It’s a shame that what should be a huge celebratory pole win has been overshadowed by the Team Penske scandal. Robert Shwartzman’s pole, the first by a rookie since Teo Fabi in 1983, should be the talk of the fans and the paddock.
Instead, we are discussing the second Penske cheating issue in as many years. I agree with the penalties handed down this morning by IndyCar, and I appreciate their quick action. As Doug Boles said this morning,
“(the 500) is the biggest race in the world, and integrity is paramount…”
From earlier
So, back to the weekend. I’m not sure why Rinus VeeKay went out for a second run and risked putting himself out of the race. If did it to run out the clock, he went too early. There was plenty of time left for Jacob Abel to still have another attempt.
Questions:
Why is RLL’s one off entry for the 500 always the fastest qualifier on the team?
How is David Malukas 10 spots better than Santino Ferrucci?
Should the qualifying format be tweaked?
I’ll answer the last question. A little bit. Each car should be limited to no more than four attempts on Saturday. Any time a car goes out for an attempt, their current time is erased.
IndyCar on FOX: I watched just a part of the broadcast last night, and I saw the Colton Herta interview. Send Chris Myers back to Daytona. He looked and sounded bored, and as if he really didn’t want to be here. Colton had to correct him as to the name of the race. His response was that he works the Daytona 500. Leigh Diffey called the Indy 500 and he never confuses IMS for Daytona. I found Myers to be unprofessional and I hope he is not here Sunday.
To end on a positive not: It’s RACE WEEK!
The Pit Window by Mike Silver 