered by Honda in 2012. So Ganassi and Foyt are the only 2012 Honda teams confirmed. A.J. says he would like a second car for 2012, but there is no deal at this time. Foyt also said he will be officially retired when they “…lower my casket into the grave.” Not sure what A.J. will still have to do for the first few days after the Coroner declares him deceased. But, we know A.J., he may…

Indy Hump Day Report: Toronto Fantasy Picks

So Americans and Canadians have had a few days to recover from their independence parties. Now it is that time of the week for us fantasy racing geeks to make our Toronto picks. The 2011 stop at the beautiful gem of Canada looks to give us great racing as always.   Yet again we find ourselves making decisions for a street race. Yes if you can afford to use some obvious picks, do it. However with the ability to pick drivers for 6 races at IndyCar Nation, you may want…

Indy Hump Day Report: Life after the Indy 500, and the Texas two step

Most of us in America are sweating heavily from the weather. (Well most are weather related). Although the weather is not as hot as the INDYCAR Series was at the last round. The 2011 Indy 500 was by far the most exciting in years. The race finish was the most exciting since 1995, with a Pole & Bump Day that were arguably the most exciting in closer to three decades. When the checkered flag fell at the Indy 500 no one was talking about; Ryan Hunter-Reay in the 41 car,…

Indy Hump Day Report: Its the end of the 500 as we know it (and I feel fine)

So how have all the fans suddenly become shocked? Is this idea of buying rides new in INDYCAR? Do I really need to go down the list? Milka, Moraes, royalty, doctors, I think the 500 has seen a fair share of ride buying. What about 1995 with Penske? Really I find it more shocking how “shocked” fans are. I seriously find it laughable more anger is aimed at Ryan Hunter-Reay and not the rules. Remember how most of you the INDYCAR fans lobbied to “Dump Trump”? He didn’t pass to…

Indy Hump Day Report: Who will be on the Pole this weekend?

So we are just days away from Pole Day at IMS. I myself will be driving out to finally experience Pole Day in person. I will be doing everything from; obsessively searching the venue for every possible Tim Richmond related item, to seeing how Indy fans party compared to Pocono fans, and all while working on new exclusive material for INDYCAR Nation and Open Paddock. The next week will have a great increase in exclusive coverage here at Open Paddock, so keep checking in often. Are you crying?!?! There’s no…

Indy Hump Day Report: Do they want another Pace Car crash 40 years later? Plus when are aero-kits coming?

How much of a “buzz” is a bad thing?: While having a buzz generating for the Indianapolis 500 could be a good thing. The current situation with Donald Trump has quickly become a “bad buzz” not seen in the series since the days of Scott Harrington. Even Harrington’s three DUI arrests in eight months did not cause as much outrage as the current choice for driving the pace car. Trump, since being named has quickly become a highly polarizing figure. I honestly found it in poor choice to pick a…

Indy Hump Day Report: Race Control, we make things up as we go

Where are the rules and procedures written?: Ah yes consistency, an act the men of INDYCAR Race Control seem to be lacking of late. One has to wonder if the reason rule books are so hard to find, is they write every seasons rules on an “Etch A Sketch”. Only to find parts missing when ever Helio has committed a violation. What really gets me is the excuses they have been giving today on why Helio did not get the same treatment as Tracy. According to Al Jr.; Helio was…

Indy Hump Day Report: PT, parties like the Dude in Long Beach

It is the rule now, so deal with it kids! So Barber was an unexpected eventful race. Aside from the dominance of the leader up front (Will Power) it was an event with plenty of passing. Mainly due to a crazy little thing called “double file re-starts”. While one writer from a national McNewspaper tries his hardest every week to craft “anti-double file re-start” quotes from the drivers, it is clear the action fans see of this new on-track product is working. I don’t get why Tony Kanaan keeps complaining,…

Indy Hump Day Report: Sweet Home Alabama Edition

Bia out for Barber:  Wednesday morning Ipiranga/Dreyer & Reinbold Racing officially announced that Ana “Bia” Beatriz will not be racing this Sunday at Barber. The 26 year old Brazilian fractured her scaphoid bone (wrist) on the fifth lap at St. Pete, in turn five when she made contact with Graham Rahal. Bia went on to still finish 14th with the wrist injury. Last Tuesday she had surgery to assist in her speedy recovery. For Barber former Champ Car driver; 26 year old Simon Pagenaud, the reigning LMP1 champion from ALMS…