Tracks on the Bucket list

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My bucket list continues to shrink. Four years ago I checked off the first track on my list, Milwaukee. Last year kind scheduling  allowed the chance to cross off more places. This year it will shrink even more. I wonder what happens if I finish my bucket list. Maybe I don’t want to know. Fortunately, one of the tracks will be pretty near impossible for me to get to.

If Indycar races at a track, I want to go there. However, not all tracks have  historic significance. It is those tracks with a long history of Indycar and sports car racing that hold the most fascination for me. I have been to every track on the current Indycar circuit except for Texas.  Strangely, I don’t care if I ever go there.  One reason is timing. After an entire of Indianapolis and then Detroit, I need a break. Even though Texas is an oval, I think Indycar has outgrown the 1.5 mile cookie cutter ovals like Texas, Chicago, and Kentucky.  I loved Kentucky, but the DW12 can race better elsewhere.

The bucket list tracks I have been to since Milwaukee are Sebring, Long Beach, Toronto, and Phoenix.  A little bit about each one:

Milwaukee- Long before The Indianapolis Motor Speedway was a gleam in Carl Fisher’s eye, cars raced at Milwaukee. History oozes from the track, very much like IMS. Flat urns and short straightaways make this a challenging track. I really enjoyed the racing here. It’s sad that there will most likely be no more racing here.

Toronto- Exhibition Place is a great venue for an Indycar race. The Prince’s Gate is a fantastic landmark as the drivers head for turn 1. The weekend has the same feeling as Indy. The fans are very friendly and knowledgeable. When the track closes, you get to spend the evening in Toronto. This race is a win-win.

Toronto 2013 202

Sebring- I had wanted to go to the Sebring 12 hour race since I was in 5th grade. I finally made it last year. This is not the place for a lot of the creature comforts many tracks have today. It is old fashioned in every sense. Most fans camp here, and the party atmosphere is evident all weekend. I have always found something romantic about endurance racing. Attending one in person only reinforced that feeling. Cell picsFloridaAZ 175

Phoenix- Next to Sebring, Phoenix was the track I had wanted to go to the longest. It had been off the Indycar schedule for years, and I thought I would never get to see a race here. I was overjoyed when Phoenix was announced as part of the 2016 schedule. The setting is beautiful. The oval with a turn 2 dogleg nestles at the foot of the mountains.

This year’s Indycar schedule also allows me to get two more tracks off of my list- Road America and Watkins Glen. These are two of the most historic tracks in The United States, and I was losing hope of ever getting to see a race there. I wll share my impressions after the races there.

The last tracks on my bucket list are in Europe- Spa, Le Mans, and Monaco. I am planning to go to Le mans in 2018. Monaco is most likely not possible unless the date does not conflict with the 500. I’ve got to keep my 50% ratio there. Spa is possible, though a bit of a  far-fetched fantasy. So, what happens when this bucket list is complete? I have other lists involving vacation travel. I should be around for a very long time.

Dual in Detroit- Racing on the River

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The French had their best weekend in Detroit in almost 300 years.  Two poles and a second place for Simon Pagenaud and a victory by Sebastien Bourdais in Race 1 made this a great weekend for the drivers from France. The racing was decent, not always the case here, and this event has grown and improved each of the three years I have been there. Before my first visit, I didn’t think much of the racing or the event here. Detroit did not seem like a place I cared to go to.

This past weekend I saw one really good race on Saturday and a decent race on Sunday. Both were fuel strategy races. Saturday featured great pit calls by Bourdais and Conor Daly. Daly’s call for fuel only on his last race nearly got him the win. Bourdais’s early pit stop and then exiting the pits ahead of everyone on his last stop sealed the win for him.  Conor Daly’s second place was the highlight of the day for many fans. He could possibly win in Toronto if that race plays out in a similar fashion to this one.

Sunday’s race was more processional, probably due to the threat of rain ending before the start. Teams still employed different pit strategies, but the race didn’t allow them to work. it came down to pit cycles. An untimely yellow cost Helio Castroneves a victory as he had to pit during the caution. It’s the same thing that cost the Penske team a win at mid-Ohio last year.  Not pitting when the pit window opens is a risky move. Will Power won with a great pass of Simon Pagenaud.

As for the Detroit event, It has the ingredients that make a city street race successful: first, buy-in not only from the city, but from the people who live and work there. The shuttle bus to the track on Friday was filled with people who were given the afternoon off by their employers to go out to the island. Many had chalet and suite passes.

Second, an army of friendly, welcoming volunteers. Detroit has the friendliest, most helpful volunteers of any track I go to.  Fans receive a greeting when they arrive and a thank you when they leave. The volunteers are an important part of the buy-in from the community.

Another element that makes this event so much fun is the food court. Every year I have attended, the food choices have improved tremendously. This year offered many healthy choices, including fruit bowls, Greek food, and  vegetable bowls.  It was an upgrade from last year, which I thought was the best I’d ever seen at a track.

Notes:

I was disappointed to not see any Alexander Rossi shirts in the Indycar merchandise tents. I don’t know if this is a league or team responsibility, but he was signed early enough to have shirts made. I would think Indycar would want some souvenirs with the Indy 500 winner’s name on it.

If you go to Detroit next year, Grandstand 2 is the place to be. Great view of the pits, the front straight, and turn 1.

Leaving after the race was greatly improved this year. Every bus in the state of Michigan was pressed into duty to get fans back to their cars downtown. Two years ago I stood in line for more than 90 minutes just to get on the bus. This year I was on a bus and headed downtown in about 40 minutes after leaving my seat.

I will watch the Texas race from home this weekend, but I will be at road America in just 17 days. RA is one of my bucket list tracks.  To prevent total race car withdrawal, I will be going to IMS for the vintage racing meet Father’s day weekend. Pictures aplenty from there.  Hopoe to have another post up by Friday at the latest.

 

 

 

More Thoughts on Indy

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They came. Some came for the first time, some for the umpteenth consecutive time, some for the first time in a long time. Were the latter visiting an old friend for the final time, or were they coming back to witness a rebirth? Were the first timers there just for the celebrity of this milestone, never to return again? We may never know. Nevertheless, the Speedway once again looked glorious in its fully filled grandstands and infield. I remember when every race looked this way.  The pre- and post- race traffic delays actually made me happy.  Will we see this ever again? here are some final thoughts on Race Weekend:

Carb Day and Legends Day both had tremendous crowds. They were just a taste of what Race Day would be like. I talked to several first timers both days who had a hard time believing the race day crowd would be triple what they were seeing.

The Race Day traffic jams actually made me happy, because it meant that the race had sold out again. I didn’t think it was even close to some of the worst traffic jams I’d ever seen on Race Day, however. A little over an hour on a side street wasn’t bad at all.

The “Celebrating My ____/100” labels was a very nice community touch. They allowed strangers to connect with more than just the smiles and nods that fans give each other as they walk around before the start. I’ve seen many photos on twitter of the tags. Mine will be on display in the “500” room.

The most meaningful event of the weekend was Saturday evening’s pre race party. My race group joined by several of my racing friends was just an incredible bonding of fans. Thanks to my girlfriend Marty, who cooked and planned the event, and to all who came, it was a wonderful time.

The Carb Night Burger Bash is one of my favorite events of the weekend. It is a fantastic post Carb Day get together. I like that it raises a lot of money for charity. However…The move downtown, while necessary because of the growth of the event, took away the intimate feeling of it. While I appreciate Steak n Shake’s involvement and sponsor activation in Indycar,  a local business lost out in this deal.  The stage and glitz sadly moved the Burger Bash to a new level which I found a bit unsettling. I will still support it, but I am not happy with this direction.

I just watched the DVR of ABC’s pre-race show. It is by far the best pre-race they have ever done. An excellent blend of history and current races, great features, and an overall reverence and respect for the 500 I have never seen from them. I hope this is the beginning of better things from ABC regarding Indycar.

Now on to Detroit. I will continue writing about the history of the 500 while covering the rest of the IndyCar season as much as I can.

 

 

 

 

The 100th Indianapolis 500- Good to the Last Drop

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Sitting here listening to Jackson Browne’s “Running on Empty” to figure how to describe this race. You want twists? We got ’em. You want turns? Here ya go. How about more twists and turns?  Have all you want. This race was definitely one of the best 500’s I’ve seen.

I can divide the race into three chapters: Hunter-Reay’s race, Helio’s race, anybody’s race. The latter happened to be the one Alexander Rossi won.  Ryan Hunter-Reay looked the strongest in the first part of the race. Through many lead changes and passes, he was out front the most. Tom be taken out by his teammate in the pits is unpardonable. I will discuss Townsend Bell some other time. It seems he is always causing havoc at Indy.

With Hunter-Reay out of contention, Helio Castroneves came to the front with what looked like a strong car. The Penske machine seemed to come to life after his second pit stop. The bump from bell in the pits didn’t affect his car much. Contact with J. R. Hildebrand effectively ended his victory hopes.

Now the last third race. It appeared we would be watching a great duel between Kanaan, Newgarden, and Munoz to the end.  The issue was, the last yellow happened just a bit too early for most to make that pit stop during caution their last one.  Except my friend brad and I thought, for Alexander Rossi. He would need one less stop than everyone else.  He was a bit,off sequence the last half of the race.  That strategy worked. He had enough fuel for not quite half a victory lap.

I have now seen 50 races. Before the start, I was thinking there is nothing that will happen today that i haven’t seen before. Okay, I was wrong.  I will have more posted later this week on my thoughts about the entire event. Enjoy your Memorial Day.

Indy 500 Preview- A Tough Race to Call

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This is a hard race to figure out. Nearly half the field has a chance to win. I have given this a lot of thought.  I go with my instincts most of the time, and my instincts are telling me this: There will be a repeat winner. He will not drive for Penske. In fact, he won’t even drive a Chevrolet.  My pick: I’ll tell you in a bit, but first here’s why.

First, let’s eliminate some contenders.  James Hinchcliffe winning the pole is a great story. What an incredible movie there could be if he won the race.  I haven’t seen the sped in race trim from him that could get him to Victory Lane.  Josef Newgarden can win races, but more often than not, his pit stops keep him out of the winner’s circle. That is my concern regarding his chances.

Other contenders- Scott Dixon could win if the race becomes a fuel saving contest. I think there will be enough yellow flag time that fuel will not be an issue. Tony Kanaan has shown speed in race trim, but do the Chevys have enough power to match the Hondas? I haven’t seen that.

Of course, you cannot count out the Penske drivers to be players. I think they will play a role but fade in the end. Again, not enough speed over the long haul.

So we come to my winner: Ryan Hunter-Reay will win his second Indianapolis 500.

I think this will become the type of race that Hunter-Reay excels at, a fast race with just enough cautions to cause teams to gamble a bit on strategy. Hunter-Reay will also use his uncanny ability to put his car wherever he wants to to get by someone. When we all raise our milk cartons to salute the winner, it will be the 28 car. Enjoy the race

My Predictions:

Winner: Ryan Hunter-Reay

Rookie of the year: Alexander Rossi

Cautions: 6 for 53 laps

First car out: Jack Hawksworth

 

Reader Request: The Speedway’s Greatest Cars

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Originally published May 25, 2016

I’ll admit it. I am biased on this topic. I love the old front engine cars. Maybe it’s because growing up they were what a race car was. Unlike the rear engine cars, front engine machines came in a variety of shapes and sizes. Most rear engine cars look basically the same to me. I’m not talking about today’s Dallara.  The early rear engine cars were noticeably distinct from one another. A sameness crept into the design, especially after wings were added.

What were the greatest cars? My criteria is part objective and part subjective. Cars that won more than once easily make the cut. Design and livery are a big qualification as well.  I prefer the simpler liveries. Here are my top five greatest cars, front engine division.

5. Belond Exhaust Special.  The car designed by George Salih won back to back to back races in 1957-58. The engine is laid on its side, allowing a lower profile. Note the fin behind the driver’s headrest.Hulmanclubfavcars 006.jpg

4.  Blue Crown Spark Plug Special.  This Offenhauser powered, front wheel drive machine won in 1947 and 1948 with Mauri Rose driving to victory both years. Car owner Lou Moore is second behind Roger Penske in victories by an owner with five.Hulmanclubfavcars 009

3.  Sheraton-Thompson Special. The 1964 winning car is a A. J. Watson built roadster driven by A. J. Foyt to his second 500 win. It was the last front engine car to win the race.Hulmanclubfavcars 011

2.  Fuel Injection Special.  Bill Vukovich dominated in 1953 and 1954 in the original “roadster”. Note the cockpit offset to the right. The car was leading in 1952 when a steering rod broke with eight laps left. Vukovich led 435 laps in this car. Hulmanclubfavcars 008.jpg

  1. Boyle Special (top of story  photo) Another car that dominated the 500. Wilbur Shaw won in this Maserati in 1939 and 1940. He was leading in 1940 when a wheel collapsed late in the race. After the war, Ted Horn drove it from 1946-48  to finishes of third, third, and fourth. Future winner Lee Wallard took the car to the lead in the 1949 race. Bill Vukovich took his 1950 rookie test in the Maserati, but did not make the race. This car was truly the chariot of the gods.

I will be back tomorrow with my race preview. It will be bold, thoughtful, and likely highly inaccurate.

In Six Decades…..

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I have seen:

The Track…

Front stretch bricks turn asphalt,

Master Control Tower become new Pagoda,

Parking lot made Plaza,

Pit sign boards fade to radios,

Three scoring pylons,

Frame garages set in stone,

Grandstands rise and fall,

Scoreboards show action around the track.

The Cars..

Engines march to the rear,

Tires lose their treads,

Wings replace sleek tubes,

150 mph, 200 mph,

210 mph, 220 mph,

230 mph.

The Race…

Four time winners,

Close finishes,

Great races,

Dull races,

Qualifying silliness,

Qualifying drama.

The Speedway changes,

Yet my emotions stay the same.

The second century of racing is about to begin.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Qualifying at Indy- Let’s Start Over

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The final hours of qualifying yesterday and today produced some great drama.  The top spot changed hands several times, and one of the smaller teams ended up with the fastest speed.  The hours before that were as dull as the last hour was thrilling. The current qualifying procedure is the problem. First, with only thirty -three cars there is no intrigue as to who will make the field.  Second, having to qualify on two days to set a position is redundant and meaningless.  Third, too many points are available for qualifying. I have a proposal to change qualifying and add some life to both days.

The problem of car count is most likely going to be the biggest issue for a while. Until a third engine manufacturer comes on board, I don’t see an increase in car on the grid. Even then, we could just see a redistribution of the current field split among three engines rather than two. My proposal assumes just thirty-three entries.

For my new procedure, I’m looking no further than the street/road course qualification process. Yes, knockout qualifying with an Indy twist. Keep the four lap runs. Qualify in groups. Keep the Fast Nine. Here is how my plan works.

Based on Fast Friday speeds,  divide the field into three groups of eleven. the three groups by speed rank:

Group 1: 1,4,7,10,13, 16, 19, 22,25,28, 31

Group 2: 2,5,8,11,14,1,7,20, 23, 26, 29, 32

Group 3: 3,6,9,12,15, 18,21,24,27,30,33.

Group 3 goes first, then group 2 and finally group 1.

Each group has two hours. Each car may make more than one run after everyone has had a turn. The fastest six advance to the next round. The rest of the group is assigned grid positions accordingly. First qualifying group 29-33, second group 24-28, third group 19-23.

That is the Saturday program.  As yesterday showed, six o’clock is not necessarily when qualifying needs to stop.

Sunday’s schedule , after practice sessions for cars still eligible for the pole and for those eliminated Saturday, is a three hour session to determine the fastest nine qualifiers. The slowest nine get grid spots 10-18. After a one hour break, the Fast Nine compete using the current format.

Points are still awarded, but not in great numbers. The fastest in each first round group gets one point. The fastest in the round of eighteen gets one point. The pole winner gets two points.  While it’s easy for me to spend others people’s money,  substantial cash rewards need to be paid out for each round as well.

Qualifying procedures have changed several times over the years.  It seems many changes have come rapidly in the last decade or so. I believe my proposal offers a bit more excitement to the current format. I’m very interested in hearing t your thoughts about this idea and if you have other plans you’d like to share.

I plan several posts this week. Tomorrow, changes I’ve seen at the speedway over 6 decades, a post about my favorite speedway cars, and of course my fearless and probably very  inaccurate race predictions.

 

 

Watching a Race in Style

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My first stop at the Speedway was the new Hulman Club Suites above Grandstand C.  The track opened it to everyone today, even though it is sold out for this year and there is a waiting list for next year. My first thoughts: Impressive. Luxurious. Outstanding track views. Refuge from the elements. Hot food. This is an amazing space.

Outside the clubhouse on the south end  is a full bar. You can enjoy your beverage there or take it back to your seat or table inside.  Inside hot meals are available for purchase.  Three screens keep fans up to date on track activity. In addition to a video screen, another one shows the on track location of each car, and the third screen displays a timing report.

The views from the seating area outside allow viewing of a lot of the track and the pits. The north end offers a view of turns 3 and 4 plus a look down the front stretch into turn 1. I wouldn’t mind having seats here for the race, club or no club.

I hope the photos below give you a sense of  this space. Next week, a posting on changes I’ve seen at the track and one on my favorite race cars.