2016 Indy 500 Preview – Live from Indianapolis!

Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadFor the first time the latest edition of the OpenPaddock band has come together in person at the most famous racing venue in the world.  After having a splendid Cajun dinner at Yats on Mass in downtown Indianapolis, Mike Shaw, John Olsakovski, Doug Patterson, and the long lost Mike Whitesell give some impromptu predictions (if you can call it that) for tomorrows 100th running of the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race.  Enjoy!

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Episode 271 – OpenPaddock.net Podcast

Podcast: Play in new window | DownloadPodcast #271 for Wednesday May 27th, 2015.  In this week’s episode we review WRC Portugal and spend some time focusing on the incident with privateer Lorenzo Bertelli.  We then preview this weekend’s season opener of the Red Bull Global Rallycross Championship that kicks off in Ft. Lauderdale. In F1 we chat about the Grand Parade of Monaco and it’s unusual finish. We then devote our greatest attention to the greatest spectacle in racing, the Indy 500.  We hope you like listening as much as we like talking!  Oh, and of course our…

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From the Pocono Pulpit: Spare me the praise of Kurt

So this view is mine, and only mine. It is not on behalf of all of Open Paddock. With that being said, let me unload.     A few months ago, some IndyCar fans got rather upset on some of my views. I was called a, “jerk” among other things. Lots of snide remarks were made about me on backchannels to others from the world of IndyCar. I guess they never thought I would hear that.   I now can’t help but laugh. When some of these very same people…

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Spike’s World: Can anyone hear IndyCar?

We have all heard the saying, “If a tree fell in the woods and no one was there, would it make a sound?”. In this case, the woods are IMS, and the sounds? Everything from Carb Day coverage to Pole Day radio coverage. Did it ever make a sound? Last weekend I had to drive to Chester, Pennsylvania for an MLS game. During the rain delay at IMS, the IMS radio network informed listeners on affiliates they would be going off the air until 4:30 PM. I had it on…

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Indycar-Breaking News: Belskus named CEO; Miles takes Hulman & Co

Several reliable sources are now reporting that interim Indycar CEO Jeff Belskus is now the CEO of Indycar, and has been replaced by Mark Miles as CEO of Hulman & Company. This anticipated move allows Belskus to devote his time to getting the Indycar Series back on its feet without having to divide his time. This marks Belskus’ second stint as CEO of the series. He last took charge of the series after Tony George’s ouster as leader, serving as the interim CEO before Randy Bernard was hired. He has…

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Hello, May. It’s Time For The Indy 500

If you are a fan of the IZOD Indycar Series and the month of May doesn’t give you a case of the warm fuzzies, then something is seriously wrong. This is the month when speed is king and our diets consist solely of tenderloins. The smell of E85 gasoline intertwines with fresh Firestone rubber on the yard of bricks, and that’s when you know you are home. It might not be your physical home, but there’s something about hearing “Back Home Again in Indiana” over the sound of turbochargers that…

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IndyCar – Beatriz to Andretti Autosport

Firestone Firehawk

Is blood thicker than water? Even if it is, money talks. Andretti Autosport apparently will not enter a car for Michael Andretti’s cousin Jeff Andretti in the Indy 500, as it will enter three cars for its regular IndyCar pilots, adding A.A.’s Indy Lights standout Sebastian Saavedra in a fourth Ilmor-powered car, and announcing Ana Beatriz in a fifth car. ‘Bia’ Beatriz intends to race car #25  in her ‘hometown’ race in São Paulo at the end of this month, then in the Indianapolis 500 as a Conquest Racing/Andretti Autosport collaboration.…

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Op-Ed: Spike Rogan picks the 2011 Indy 500 winner, and gives credit where it is deserved

This is a special night before the 500 Op-Ed, about the 2011 Indianapolis 500.  I sadly will not be at IMS for the race this year, ask any blogger how much the track loved us in 2011. So I like many of you reading this will be forced to watch on ABC. Although I have XM and can listen to IMS radio to avoid Marty Reid making me put a golf wedge into the TV. Here are some thoughts about this year’s race, very unlikely thoughts for some. Women have…

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INDYCAR – Hunter-Reay to Replace Bruno

Business is business right? Who says that qualifications for the 100th anniversary of the Indianapolis 500 have to end on bump day? Well if you are in the Andretti Autosport camp who had two drivers fail to make the field, then qualifications do not stop until all of your cars are in the show. If your cars cannot do it on speed, then you bring out the biggest weapon of all….the wallet. It was announced today that Ryan Hunter-Reay who was bumped at the last possible moment by Andretti Autosport…

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INDYCAR – Tagliani Storms to Pole!!

Pole position for the Indianapolis 500 has always been a big deal. The toughest four laps in motorsport to claim the honor of leading the field is on everyone’s radar. The day started very sunny and warm. Things would not be so sunny for Ryan Briscoe who would trash his car in turn 2 during morning practice. The team would scramble to get the backup car ready in time for their qualifying run. Luckily for them the 6T car was scheduled to qualify 34th. So there was plenty of time…

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