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

This is actually his second win.

 

And somewhat remarkably, Robin Miller predicted a Carpenter win before the race.

 

W

What the hell is going on with this world? Next thing you know, Hiro Matsushita's going to make a comeback and win a race too.

 

Ed gets beat up a lot for being a guy who got his ride because he was Tony George's stepson, but he's always been a pretty solid oval driver. He's rarely been that good when he has to turn right (I do remember a top 5 at the Glen a few years back), but he won at Kentucky in Sarah Fisher equipment (which, to be honest, always seemed underpowered until last year), nearly won a second time the year before, and now has won here. He's an oval specialist, but he's not too bad, especially given he's not in Big 3 equipment.

Carpenter might be the best big-oval driver on the circuit. RHR is the best on short ovals, and Power is amazing on street courses. Franchitti & Dixon are probably the most balanced drivers in the field.

 

Only if Hiro has to complete seven fewer laps than anyone else.

 

Hamilton to Mercedes, Schumi out.
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/102895

Sergio Perez to McLaren.
http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/102891

 

Lewis is going to really, really regret this.

I'm glad Perez is getting a front-running ride. He impresses the hell out of me.

I really hope TelMex keeps some money with Sauber to give Esteban Gutierrez a ride. I like Sauber, and they're screwed without that money.

Amusingly enough, the only possible open ride I could see Schumi taking is the #2 spot at Ferrari. I suspect he'll retire again, and Massa keeps the seat.

 

IndyCar released its schedule for 2013...Pocono is back!

http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/102985

Also, three of the street races will be doubleheaders.

 

Is Eddie Gossage writing an angry press release as we speak with Texas not part of the Triple Crown?

Anyway, I like the Triple Crown concept. Pocono is obviously in a lot better shape than the days of its boiler plate fences the last time IndyCar was there in the late 80s.

 

The Triple Crown has needed to come back for two decades. Glad to see it's happening.

Also excited about Texas being in prime time on network TV. Would love to see Pocono as a 500-miler (much like Indy, it's a dull track for stock cars, but puts on some great IndyCar racing), but I can live with a 400-miler for starters.

The doubleheaders are a unique concept. I'm in the camp that thinks standing starts don't need to be a part of American open-wheel racing (the flying starts are a nice distinction from F1), but doing one standing start and one flying start on the street races is interesting.

 

File this under "Surely you are joking, right?...RIGHT?!"
http://blogs.indystar.com/racingexpert/2012/10/12/what-if-tony-george-leads-indycar-again/

 

Sadder that there's interest is that this appears to be a fait accompli. Fuckin' Clabber Girl is back.