OpEd-Alabamians; Making the Indy 500 Better Since 1972
Yeah, maybe that’s an egotistical title, but I get to finally make an appearance at Uncle Tony’s House this weekend. Like fellow Alabamians Jim Nabors, Donny Allison, Bobby Allison and Jim Guthrie before me, I shall grace the hallowed intersection of 16th and Georgetown with my presence. I’d just like to take a second and thank all the great people at Open Paddock for allowing it to happen. I promise I’ll do all of you proud,... [Read More...]
IndyCar-The Month of May; Getting Up to Speed
Here’s some quick notes about IndyCar Indianapolis 500 practice so far…. Day 1 A.J. Allmendinger, Carlos Munoz and Tristan Vautier all completed Rookie Orientation in roughly 90 minutes. Temperatures were low, so many teams elected to stay off track. Ed Carpenter ended Day 1 at the top of the speed charts at 220.970 mph. 298 laps were completed by 13 drivers in 16 entries. Day 2 No need for ROP today, since Conor Daly didn’t arrive... [Read More...]
Episode 188 – OpenPaddock.net Podcast With Justin Wilson
The boys are proud to welcome Justin Wilson, driver of the #19 Boy Scouts of America car for Dale Coyne Racing, to this week’s show! Mr. Neely shares his observations from the opening weekend of practice at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Mr. Whitesell reviews the Spanish Grand Prix which surprisingly didn’t suck, and Mr. Shaw takes a look at the proposed revamping of the power stage and contemplates the future of stage rally. Podcast:... [Read More...]
IndyCar-Highlights from Kurt Busch Press Conference
Here are some of the more pertinent quotes from today’s press conference with Kurt Busch, who tested an IndyCar at Indianapolis Motor Speedway today and completed all three phases of the Rookie Orientation Program. Quotes courtesy Indycar PR/Amy Konrath. MODERATOR: Kurt, first impressions? You spent two days here last week in a Cup car and today was a completely different feel. What are your thoughts? KURT BUSCH: Just an incredible feeling... [Read More...]
IndyCar – Round 4: Itaipava Sao Paulo Indy 300 preview
What: 4th Annual Itaipava Sao Paulo Indy 300 Where: Anhembi Sambadromo Circuit, Sao Paulo, Brazil Who: Will Power. In three races at the circuit, Power has three poles and three wins. Granted Power’s not having quite the start of the season he’s used to, you have to put him at the top of the list here simply because of his domination. Teammate Helio Castroneves enters the event as points leader, so being in front of the home crowd is sure... [Read More...]
IndyCar – Dreyer & Reinbold Racing to Suspend Operations
INDIANAPOLIS, IN- News broke today that long time IZOD IndyCar team Dreyer & Reinbold Racing plans to suspend operations after this year’s Indianapolis 500 Mile Race. Fighting a lack of funding, the team plans to suspend operations after the race unless new investors or sponsorship can be found. Team Principle Dennis Reinbold, owner of Indianapolis’ Dreyer & Reinbold Automotive Group, said earlier today “It’s disappointing,... [Read More...]
IndyCar – Neely’s Nine: Field Rankings after Toyota GP Long Beach
Three rounds into the 2013 season, and we’re all still scratching our heads. No wins by Ganassi or Penske. Will Power has no podiums. Down is up. Left is right. The world is a flat out nutty place! As always, these rankings are purely subjective. If you disagree with my opinions, then we’ll pray for you. 1. Helio Castroneves #3 AAA/Turbo Team Penske Chevrolet (Previously #1) Helio leaves Long Beach with his points lead intact, which... [Read More...]
IndyCar-Turning Laps With Ease: Sato Takes Long Beach
After many near misses, Takuma Sato finally took his maiden victory in the IZOD IndyCar Series on the Streets of Long Beach this past Sunday, holding off Graham Rahal in his best result to date for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing. Justin Wilson captured his first podium of the season in Third Position for Dale Coyne Racing. The win is AJ Foyt Enterprises’ first win since Airton Dare finished first at Kansas Speedway on July 7, 2002. The last... [Read More...]
IndyCar – Round 3: Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach Preview
What: 39th Annual Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach Where: Streets of Long Beach, California Who: Defending race winner Will Power of Verizon Team Penske looks to get back to his winning ways despite early season dominance by Andretti Autosport drivers Ryan Hunter-Reay and James Hinchcliffe. Scott Dixon of Target Chip Ganassi Racing leads the Honda charge along with impressive rookie Tristan Vautier and the much-improved Chip Ganassi Racing Teams driver,... [Read More...]
IndyCar-Neely’s Nine: Field Rankings After HIGPA
So we’re back! Here’s my field rankings after 2 rounds of the IZOD IndyCar Series Championship. This week we see some new faces as some of the existing players had a rough week. More importantly, who wins the Mario Moraes Parking award? 1. Helio Castroneves #3 AAA/Turbo Team Penske Chevrolet (previously 2nd) A 2nd place finish in St. Pete, followed by a Firestone Fast Six appearance and a 3rd place result at Barber, Helio Castroneves... [Read More...]
