All-purpose open-wheel (F1, IRL) racing thread

I enjoyed the heat races. Gave a little bit of a Saturday-night short-track feel to it.

I'd agree with Dario, there's got to be a little more on the line than a fifth-row starting spot, though. Wouldn't mind seeing some sort of inversion to allow for more passing.

I don't mind the fast 8 being in one heat for a shootout for the pole, but any incentive given to the winners of the two B-mains has to be given to *all* participants in the "fast 8" heat to encourage that, with an extra incentive for winning the pole.

 

I'd like to see it where the winners of the first two heats get in the last one and have a shot at the pole, as well as giving the drivers some sort of financial incentive.

It made for an interesting Friday, starting with the second practice session that divided the heats.

 

IndyCar isn't adding a race to replace the event in China, but they are making the season-ending race in Fontana 500 miles: http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/160269075.html#!page=0&pageSize=10&sort=newestfirst

 

Interesting about IndyCar staying at 15 races. Supposedly part of the IZOD contract called for at least 16 races. Curt Cavin was speculating this could be IZOD's way to get out of its contract.

 

You can either contribute to the problem or be a part of the solution.
I think we all know the choice Hamilton routinely makes.

 

Hey, I just bought some IZOD pants the other day, for the first time since the company took the IndyCar sponsorship. Does this mean, as a loyal fan, I should return them?

 

Come again?

 

If that were the case, I'd be doing everything to keep that 16th race, even if it were a thrown-together Saturday-afternoon semi-feature before the Sunday race at California ... unless Bernard has another title sponsor lined up. Have heard that Phillips Van Heusen is under new leadership that may be moving away from the racing sponsorship.

 

One would think that any driver with a pit crew that had made as many screw-ups and cost one as much time as Hamilton would try to take care of tires.

F1 has been fun this season ... but I'm in the wrong part of world for anyone else to give a flip ...

 

Ferrari has met the enemy and they are ... soft tires.

Fernando Alonso was in control until he switched to softs. Then his car fell apart like a wet suit and Mark Webber reeled him in.

 

And it was nice of the world feed director to eventually cut away from Jenson Button's stirring battle for 9th to actually show us that battle for the lead.

Ferrari's done a pretty amazing job with that car this season. Even the team admitted it was a big before the season opener.