I first and foremost hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving and takes a moment to realize how blessed and thankful you are. I would also like to thank the troops overseas for continue to fight for all of us here in the homeland, on that note I am going to take this blog to fill you in on what I am thankful for, and how fortunate and lucky I really am.
I am most thankful for the family and friends I have. I have a supportive family that has let me chase my dream, and do it my way even if they at times did not agree on my decisions. I don’t get home that often to see them, so I make the most of it when I do. I am thankful for all my six siblings, three nephews and great parents. I am thankful for a father I can relate to, who is more than a father, but a friend. Someone that I can tell everything to, and will always be there for me not matter how bad I mess up. Also to my mother who is always there for me, and always make sure I stay safe, and to my step mom, who has pushed me and motivated me to always give me all, and not half ass it.
I am thankful for my job. Outside of the fact that I work in the sports media industry, and the fortunate opportunities I have had. I work in a building in an awesome location downtown with great people who help, support and motivate each other. I hear people complain all the time about some of the coworkers they work with, I don’t have that problem, I look forward to work every morning. I have great bosses and great colleagues, so a big Thanks goes out to all of them.
I am thankful that I was blessed with my fathers outgoing personality, the next stranger I meet will be the first. I have some of the best friends in the world, that no matter what we do we always have a good time. I am also thankful for my friendship with Dan Wheldon. For years, I was just a fan who would say hi and ask for an autograph at the track, but over the last eight months, we have became friends away from the track. I am thankful that I attended his final three Indy Car starts, and his final two wins, at Iowa in 2008 and this year’s Indy 500. I am thankful for the drinks and laughs in Broad Ripple, thankful to have watched him test the new car and the autographs for myself, my brother and father, you are truly missed Danny Boy.
I hope all of you have a great Thanksgiving, enjoy some football and food. Thanks for reading, and Go Lions!
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Dan Wheldon- A Hero And A Friend To All
Anyone who had ever met Dan, more than likely had a smile on their face from the get go. He was well liked by everyone, drivers, fans, owners. How could you not like a guy who is driven to win every time out, has a charismatic smile, and that British charm?
I first met Dan in 2002 at the Chicagoland Speedway, where he was making his first ever Indy Car Series start for the Panther Racing. Ironically
enough, it was in a rest room between practice sessions. Don't worry, we both washed our hands.
In 2003, Dan signed on to drive for Andretti Green Racing, much success was to follow. Dan won the Indy Car championship in 2004 and backed that up by winning his first Indy 500 in 2005, but no matter how much success he had, he knew he wasn't above anyone. Dan would sign every autograph,literally everyone, I watched him sign a guys Jim Beam boxers once. He would take pictures and answer any and all questions, and that never stopped, which is why he is a hero and personal favorite to so many, including myself and my six year old brother, Garrett.
Garrett with two R's and two T's Dan would say to Garrett, making sure every autograph was personally signed to my little brother, and anyone else who wanted it. Garrett was stoked to head to Kentucky a few years back to see Dan again, and have him sign an Indy 500 winning picture. Unfortunately, we didn't see Dan. The last time Garrett got to see Dan was at this years Brickyard 400, where Dan was being celebrated as the winner of 100th anniversary race of The Greatest Spectacle in Racing. Garrett, who never takes off his 2010 National Guard autographed Dan Wheldon hat was surprised to see Dan at the Nascar event. Luckily, I knew he would be there, and told my father who brought some cars and pictures for Dan to sign. Garrett was stoked and excited to get a picture with Dan.
I got to know Dan personally a bit outside of the race track starting back last May, where randomly, we ran into each other at a local bar. I of course, being the fan I am, and having met him at the track multiple times went right up and struck a conversation. My only intention was to wish him luck at Indy and hope to see him in a full time ride. The conversations continued, and we hit it off from the get go. He was joined that night by his best friend Bayleigh, who now is a very close of mine. The night wrapped up a few hours later in the early part of the morning.
I was with a few friends who followed Indy Car, and Dan welcomed them, and anyone else walking by with open arms, that is the kind of man he was. For those of you who do not know, I call Dan, Raul when we are anywhere outside of a track, hell I even did inside. Many people that night, and few other times when we hit the town together would come up with the same question, Are you Dan Wheldon? In which I would reply, no, his name is Raul, you have the wrong guy. But of course, after the joke, we clarified it was the two time Indy 500 champ, in which Dan would pose for pictures. Dan was always joking, his favorite one to me was to point out how cute it was that I have a picture of him in his car as the background of my cell phone.
Dan went out of his way for me, my father, and my little brother to make sure we always enjoyed our time with him. Either in a bar laughing and talking racing and life, or at the track when Garrett would have 2-3 pictures, 2 cars and a hat for Dan to sign.
I was at the race in Las Vegas to celebrate the final race of the year, time with friends and to cheer Dan and few others to victory. The first ten laps were exciting and fast, but the images of what I saw in turn two will never be forgotten, as well as the helicopter flying over the track. I couldn't handle the news when I heard sitting in the bleachers at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. I balled my eyes out and still find myself tearing up. We lost Dan way to young, a brilliant driver, fantastic man, tremendous father and husband, Dan Wheldon, dead at the age of 33, will always be a fan favorite.
I first met Dan in 2002 at the Chicagoland Speedway, where he was making his first ever Indy Car Series start for the Panther Racing. Ironically
enough, it was in a rest room between practice sessions. Don't worry, we both washed our hands.
In 2003, Dan signed on to drive for Andretti Green Racing, much success was to follow. Dan won the Indy Car championship in 2004 and backed that up by winning his first Indy 500 in 2005, but no matter how much success he had, he knew he wasn't above anyone. Dan would sign every autograph,literally everyone, I watched him sign a guys Jim Beam boxers once. He would take pictures and answer any and all questions, and that never stopped, which is why he is a hero and personal favorite to so many, including myself and my six year old brother, Garrett.
Garrett with two R's and two T's Dan would say to Garrett, making sure every autograph was personally signed to my little brother, and anyone else who wanted it. Garrett was stoked to head to Kentucky a few years back to see Dan again, and have him sign an Indy 500 winning picture. Unfortunately, we didn't see Dan. The last time Garrett got to see Dan was at this years Brickyard 400, where Dan was being celebrated as the winner of 100th anniversary race of The Greatest Spectacle in Racing. Garrett, who never takes off his 2010 National Guard autographed Dan Wheldon hat was surprised to see Dan at the Nascar event. Luckily, I knew he would be there, and told my father who brought some cars and pictures for Dan to sign. Garrett was stoked and excited to get a picture with Dan.
I got to know Dan personally a bit outside of the race track starting back last May, where randomly, we ran into each other at a local bar. I of course, being the fan I am, and having met him at the track multiple times went right up and struck a conversation. My only intention was to wish him luck at Indy and hope to see him in a full time ride. The conversations continued, and we hit it off from the get go. He was joined that night by his best friend Bayleigh, who now is a very close of mine. The night wrapped up a few hours later in the early part of the morning.
I was with a few friends who followed Indy Car, and Dan welcomed them, and anyone else walking by with open arms, that is the kind of man he was. For those of you who do not know, I call Dan, Raul when we are anywhere outside of a track, hell I even did inside. Many people that night, and few other times when we hit the town together would come up with the same question, Are you Dan Wheldon? In which I would reply, no, his name is Raul, you have the wrong guy. But of course, after the joke, we clarified it was the two time Indy 500 champ, in which Dan would pose for pictures. Dan was always joking, his favorite one to me was to point out how cute it was that I have a picture of him in his car as the background of my cell phone.
Dan went out of his way for me, my father, and my little brother to make sure we always enjoyed our time with him. Either in a bar laughing and talking racing and life, or at the track when Garrett would have 2-3 pictures, 2 cars and a hat for Dan to sign.
I was at the race in Las Vegas to celebrate the final race of the year, time with friends and to cheer Dan and few others to victory. The first ten laps were exciting and fast, but the images of what I saw in turn two will never be forgotten, as well as the helicopter flying over the track. I couldn't handle the news when I heard sitting in the bleachers at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. I balled my eyes out and still find myself tearing up. We lost Dan way to young, a brilliant driver, fantastic man, tremendous father and husband, Dan Wheldon, dead at the age of 33, will always be a fan favorite.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
When Being a Crazy Girlfriend Goes Wrong
IF you follow me on Twitter.. @tonyd6624 <-- Shameless plug, you have heard the jist of this story. My Phone rings at about 219 this morning, from a private number, shows up as Unknown Number. Phone Rings again at 235.. Same unknown number, at first, I was thinking, ok Its some automated thing that has its times messed up, not going to answer. Well clearly the person trying to call did not let it get to voicemail the first time she had called, so the second time around, I pick up, thinking if there is some kind of emergency, Ill feel terrible for not answering, but as soon as I say hello, this chick goes on an absolute tear of me. "I know where you are" " I cant beleive you would do this again." I respond.. umm excuse me? Who are you? Then that just trips her off more, "You know damn well who this is and I caught your ass again, I cant beleive you would cheat on me again, I got you, I used * 67 Bitch, private number" Im sorry, who are you looking for? My name is Tony not Tommy and I live in Indy. " DOnt play dumb, I know where your at, you better watch your back, Im going to send my boys over there after you." At that point, I was like, alright I got my laugh time to hang up. Same unknown number calls backs, I ignore and it goes straight to voicemail. " The Voicemail reads and she hangs up, probably realizing shes an idiot and has dialed the wrong number. Feel sorry for that Tommy Guy.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
The House Has Been Built
Alright, so maybe the title is a bit corny, but it fits. Ed Carpenter, a veteran of 113 IZOD Indy Car Series races has been building for his first career win, which came in outstanding fashion today at the Kentucky Speedway. Over those 113 races, some have criticized him of not having the talent to run in the Indy Car Series, claiming he only has a ride due to family ties. Those of you who think that, are dead wrong and that was proven today, but to others, such as myself, we have known this day is long over due.
Of course, it does help to be born into, but I would put money that 98% of the drivers in any professional racing series could be charged with the same accusations. Carpenter cut his teeth in the Midwest winning his first USA Midget race in ironically Louisville. In 2003, Carpenter won the Indy Lights race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the inaugural Freedom 100. He then got his chance in the Indy Car Series.
Throughout his career, Ed has be superb on ovals, Indy, Kentucky and Chicagoland in particular. In 2006 he snagged his first top five at Chicagoland. He turned heads in 08 with a 5th place in the Indy 500. Over the next few years, Ed would run well at the Kentucky Speedway. He was on the pole for the 2010 event and had been the brides made the past two years. Today, he cashed in that pole, two runner ups and two Indy 500 Top 10's for his first career victory.
The pieces have been in place for Carpenter, also known as "The Hammer" (At least to me). You could not ask for a more perfect day. A sunny, chilly Midwestern day gave way to a Midwestern raised Butler grad to score his first victory, and honestly, it could not have happened to a better guy. I question anyone's morals who has a bad thing to say about the guy. He is who you want your son to look up after, a family man who is down to earth and does things the right way. Hats off to Ed, and I am excited for Vegas where he and another favorite of mine, Tomas Scheckter will join forces for Sarah Fisher.
Of course, it does help to be born into, but I would put money that 98% of the drivers in any professional racing series could be charged with the same accusations. Carpenter cut his teeth in the Midwest winning his first USA Midget race in ironically Louisville. In 2003, Carpenter won the Indy Lights race at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, the inaugural Freedom 100. He then got his chance in the Indy Car Series.
Throughout his career, Ed has be superb on ovals, Indy, Kentucky and Chicagoland in particular. In 2006 he snagged his first top five at Chicagoland. He turned heads in 08 with a 5th place in the Indy 500. Over the next few years, Ed would run well at the Kentucky Speedway. He was on the pole for the 2010 event and had been the brides made the past two years. Today, he cashed in that pole, two runner ups and two Indy 500 Top 10's for his first career victory.
The pieces have been in place for Carpenter, also known as "The Hammer" (At least to me). You could not ask for a more perfect day. A sunny, chilly Midwestern day gave way to a Midwestern raised Butler grad to score his first victory, and honestly, it could not have happened to a better guy. I question anyone's morals who has a bad thing to say about the guy. He is who you want your son to look up after, a family man who is down to earth and does things the right way. Hats off to Ed, and I am excited for Vegas where he and another favorite of mine, Tomas Scheckter will join forces for Sarah Fisher.
Friday, August 26, 2011
Is It Better If It's Your Fault In A Car Crash?
Obviously, you never want to get into an accident, and when you do, you would think that you would not want it to be your fault, well at this point, I beg to differ. If you follow me at all via Facebook or Twitter, you know I was hit downtown a little over a month ago. The Lady ran a red light and came across three lanes of traffic on a one way street to hit me in the driver side door. To the naked eye, it looked like minimal damage. I wanted about a week for the lady who hit me to get back with me, and I still have not heard from here as she had her insurance company get a hold of me. What a nightmare it has been. I'm sure the lady who hit me has already repaired the light damage she has, and has forgotten about the entire situation, while I'm still caught up in the hell and inconvenience of her bone headiness. I finally got my car into the body shop, got my rental set it up, in which I was not paying for, but was suckered into the $70 dollar insurance out of my pocket? I mean, I guess I had to do it, my luck, at this rate I would get into another accident, so better safe than sorry. A week later, I call the body shop to see how the progress was coming along, as I only had the rental 8 days. The guy at the body shop tells me they in house had found some more damage behind the tire so It would be a few more days. OK, no worries, Friday rolls around, and the guy tells me, well we messed up something in house, it should be done Tuesday. Tuesday comes, and the car still is not fixed, claiming Triple A just approved the repair of the new damages Monday. Why wouldn't they approve them, and if they didn't, the body shop should pay for it because it was their mistake! The time table turns to, it should be done by the end of the week. Well buddy ,I have a job like most average Americans, and I need to know when it will be done so I can get my rental extended. So, I go to cash my paycheck today, and realize my balance is about 500 dollars off of what it should be. Whata know! a 455 fee from Enterprise Rent a Car. I'm pissed, and want answers. Turns out, the lady at the rental place didn't tell me that its 18 dollars a day for some BS and 10 more dollars a day because I'm under 25. Why am I even paying for anything? So they took 28 dollars a day out of my bank account, which they had the info for the 70 dollar insurance. So without me knowing, 453 dollars is gone. Fortunately, the lady at Enterprise today was helpful and waived the 10 dollar a day under 25 fee and said I would get the rest back when they got the Rental. Well I'm glad I checked it out, and I'm glad I have emergency money in my account to make sure I don't over shoot my bank account. But if your going to take 28 dollars out a day, I better damn well know it, and why your doing it. Its Friday, and instead of enjoying the week in my Sebring with the top down, I'm cruising a Camry with shitty brakes and no head room. Shake my damn head!!
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Driving in Indy.
Now I problem shouldn't complain about driving in Indy when its 10x worse in bigger cities such as New York and Chicago. But what Indianapolis has that most other cities do not is a Super Bowl on the way which leads to construction on virtually every street. It changing virtually every day, one day one lanes blocked, the next a different. Construction slows everything down, especially when they think they are above the traffic and can just walk out on a four lane road and stop traffic to back up one of their trucks.
On top of the traffic, you get your normal people who don't really know how to drive. You know who they are, they want to go 35 in a 45, they turn without signaling, or pull out in front of you with no regard to anyone else on the road.
My 7 mile commute to downtown Indy every morning takes anywhere from 20-30 minutes. Mostly on one way streets that are too hard for some people to handle. Look, I know your dying to find a parking spot, but you can throw it in reverse on a one way street to back up 20 yards to that spot you blew by, sorry buddy, your going to have to take another lap around the block. On these one way streets, city buses just throw a wrench in the mix. They take two lanes to turn, pull out and stop at will, and then their are those people that get in the far right lane to turn right, but don't realize the cars that are ahead of them are parallel parked causing a parking lot on Penn.
There are many other things that drive me nuts, bikers who take up an entire lane, or shoot across the Monon on 52nd without even looking, so If I hit you for not paying attention, it's my fault and now I have a problem, or the lady who turned left onto a one way street on Red, crossed three lanes of traffic to hit me when I was going straight through a green light. Throw in the fact that school has started and school buses add to the chaos of driving to work, making me have to dive bomb to get around them, causing another kamikaze move that I have to make to avoid someone else. Maybe I should bitch, and I'm not saying I am the best driver, all I ask is for people to not do idiotic things, use a signal, and go the speed limit, Thanks!
On top of the traffic, you get your normal people who don't really know how to drive. You know who they are, they want to go 35 in a 45, they turn without signaling, or pull out in front of you with no regard to anyone else on the road.
My 7 mile commute to downtown Indy every morning takes anywhere from 20-30 minutes. Mostly on one way streets that are too hard for some people to handle. Look, I know your dying to find a parking spot, but you can throw it in reverse on a one way street to back up 20 yards to that spot you blew by, sorry buddy, your going to have to take another lap around the block. On these one way streets, city buses just throw a wrench in the mix. They take two lanes to turn, pull out and stop at will, and then their are those people that get in the far right lane to turn right, but don't realize the cars that are ahead of them are parallel parked causing a parking lot on Penn.
There are many other things that drive me nuts, bikers who take up an entire lane, or shoot across the Monon on 52nd without even looking, so If I hit you for not paying attention, it's my fault and now I have a problem, or the lady who turned left onto a one way street on Red, crossed three lanes of traffic to hit me when I was going straight through a green light. Throw in the fact that school has started and school buses add to the chaos of driving to work, making me have to dive bomb to get around them, causing another kamikaze move that I have to make to avoid someone else. Maybe I should bitch, and I'm not saying I am the best driver, all I ask is for people to not do idiotic things, use a signal, and go the speed limit, Thanks!
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Opinions, Everybody Has Them.
Look, no one is perfect, we all make mistakes and I am sure I do things that people don't agree with and that's fine. But the bottom line is in this world, you are in control of you, if you don't like what you hear on the radio, turn it, if you don't like what I have to say, don't follow me on Twitter, it is as simple as that. I am a sports fan, and in the sports world, their are so many different opinions on players coaches teams and games. One of the best things about sports is hearing someone Else's opinion and debating it. Put it this way my roommate and best friend of the past 16 years does not cheer for any of the teams I do. We can discuss our teams, and it not get too heated, but at the end of the day he is still my best friend. Some of the best conversations I have had were with friends that have their own opinion, but realize.. we are talking about SPORTS and nothing PERSONAL. Just because my opinion differs from yours, doesn't mean I like you any less as a person. When people start name calling and getting personal, talking about your job and what you bring to the table, that's getting out of line. Act like an adult, and RESPECT each other's opinion. It is that simple.
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Life Update
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Wanker Free Rankings After Toronto
What a wild and ridiculous race from the streets of Toronto. One of the most historic street courses in open wheel history turned a lot of heads after the Honda Indy Toronto, here's this weeks Indy Car Power Ranking, the Wanker Free version.
1. Dario Franchitti- He also ranks #1 on Will Powers hit list. Both sides disagree on what went down, but everyone can agree, the Indy Car Series can benefit from some trash talking.
2. Scott Dixon- Dixon again ran a solid 2nd at Toronto, but still hasn't reached victory circle this season. He sits 28 points back of Will Power for 2nd, gaining 48 points on Will over the past two races.
3. Marco Andretti (+3)- I know I know, its hard to believe Marco could be #3, but after a 4th place finish in Toronto, coming off the win in Iowa, Marco's 26 team is one of the hottest in the series.
4. Oriol Servia- (+1)- I guess this is mainly due to the struggles of Will Power and Tony Kanaan, Servia had a solid day going but wound up 12th.
5. Will Power-(-1)- 32 Laps led, sat on the pole, Will is slipping as of late when it comes to results, but after his post race comments, who really cares? Hopefully he uses this as motivation and walks the walk at Edmonton after talking the talk after Toronto.
6. Graham Rahal-(+1)- Graham didn't get the break he needed, still a solid day leading 23 laps on the day.
7. Tony Kanaan-(-4) I think the accident with Briscoe was a racing deal, looked like Briscoe's 6 car stepped out and took out TK, either way, a last place finish is never good.
8. Ryan Briscoe-(+1) - I took Ryans side with the TK incident, but this has been a sub par season for Briscoe, three top ten's so far this season, not exactly a good season so far.
9. JR Hildebrand-(+2) JR continues to climb the chart, breaking into the top ten with another solid run at Toronto, bringing home an 8th place finish.
10. James Hinchcliffe(+2) You can take 10-20, put them in a hat, and pull it out and get the exact opposite of what I put, and still be right, Hinch gets 10th because he has to be on cloud 9 with back to back Canadian races.
11. Ryan Hunter Reay- Ryan climbs all the way to 11th with this podium finish. A well needed, well deserved effort for the entire team that has been down down down for a lot of the season, congrats on the marriage as well.
12. Danica Patrick ( -2)- Knocked out in an accident that was not her fault, I'm sure she would have rather been in Kentucky.
13. The #19 car (+5) Sebastian Bourdais returned to the 19 as the road course guy, an impressive 6th place run moves the Dale Coyne Team up after Alex Lloyd had a solid night in Iowa.
14. Helio Castroneves- Problems all day for Helio, it was a horrible, horrible day for anything Penske related in Toronto.
15. Vitor Meira-(+4) Vitor grabs his first top five of the season for AJ Foyt, overall a great day for the 14 team, kept the nose clean, that's the most important part.
16. Simona De Silvestro- Simona climbs back into the power rankings with her third top ten of the season, after what she has gone through, you have to think this is almost a victory for the team.
17. E.J. Viso- Top 10, only car not wrecked for KV, shocked? I am too.
18. Justin Wilson-(-3) - It frustrates me that Wilson has not had a top five this entire season. He should contend week in and week out on road/street courses.
19. Ana Beatriz-Ana breaks in for the first time with a solid 11th at Toronto, her best showing of the season.
20. Takuma Sato- (-12) - Takuma was 8th last week, as I gave him the benefit of the doubt for the impressive pole at Iowa, should really have been 15th or 16th after last week.
1. Dario Franchitti- He also ranks #1 on Will Powers hit list. Both sides disagree on what went down, but everyone can agree, the Indy Car Series can benefit from some trash talking.
2. Scott Dixon- Dixon again ran a solid 2nd at Toronto, but still hasn't reached victory circle this season. He sits 28 points back of Will Power for 2nd, gaining 48 points on Will over the past two races.
3. Marco Andretti (+3)- I know I know, its hard to believe Marco could be #3, but after a 4th place finish in Toronto, coming off the win in Iowa, Marco's 26 team is one of the hottest in the series.
4. Oriol Servia- (+1)- I guess this is mainly due to the struggles of Will Power and Tony Kanaan, Servia had a solid day going but wound up 12th.
5. Will Power-(-1)- 32 Laps led, sat on the pole, Will is slipping as of late when it comes to results, but after his post race comments, who really cares? Hopefully he uses this as motivation and walks the walk at Edmonton after talking the talk after Toronto.
6. Graham Rahal-(+1)- Graham didn't get the break he needed, still a solid day leading 23 laps on the day.
7. Tony Kanaan-(-4) I think the accident with Briscoe was a racing deal, looked like Briscoe's 6 car stepped out and took out TK, either way, a last place finish is never good.
8. Ryan Briscoe-(+1) - I took Ryans side with the TK incident, but this has been a sub par season for Briscoe, three top ten's so far this season, not exactly a good season so far.
9. JR Hildebrand-(+2) JR continues to climb the chart, breaking into the top ten with another solid run at Toronto, bringing home an 8th place finish.
10. James Hinchcliffe(+2) You can take 10-20, put them in a hat, and pull it out and get the exact opposite of what I put, and still be right, Hinch gets 10th because he has to be on cloud 9 with back to back Canadian races.
11. Ryan Hunter Reay- Ryan climbs all the way to 11th with this podium finish. A well needed, well deserved effort for the entire team that has been down down down for a lot of the season, congrats on the marriage as well.
12. Danica Patrick ( -2)- Knocked out in an accident that was not her fault, I'm sure she would have rather been in Kentucky.
13. The #19 car (+5) Sebastian Bourdais returned to the 19 as the road course guy, an impressive 6th place run moves the Dale Coyne Team up after Alex Lloyd had a solid night in Iowa.
14. Helio Castroneves- Problems all day for Helio, it was a horrible, horrible day for anything Penske related in Toronto.
15. Vitor Meira-(+4) Vitor grabs his first top five of the season for AJ Foyt, overall a great day for the 14 team, kept the nose clean, that's the most important part.
16. Simona De Silvestro- Simona climbs back into the power rankings with her third top ten of the season, after what she has gone through, you have to think this is almost a victory for the team.
17. E.J. Viso- Top 10, only car not wrecked for KV, shocked? I am too.
18. Justin Wilson-(-3) - It frustrates me that Wilson has not had a top five this entire season. He should contend week in and week out on road/street courses.
19. Ana Beatriz-Ana breaks in for the first time with a solid 11th at Toronto, her best showing of the season.
20. Takuma Sato- (-12) - Takuma was 8th last week, as I gave him the benefit of the doubt for the impressive pole at Iowa, should really have been 15th or 16th after last week.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Lucas Oil Raceway Loses Nascar Events
By now, you have all heard, The Nationwide and Truck Races have been moved from Lucas Oil Raceway to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway starting in 2012.
From IMS's standpoint, they needed something to boost the Brickyard 400, having all the support races at the same track could bring more people in, and would be more convenient for the drivers, but the decision I cannot agree with. Most drivers who do Nationwide and the Sprint Cup series have no problem making the 8 mile trip on over to LOR, hell, some drivers travel from California to Wisconsin for a double header of racing on both series.
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The racing at LOR took you back to the roots of Nascar, and as much as Nascar is trying to grow, they have made it an important topic to stay close to its roots, the beatin and banging, 200 lap under the light feature that LOR put on was a battle of today top starts against new up and coming drivers, who all gritted their teeth on Saturday night short track racing under the lights. Now look, I'm looking on both sides, most of you think that 42 bucks for general admission to a Nationwide is a bit steep, when you can spend 30 and get a ticket to the 400, that may be true, but LOR always sold out, the stands, the hills in Turn One and along the front stretch are always full on Friday and Saturday nights, how is 40,000 fans going to look at IMS for a Nationwide race? Empty.
Now I'm not blaming IMS at all, If your co workers smoking hot girlfriend said she would rather date you, wouldn't you? I blame Nascar for wanting this, I realize LOR may be a hard sell to those corporate sponsors, but that doesn't take away from the product it puts out. Nascar wants Danica and the other up and comers to get a shot at the Brickyard. Maybe Nascar wants to add this to learn for the Sprint Cup Series to make it more competitive, But if you give me 50 bucks and say pick a race, sorry IMS, I love you to death, but I'm heading to LOR the night before to catch the Nationwide race.
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I hope LOR gets the races back, even if its a stand alone type event, I also would like to see Indy Car jump on this and put the Lights cars on the oval, and see if it is possible for the Indy Cars to get on the road course out there, to all the fans reading this, enjoy the race weekend at LOR that some have enjoyed since 1982.
From IMS's standpoint, they needed something to boost the Brickyard 400, having all the support races at the same track could bring more people in, and would be more convenient for the drivers, but the decision I cannot agree with. Most drivers who do Nationwide and the Sprint Cup series have no problem making the 8 mile trip on over to LOR, hell, some drivers travel from California to Wisconsin for a double header of racing on both series.
The racing at LOR took you back to the roots of Nascar, and as much as Nascar is trying to grow, they have made it an important topic to stay close to its roots, the beatin and banging, 200 lap under the light feature that LOR put on was a battle of today top starts against new up and coming drivers, who all gritted their teeth on Saturday night short track racing under the lights. Now look, I'm looking on both sides, most of you think that 42 bucks for general admission to a Nationwide is a bit steep, when you can spend 30 and get a ticket to the 400, that may be true, but LOR always sold out, the stands, the hills in Turn One and along the front stretch are always full on Friday and Saturday nights, how is 40,000 fans going to look at IMS for a Nationwide race? Empty.
Now I'm not blaming IMS at all, If your co workers smoking hot girlfriend said she would rather date you, wouldn't you? I blame Nascar for wanting this, I realize LOR may be a hard sell to those corporate sponsors, but that doesn't take away from the product it puts out. Nascar wants Danica and the other up and comers to get a shot at the Brickyard. Maybe Nascar wants to add this to learn for the Sprint Cup Series to make it more competitive, But if you give me 50 bucks and say pick a race, sorry IMS, I love you to death, but I'm heading to LOR the night before to catch the Nationwide race.
I hope LOR gets the races back, even if its a stand alone type event, I also would like to see Indy Car jump on this and put the Lights cars on the oval, and see if it is possible for the Indy Cars to get on the road course out there, to all the fans reading this, enjoy the race weekend at LOR that some have enjoyed since 1982.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
TOP NFL Quarterbacks heading into this season.
Hopefully the lockout gets lifted and some NFL can take place so we are not forced to do yard work, shovel, laundry or anything else we should do on Sunday, but instead sit on the couch for ten hours, eat boxes of pizzas, cases of beer and not even think about Monday, except for what it will take for our fantasy team to win if we have players playing Monday Night. Many experts have debated the top quarterbacks in the league, if my projections are right for starters, I rank all 32 probably starting Quarterbacks in the league.
1 Aaron Rodgers -GB
2 Peyton Manning-IND
3. Tom Brady-NE
4. Mike Vick-PHI
5. Drew Brees-NO
6. Ben Roethlisburger- PITT
7. Phillip Rivers- SD
8. Matt Ryan-ATL
9. Matt Schaub-HOU
10. Mark Sanchez-NYJ
11. Eli Manning -NYG
12. Tony Romo-DAL
13. Jay Cutler-Chi
14. Joe Flacco-Bal
15. Matt Hassellback-SEA
16. Sam Bradford-STL
17. Matt Stafford-DET
18. Matt Cassell -KC
19. David Garrard-JAC
20. Josh Freeman-TB
21. Tim Tebow-DEN
22. Donovan McNabb-WAS
23. Colt Mccoy -CLE
24 Chad Henne-MIA
25. Cam Newton-CAR
26. Kerry Collins-TEN
27 Christian Ponder-MIN
28 Jason Campbell-OAK
29. Derek Anderson-ARI
30 Alex Smith.-SF
31 Andy Dalton-CIN
32 Ryan Fitzpatrick-BUF
1 Aaron Rodgers -GB
2 Peyton Manning-IND
3. Tom Brady-NE
4. Mike Vick-PHI
5. Drew Brees-NO
6. Ben Roethlisburger- PITT
7. Phillip Rivers- SD
8. Matt Ryan-ATL
9. Matt Schaub-HOU
10. Mark Sanchez-NYJ
11. Eli Manning -NYG
12. Tony Romo-DAL
13. Jay Cutler-Chi
14. Joe Flacco-Bal
15. Matt Hassellback-SEA
16. Sam Bradford-STL
17. Matt Stafford-DET
18. Matt Cassell -KC
19. David Garrard-JAC
20. Josh Freeman-TB
21. Tim Tebow-DEN
22. Donovan McNabb-WAS
23. Colt Mccoy -CLE
24 Chad Henne-MIA
25. Cam Newton-CAR
26. Kerry Collins-TEN
27 Christian Ponder-MIN
28 Jason Campbell-OAK
29. Derek Anderson-ARI
30 Alex Smith.-SF
31 Andy Dalton-CIN
32 Ryan Fitzpatrick-BUF
Sunday, June 26, 2011
2011 Indy Car Power Rankings- Iowa
What an awesome event at the Iowa Speedway under the lights for the first time Saturday night for the IZOD Indy Car Series. Marco Andretti Snaps a 78 race win less streak that dates back his rookie season in 2006 when he won at Sonoma. Here's this Weeks Power Rankings.
1. Dario Franchitti- Dario continues his dominance after leading 172 laps Saturday night, a bit disappointing to not get the victory, but will Will Powers incident, Dario adds to his points lead.
2. Scott Dixon(+1)- Another podium for the Ice Man this weekend, even more satisfying after qualifying in the 23rd position, his worse qualifying effort of his Indy Car career.
3. Tony Kanaan(+3)- TK quickly put Milwaukee behind him with a runner up finish at Iowa. It is only a matter of time before TK and KV Racing Technology grad a win.
4. Will Power (-2)- Iowa was good at all to Will. A single car accident in turn 2 on lap 89 put Will 21st. A slight concussion was reported, the series couldn't return to a road course fast enough for this guy.
5. Oriol Servia- Servia had a solid run going throughout most of the night, the next few races are crucial for Servia, we will find out if he is a contender or a pretender.
6. Marco Andretti (+6) What a huge win it was for Marco and all of Andretti Autosport. He hadn't led a lap all season until Iowa. Iowa has always been a great track for AA, Congrats on his 2nd win.
7. Graham Rahal (-2) Graham just didn't have it at Iowa finishing 15th after starting 20th. Sometimes you just totally miss the set up
8. Takuma Sato- (+1) I'm going to move Takuma up one spot for his first ever pole effort. He lead seven laps, but, as we have grown use to , his night ended earlier after contact.
9. Ryan Briscoe (-3) Briscoe was 6th at Iowa, something tells me his seat is really getting hot at Penske, just hasn't had the results we are use to when it comes to the 6 car at Penske.
10. Danica Patrick (-2) A solid top 10 for Danica after starting on the outside of the front row. Shes ripped off 3 straight top 10's. She really did nothing to lose two spots, just how the ball rolls sometimes.
11. JR Hildebrand (+3) JR had a solid 4th place finish, leading 7 laps on Saturday night. He hhadn't finished higher than 18th since the 500.
12. James Hinchcliffe (+1)- The Rookie continues to impress on the Short ovals with a 9th place finish. I except Hinch to contend at Toronto in his homeland
13. Helio Castroneves(-2)- Helio scores his 4th straight top 10 with a 7th place run. He has been quiet most of the season, but its time for Helio to make some noise in the next few races.
14. Alex Tagliani (-4) Tags is struggling. He ran mid pack at Iowa and hasn't had the results that are expected. Maybe Schimdt's return is catching up to the team, but losing an engineer never helps.
15. Justin Wilson (+1) Wilson was 12th in Iowa. Fortunatly, the series will head for a few road courses to revamp the #22 cars season.
16. Ed Carpenter ( +3) - Don't be fooled by Ed moving up 3 spots, but an 11th place finish at Iowa is solid for the 67 team. Taking the next three races off, I except Carpenter to return to the ovals with a chip on his shoulder.
17. E.J Viso(-2) Viso's night ended early after handling issues, Toronto hasn't been to kind to EJ, the goal here should be to keep it on the asphalt.
18. Alex Lloyd(New) Lloyd breaks into the rankings with a solid 13th place finish, more importantly finishing on the lead lap. He ran solid at Milwaukee, unfortunately, Sebastian Bourdais will be in at Toronto.
19. Vitor Meira (-1) Vitor needs to finish a race, plain and simple. AJ cannot be happy, what so ever.
20. Charlie Kimball- Basically 20th by default, Its surprising that Charlie has not had better results to speak of.
1. Dario Franchitti- Dario continues his dominance after leading 172 laps Saturday night, a bit disappointing to not get the victory, but will Will Powers incident, Dario adds to his points lead.
2. Scott Dixon(+1)- Another podium for the Ice Man this weekend, even more satisfying after qualifying in the 23rd position, his worse qualifying effort of his Indy Car career.
3. Tony Kanaan(+3)- TK quickly put Milwaukee behind him with a runner up finish at Iowa. It is only a matter of time before TK and KV Racing Technology grad a win.
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| Photo Taken by : Eric Schwarzkopf |
5. Oriol Servia- Servia had a solid run going throughout most of the night, the next few races are crucial for Servia, we will find out if he is a contender or a pretender.
6. Marco Andretti (+6) What a huge win it was for Marco and all of Andretti Autosport. He hadn't led a lap all season until Iowa. Iowa has always been a great track for AA, Congrats on his 2nd win.
7. Graham Rahal (-2) Graham just didn't have it at Iowa finishing 15th after starting 20th. Sometimes you just totally miss the set up
8. Takuma Sato- (+1) I'm going to move Takuma up one spot for his first ever pole effort. He lead seven laps, but, as we have grown use to , his night ended earlier after contact.
9. Ryan Briscoe (-3) Briscoe was 6th at Iowa, something tells me his seat is really getting hot at Penske, just hasn't had the results we are use to when it comes to the 6 car at Penske.
10. Danica Patrick (-2) A solid top 10 for Danica after starting on the outside of the front row. Shes ripped off 3 straight top 10's. She really did nothing to lose two spots, just how the ball rolls sometimes.
11. JR Hildebrand (+3) JR had a solid 4th place finish, leading 7 laps on Saturday night. He hhadn't finished higher than 18th since the 500.
12. James Hinchcliffe (+1)- The Rookie continues to impress on the Short ovals with a 9th place finish. I except Hinch to contend at Toronto in his homeland
13. Helio Castroneves(-2)- Helio scores his 4th straight top 10 with a 7th place run. He has been quiet most of the season, but its time for Helio to make some noise in the next few races.
14. Alex Tagliani (-4) Tags is struggling. He ran mid pack at Iowa and hasn't had the results that are expected. Maybe Schimdt's return is catching up to the team, but losing an engineer never helps.
15. Justin Wilson (+1) Wilson was 12th in Iowa. Fortunatly, the series will head for a few road courses to revamp the #22 cars season.
16. Ed Carpenter ( +3) - Don't be fooled by Ed moving up 3 spots, but an 11th place finish at Iowa is solid for the 67 team. Taking the next three races off, I except Carpenter to return to the ovals with a chip on his shoulder.
17. E.J Viso(-2) Viso's night ended early after handling issues, Toronto hasn't been to kind to EJ, the goal here should be to keep it on the asphalt.
18. Alex Lloyd(New) Lloyd breaks into the rankings with a solid 13th place finish, more importantly finishing on the lead lap. He ran solid at Milwaukee, unfortunately, Sebastian Bourdais will be in at Toronto.
19. Vitor Meira (-1) Vitor needs to finish a race, plain and simple. AJ cannot be happy, what so ever.
20. Charlie Kimball- Basically 20th by default, Its surprising that Charlie has not had better results to speak of.
Monday, June 20, 2011
2011 Indy Car Power Rankings After Milwaukee
Yes, I do realize we are about half way through the season, but I realized it would be a cool idea to do, Indy Car Power Rankings. Power Rankings are huge during the NFL and NBA season, so maybe it will take off. I will do 20 drivers, quickly recap their last race and as we move forward, where they were the week before. I will take in account results, streaks and qualifying performances, just because I rank a driver 7th doesn't mean he or she is 7th in points. Obviously it will differ every week, and it will mostly be drivers that run full time. Hope you Enjoy!
1. Dario Franchitti- No Surprise here, he has won two races in 8 days to tie Will Power at the top of the IZOD Indy Car Series Standings. Dario has three wins on the season and has Top 10's in 7 of 8 races.
2. Will Power. Tied atop the Indy Car Series standings, won his first race on an oval last week in Texas. Will came from 17th to 4th at Milwaukee and is tied with Dario with three wins this season.
3. Scott Dixon- Dixon sits 4th in points, but a seventh place finish at Milwaukee to go with a pair of runner ups at Texas has Dixon back on track after finishing outside the top 15 in two of the first three races. Dixon struggles a bit at Iowa, he has yet to land a podium there.
4. Graham Rahal- A quiet runner up at Milwaukee, Rahal quickly put his 30th place finish in the second race at Texas behind him. The only laps Rahal has led this year came at Indianapolis.
5. Oriel Servia- Oriel sits third in points but could easily be flipped with Graham on these rankings. Besides finishing 15th and 21st at Texas, Servia has scored top 10's in each race, including his season high in Milwaukee of 3rd. He has not raced at Iowa since 2008.
6. Ryan Briscoe- Briscoe has had a pretty quiet season so far, he struggled at Indy but scored a 3rd and a 6th place finish in Texas. Briscoe was 11th at Milwaukee
7. Tony Kanaan- TK had a solid run going at Milwaukee, and had the best chance of anyone to beat Dario, but a turn four wreck ended his day early. He led 33 laps in Milwaukee and 39 in Race 2 at Texas, TK heads to Iowa as the defending champion.
8. Danica Patrick- This may be a surprise to most but Danica is starting to gain momentum. She earned her first top five of the season at Milwaukee and was eighth in race 2 at Texas. Maybe focusing on Indy Car will help her over the next few races.
9. Takuma Sato- After finishing dead last at Indy, Sato has put together three consist oval runs. He was 8th at Milwaukee and scored a top five in race #1 at Texas. The addition of TK to KV Racing seems to have helped the entire three car operation.
10. Alex Tagliani- Tags has started on the pole two out of the last four races, two out of three if you take out Texas's blind draw. But the results have not been there. Outside of his fourth place run in race 1 at Texas, he has finished 14th or worse dating back to Sao Paulo.
11. Helio Castroneves- Helio wound up a disappointing 9th at Milwaukee. He lead 31 laps after starting on the front row. After a disappointing 17th place run at Indy, Helio has been in the top ten the past three races.
12. Marco Andretti- Marco is yet to lead a lap this season, and has a season best of only 6th coming in race two at Texas. He has two podiums at Iowa back in 07 and 08.
13. James Hinchcliffe- Hinch Town had his best oval performance at Milwaukee finishing 6th. He quietly has three top tens on the season.
14. J.R Hildebrand- Living off the momentum, or lack their of after Indianapolis, Hildebrand has struggled most of his rookie campaign. Outside of Indy, his best finish is 10th, He has finished 18th or worse in the three races since the 500.
15. E.J Viso- Yes, he did put it into the wall, yet again at Milwaukee, but before that it was a pretty solid weekend at the Mile, qualifying 6th. He had two top tens at Texas, Viso was third at Iowa last year, avoid contact and Viso could move up this list.
16. Justin Wilson- Wilson has struggled for most of the season. He picked up his best oval result (10th) at Milwaukee. He hasn't had the results he is capable of, even on the road courses where he has a high of 7th at Sao Paolo.
17th. Vitor Meira- Meira has be inconsistent to say the least this season. He had a season best 8th place finish at the first Texas race, Meira has only one top ten start this season, that being on a blind draw at the second Texas race.
18th. Mike Conway- After the win in Long Beach, its been all down hill. His first year at Andretti Autosport hasn't gone as smooth as planned, following a 6th at Sao Paolo, Conways best finish is 12th. The road courses cant come soon enough.
19th. Ed Carpenter - Ed has not been up to speed outside of Indy. He is yet to break into the top 10 this year, and has been 16th or worse since Indianapolis.
20th. Charlie Kimball- Three drivers could be consider at the last spot on the list. Charlies has shown promise, despite wrecking at Texas, he placed 14th at Milwaukee
On the Outside looking in is Ryan Hunter-Reay, Alex Lloyd and Simona De Silvestro. Don't forget to watch the Iowa race on Saturday evening at 8 E.S.T on Versus and 1070 The Fan here in Indianapolis
1. Dario Franchitti- No Surprise here, he has won two races in 8 days to tie Will Power at the top of the IZOD Indy Car Series Standings. Dario has three wins on the season and has Top 10's in 7 of 8 races.
2. Will Power. Tied atop the Indy Car Series standings, won his first race on an oval last week in Texas. Will came from 17th to 4th at Milwaukee and is tied with Dario with three wins this season.
3. Scott Dixon- Dixon sits 4th in points, but a seventh place finish at Milwaukee to go with a pair of runner ups at Texas has Dixon back on track after finishing outside the top 15 in two of the first three races. Dixon struggles a bit at Iowa, he has yet to land a podium there.
4. Graham Rahal- A quiet runner up at Milwaukee, Rahal quickly put his 30th place finish in the second race at Texas behind him. The only laps Rahal has led this year came at Indianapolis.
5. Oriel Servia- Oriel sits third in points but could easily be flipped with Graham on these rankings. Besides finishing 15th and 21st at Texas, Servia has scored top 10's in each race, including his season high in Milwaukee of 3rd. He has not raced at Iowa since 2008.
6. Ryan Briscoe- Briscoe has had a pretty quiet season so far, he struggled at Indy but scored a 3rd and a 6th place finish in Texas. Briscoe was 11th at Milwaukee
7. Tony Kanaan- TK had a solid run going at Milwaukee, and had the best chance of anyone to beat Dario, but a turn four wreck ended his day early. He led 33 laps in Milwaukee and 39 in Race 2 at Texas, TK heads to Iowa as the defending champion.
8. Danica Patrick- This may be a surprise to most but Danica is starting to gain momentum. She earned her first top five of the season at Milwaukee and was eighth in race 2 at Texas. Maybe focusing on Indy Car will help her over the next few races.
9. Takuma Sato- After finishing dead last at Indy, Sato has put together three consist oval runs. He was 8th at Milwaukee and scored a top five in race #1 at Texas. The addition of TK to KV Racing seems to have helped the entire three car operation.
10. Alex Tagliani- Tags has started on the pole two out of the last four races, two out of three if you take out Texas's blind draw. But the results have not been there. Outside of his fourth place run in race 1 at Texas, he has finished 14th or worse dating back to Sao Paulo.
11. Helio Castroneves- Helio wound up a disappointing 9th at Milwaukee. He lead 31 laps after starting on the front row. After a disappointing 17th place run at Indy, Helio has been in the top ten the past three races.
12. Marco Andretti- Marco is yet to lead a lap this season, and has a season best of only 6th coming in race two at Texas. He has two podiums at Iowa back in 07 and 08.
13. James Hinchcliffe- Hinch Town had his best oval performance at Milwaukee finishing 6th. He quietly has three top tens on the season.
14. J.R Hildebrand- Living off the momentum, or lack their of after Indianapolis, Hildebrand has struggled most of his rookie campaign. Outside of Indy, his best finish is 10th, He has finished 18th or worse in the three races since the 500.
15. E.J Viso- Yes, he did put it into the wall, yet again at Milwaukee, but before that it was a pretty solid weekend at the Mile, qualifying 6th. He had two top tens at Texas, Viso was third at Iowa last year, avoid contact and Viso could move up this list.
16. Justin Wilson- Wilson has struggled for most of the season. He picked up his best oval result (10th) at Milwaukee. He hasn't had the results he is capable of, even on the road courses where he has a high of 7th at Sao Paolo.
17th. Vitor Meira- Meira has be inconsistent to say the least this season. He had a season best 8th place finish at the first Texas race, Meira has only one top ten start this season, that being on a blind draw at the second Texas race.
18th. Mike Conway- After the win in Long Beach, its been all down hill. His first year at Andretti Autosport hasn't gone as smooth as planned, following a 6th at Sao Paolo, Conways best finish is 12th. The road courses cant come soon enough.
19th. Ed Carpenter - Ed has not been up to speed outside of Indy. He is yet to break into the top 10 this year, and has been 16th or worse since Indianapolis.
20th. Charlie Kimball- Three drivers could be consider at the last spot on the list. Charlies has shown promise, despite wrecking at Texas, he placed 14th at Milwaukee
On the Outside looking in is Ryan Hunter-Reay, Alex Lloyd and Simona De Silvestro. Don't forget to watch the Iowa race on Saturday evening at 8 E.S.T on Versus and 1070 The Fan here in Indianapolis
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Bittersweet to Say the least.
What a day at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. After being towed from Georgetown Road The night before, I was stressed to the max about getting my car from the tow lot, paying the fine at the Police station, getting my car, and making the race. After little to no sleep, I decided to worry about my car after the race, and the 165 dollars it would take to get it. Traffic was horrid, but luckily we made it to our seats in plenty of time to cheer for Dan Wheldon and Tomas Scheckter. Of course, Dan took the win and Tomas finished top 8, this had me in a great mood and I quickly forgot about the towing disaster.
After the unpredictable finish, as Wheldon crossed the stripe and the reality of his win set in, I got a bit emotional. It was great for him, Dan is an excellent guy, surrounded by excellent people from his crew, family and his friends. He was patient all day, and the disappointment of the last 2 years is now gone.
Hats off to JR Hildebrand for a great drive. Sitting in 3 he had been off the throttle for the last 2 laps saying fuel, I'm not 100% sure but I think he ran out in T4, what a finish and glad everyone was safe.
I decided to try to get down to victory circle seeing is I knew a few people close to the team. I ran into friend Bayleigh who is very close with Dan, I talked up the yellow shirt and we got in ( I'm sure someone would have gotten us in anyway, but hey, I felt like a BA) It was a blessing to be in victory circle with Dan, and some friends. As I stopped to remind myself that this may be a once in a lifetime moment that thousands of people would kill to have, I took a breath, fist bumped Mr. Wheldon and shed a tear. What a race, what a great, and what a great deserving champion.
After the unpredictable finish, as Wheldon crossed the stripe and the reality of his win set in, I got a bit emotional. It was great for him, Dan is an excellent guy, surrounded by excellent people from his crew, family and his friends. He was patient all day, and the disappointment of the last 2 years is now gone.
I decided to try to get down to victory circle seeing is I knew a few people close to the team. I ran into friend Bayleigh who is very close with Dan, I talked up the yellow shirt and we got in ( I'm sure someone would have gotten us in anyway, but hey, I felt like a BA) It was a blessing to be in victory circle with Dan, and some friends. As I stopped to remind myself that this may be a once in a lifetime moment that thousands of people would kill to have, I took a breath, fist bumped Mr. Wheldon and shed a tear. What a race, what a great, and what a great deserving champion.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Breaking Down the 500
As the 100th anniversary of the 500 nears, I thought I would take a stab at handicapping the field, who has the best and worse odds to win, based on starting position, crew and past experience in the race. As we all know the 500 is the hardest race and for that matter hardest sporting event to predict, but hey, its worth a shot so here we go, I'm putting all my fan hood aside on this..
2-1 Scott Dixon
3-1 Will Power
4-1 Dario Franchitti
5-1 Townsend Bell
6-1 Helio Castroneves
7-1 Dan Wheldon
8-1 Alex Tagliani
9-1 Ed Carpenter
10-1 Buddy Rice
11-1 Oriol Servia
12-1 Ryan Briscoe
13-1 Tomas Scheckter
14-1 Tony Kanaan
15-1 JR Hildebrand
16-1 Vitor Meira
17-1 Graham Rahal
18-1 Paul Tracy
19-1 Justin Wilson
20-1 Marco Andretti
21-1 James Hinchcliffe
22-1 Danica Patrick
23-1 Bertrand Baguette
24-1 Davey Hamilton
25-1 Simona De Silvestro
26-1 John Andretti
27-1 Alex Lloyd
28-1 Takuma Sato
29-1 Ryan Hunter Reay
30-1 Ana Beatriz
31-1 EJ Viso
32-1 Charlie Kimball
33-1 Jay Howard
34-1 Pippa Mann
2-1 Scott Dixon
3-1 Will Power
4-1 Dario Franchitti
5-1 Townsend Bell
6-1 Helio Castroneves
7-1 Dan Wheldon
8-1 Alex Tagliani
9-1 Ed Carpenter
10-1 Buddy Rice
11-1 Oriol Servia
12-1 Ryan Briscoe
13-1 Tomas Scheckter
14-1 Tony Kanaan
15-1 JR Hildebrand
16-1 Vitor Meira
17-1 Graham Rahal
18-1 Paul Tracy
19-1 Justin Wilson
20-1 Marco Andretti
21-1 James Hinchcliffe
22-1 Danica Patrick
23-1 Bertrand Baguette
24-1 Davey Hamilton
25-1 Simona De Silvestro
26-1 John Andretti
27-1 Alex Lloyd
28-1 Takuma Sato
29-1 Ryan Hunter Reay
30-1 Ana Beatriz
31-1 EJ Viso
32-1 Charlie Kimball
33-1 Jay Howard
34-1 Pippa Mann
Friday, May 20, 2011
Pole Day Qualifying
As I did last year, and probably failed miserably, I am going to attempt to predict the 33 starters for the 100th anniversary of the Indianapolis 500. I said it last week, and I will stand by it, their are 13-15 legitimate contenders to win this years Indy 500, but drivers still have to run the first race, and that's 4 laps, 10 miles around the worlds greatest race course. So here we go.
I'm going to take Scott Dixon for the pole. It would be Dixon's 2nd pole position at the Brickyard, but really you can take all the Ganassi and Penske Guys, throw them in a hat and pick one. Filling out the front row, ill take Helio Castroneves and Will Power. Lets run through the rest of the 22 starters that will be locked in as of 6pm tomorrow.
Row 2- Ryan Briscoe, Dario Franchitti Townsend Bell
Row 3- Graham Rahal Alex Tagliani Ed Carpenter
Row 4- Dan Wheldon Bertrand Baguette JR Hildebrand
Row 5- Vitor Meira Marco Andretti Davey Hamilton
Row 6- Buddy Rice Oriel Servia Tony Kanaan
Row 7- Takuma Sato James Hinchcliffe Tomas Scheckter
Row 8 Danica Patrick Justin Wilson and Paul Tracy
There is my top 22- this leaves, Ana Beatriz, , , Alex Lloyd, Jay Howard ,Ho Pin Tung, Pippa Mann ,EJ Viso, Bruno Junqueira, Ryan Hunter Reay, John Andretti, Ralphael Matos, Mike Conway, James Jakes, Sebastian Saavedra, Simona De Silvestro and Scott Speed to qualify on Sunday. Who knows if Speed will last, and I hope to see Sarah Fisher Racing turn out the 57 car and get in. Hope everyone enjoys Pole Day as I know I will.
I'm going to take Scott Dixon for the pole. It would be Dixon's 2nd pole position at the Brickyard, but really you can take all the Ganassi and Penske Guys, throw them in a hat and pick one. Filling out the front row, ill take Helio Castroneves and Will Power. Lets run through the rest of the 22 starters that will be locked in as of 6pm tomorrow.
Row 2- Ryan Briscoe, Dario Franchitti Townsend Bell
Row 3- Graham Rahal Alex Tagliani Ed Carpenter
Row 4- Dan Wheldon Bertrand Baguette JR Hildebrand
Row 5- Vitor Meira Marco Andretti Davey Hamilton
Row 6- Buddy Rice Oriel Servia Tony Kanaan
Row 7- Takuma Sato James Hinchcliffe Tomas Scheckter
Row 8 Danica Patrick Justin Wilson and Paul Tracy
There is my top 22- this leaves, Ana Beatriz, , , Alex Lloyd, Jay Howard ,Ho Pin Tung, Pippa Mann ,EJ Viso, Bruno Junqueira, Ryan Hunter Reay, John Andretti, Ralphael Matos, Mike Conway, James Jakes, Sebastian Saavedra, Simona De Silvestro and Scott Speed to qualify on Sunday. Who knows if Speed will last, and I hope to see Sarah Fisher Racing turn out the 57 car and get in. Hope everyone enjoys Pole Day as I know I will.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
The 100th Anniversary of the Indianapolis 500. Opening Weekend
Although the rains dampened the afternoon yesterday and all day today, it was a great opening weekend at the worlds greatest race course. Saturday got off to a delayed start, not by rain, but a sprinkler on the backstretch. Hope this isn't a sign of whats to come with the weather, as today was a wash, and the next 6 days have rain in the forecast.
32 drivers logged laps at the Brickyard yesterday with local Ed Carpenter taking the top speed at 224. 786. Ed shouldn't be a surprise to anyone. He has ran well at the speedway, leading laps two years ago at the 500, and making the Top 11 in qualifying last season. The Surprise should be in Sarah Fisher Racing. SFR has made significant strides in the off season, and with an experienced driver in Carpenter, along with long time engineer Nathan O'Rourke. Rumor is Buddy Lazier could be in line for the #57 ride with SFR if Ed makes it safely into the field on Pole Day.
I think this will be one of the most competitive fields in recent history. I feel their are 17 drivers that have a legit shot at winning, I guess I should back, in no particular order. 1. Dan Wheldon 2. Helio Castroneves 3. Will Power 4. Ryan Briscoe 5. Scott Dixon 6. Dario Franchitti 7. Tomas Scheckter 8. Tony Kanaan 9. Graham Rahal 10. Justin Wilson. 11. Marco Andretti 12. Mike Conway 13. Ed Carpenter 14. Paul Tracy 15. Ryan Hunter Reay 16. Townsend Bell 17. Alex Tagliani.
Right after that list there are a few that wouldn't be shocking, such as Danica, Simona Oriel Servia, Buddy Rice, JR Hildebrand, Bertrand Baguette and Alex Lloyd. There should be a good battle for Rookie of the Year as well, with James Hichcliffe, Scott Speed and JR Hildebrand, not to mention a few others. Not that I have crazily said that half the field could contend, Ill be back Friday for my pole day predictions.
It was great to see familiar faces at the speedway all weekend, and hopefully more to come. Ill continue to be that guy that roams around the pits by himself, taking pictures like an Asian in a parking lot, but I'm OK with that, this only comes around once a year, got to soak it up while I can.
32 drivers logged laps at the Brickyard yesterday with local Ed Carpenter taking the top speed at 224. 786. Ed shouldn't be a surprise to anyone. He has ran well at the speedway, leading laps two years ago at the 500, and making the Top 11 in qualifying last season. The Surprise should be in Sarah Fisher Racing. SFR has made significant strides in the off season, and with an experienced driver in Carpenter, along with long time engineer Nathan O'Rourke. Rumor is Buddy Lazier could be in line for the #57 ride with SFR if Ed makes it safely into the field on Pole Day.
I think this will be one of the most competitive fields in recent history. I feel their are 17 drivers that have a legit shot at winning, I guess I should back, in no particular order. 1. Dan Wheldon 2. Helio Castroneves 3. Will Power 4. Ryan Briscoe 5. Scott Dixon 6. Dario Franchitti 7. Tomas Scheckter 8. Tony Kanaan 9. Graham Rahal 10. Justin Wilson. 11. Marco Andretti 12. Mike Conway 13. Ed Carpenter 14. Paul Tracy 15. Ryan Hunter Reay 16. Townsend Bell 17. Alex Tagliani.
Right after that list there are a few that wouldn't be shocking, such as Danica, Simona Oriel Servia, Buddy Rice, JR Hildebrand, Bertrand Baguette and Alex Lloyd. There should be a good battle for Rookie of the Year as well, with James Hichcliffe, Scott Speed and JR Hildebrand, not to mention a few others. Not that I have crazily said that half the field could contend, Ill be back Friday for my pole day predictions.
It was great to see familiar faces at the speedway all weekend, and hopefully more to come. Ill continue to be that guy that roams around the pits by himself, taking pictures like an Asian in a parking lot, but I'm OK with that, this only comes around once a year, got to soak it up while I can.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Month of May Bucket List
The Month of May is here, well almost. The 2 weeks of May that will make up practice and qualifying for the Indianapolis 500 gets under way Saturday May 14th. This year, outside of the race itself, it should be a fun and exciting as the Speedway celebrates the 100th birthday of the first 500 back in 1911. Talking to a good friend of mine who shares the same passion for the 500 as I, We decided to come up with a bucket list of things to do this month. Here is mine.
3. Check out the Museum. With most of all the past 500 winners cars, defiantly worth the time to check out.
4. Take a minimum of 200 pictures. This may be the easiest, plenty of things to capture and keep for years to come, especially with family and friends coming down for the race.
5. Meet someone new everyday. These days, it is about who you know, and there is nothing such thing as knowing too many people.
7. Survive Carb Day. Pretty self explanatory.
9. Meet every driver that will start the 500. This shouldn't be too hard, just need to meet maybe 5.
1. Spend every time at the speedway that its open for track activity. I accomplished this last season, I'm fortunate to have a Silver badge, and plan to be out there everyday.
2. Tweet. Follow my personal twitter @tonyd6624 and also follow me on @500coverage for up to the minute update from the Speedway.
3. Check out the Museum. With most of all the past 500 winners cars, defiantly worth the time to check out.
4. Take a minimum of 200 pictures. This may be the easiest, plenty of things to capture and keep for years to come, especially with family and friends coming down for the race.
5. Meet someone new everyday. These days, it is about who you know, and there is nothing such thing as knowing too many people.
6. Watch a practice session from the top deck in turn 1. A great view looking straight down the front stretch, I could probably take 200 pictures up their alone.
7. Survive Carb Day. Pretty self explanatory.
8. Continue some traditions that have been set. Spending race morning with friends and family. Walk Georgetown Road at 1am race morning, buy a cheap 5 dollar T-shirt after the race.
10. Take in the month, the advantages and opportunities I have and hope it does not end too soon.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Thats a Wrap
37-45. Not the best of records, but enough to get into the NBA Playoffs for the Pacers, that's the good news, the bad news, the Bulls, the #1 overall seed would await them. The Bulls are a hell of a team, Derrick Rose takes your breath away, Bulls lover or hater, any fan of the game would pay money just to see him. The sure MVP of the league, is one of the NBA's new born stars, and he is only 22.
The Pacers are young, and came into the playoffs with a nothing to lose mind set. They took the Bulls to the brink in the first three games, but inexperience, the lack of a closer, and no post presence let the Bulls take the first 3 games right from under the Blue and Gold. These Pacers remind you a little bit of the 8 seeded Bulls of a year ago, unfortunately, a #1 draft pick is not in the Pacers future any time soon.
It doesn't matter if your a die hard Pacer fan, or a casual follower of the NBA, you knew the Pacers would not win this series. The meaning of a best of seven series is to have the best team win. Anyone can beat anyone once, but to do it four out of seven tries is hard. The Pacers gained valuable experience, grew as a young team, played physical, and earned the respect of the NBA.
The off season brings some unknowns to the table. Who will return? Who will be brought in? One thing is for sure, the Pacers have cap room, and they need a Power Forward. Danny Granger needs to become more of a vocal leader, work on his defense, and practicing driving to the cup. This could be the first of many years we see the Pacers in the playoffs.
As for the Bulls, Luol Deng and Derrick Rose played outstanding. Carlos Boozer was disappointing to say the least, especially for a 90 million dollar man with tons of playoff experience. Kyle Korver earned his paycheck this entire series and the role players did what is expected. I'm not sure this is the year the Bulls win it all, but I do know they are built for the future, a future that is bright for both the Pacers and Bulls. A new emergence of contenders have arrived, The Bulls, Thunder, Sixers and Pacers all have bright futures ahead.
The Pacers are young, and came into the playoffs with a nothing to lose mind set. They took the Bulls to the brink in the first three games, but inexperience, the lack of a closer, and no post presence let the Bulls take the first 3 games right from under the Blue and Gold. These Pacers remind you a little bit of the 8 seeded Bulls of a year ago, unfortunately, a #1 draft pick is not in the Pacers future any time soon.
It doesn't matter if your a die hard Pacer fan, or a casual follower of the NBA, you knew the Pacers would not win this series. The meaning of a best of seven series is to have the best team win. Anyone can beat anyone once, but to do it four out of seven tries is hard. The Pacers gained valuable experience, grew as a young team, played physical, and earned the respect of the NBA.
As for the Bulls, Luol Deng and Derrick Rose played outstanding. Carlos Boozer was disappointing to say the least, especially for a 90 million dollar man with tons of playoff experience. Kyle Korver earned his paycheck this entire series and the role players did what is expected. I'm not sure this is the year the Bulls win it all, but I do know they are built for the future, a future that is bright for both the Pacers and Bulls. A new emergence of contenders have arrived, The Bulls, Thunder, Sixers and Pacers all have bright futures ahead.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
My Thoughts on Butler's Run
No. I am not a Butler grad, but neither are alot of the fans that will pull for Butler this weekend, and thats ok. How could you not fall in love with the story, the team, the coach, and the Butler way. I feel I have been adopted into the Butler family, working for the flag ship station of Butler, 1070 The Fan, and meeting many Butler grads, their isn't a better team to be pulling for in the Final Four.
What separates Butler from most of the teams in this tournament? They do things the right way, for example, some players on the day of last year's national championship game attended class on campus, and then headed downtown to Lucas Oil Stadium for the National Championship. The problem with the NCAA today is, most basketball players are athletes before students, as for Butler, they are the perfect example of the student athlete. These players are committed to getting an education, as well as a Championship banner in Hinkle. While in Houston, some players even knocked out some homework in the locker room before practice.
It also helps to have one of the smartest, up beat and passionate coaches in the country. The silent assassin has taken down some of the top coaches in the nation over the past two tournament runs, all while staying true and loyal to Butler, signing a twelve year extension through the 2022 season. Butler has won all of this years tournament games by seven points or less, include last minute wins over Old Dominion, Pitt and Florida.
This is another magical run for Butler. They are no longer the cinderella, they are now a contendor and one of the top programs in the country. The key to Butlers success is playing as a team. Lead by Shelvin Mack Matt Howard and Shawn Vanzant, The Dawgs go nine deep and can beat you in so many ways. Ronald Nored, Andrew Smith, Kyhle Marshall and Zach Hahn are key players to the success of Butler, along with a very famous mascot cheering them on in Blue II.
To all the fans, in Indy and nation wide. Enjoy the Final Four. For the second straight season a mid major will play of the national title. Take a minute before tip, and think about how Butler has got to this point, how hard it is to make one Final Four, let alone two, and the way they get it done on and off the court, The Butler Way.
This is another magical run for Butler. They are no longer the cinderella, they are now a contendor and one of the top programs in the country. The key to Butlers success is playing as a team. Lead by Shelvin Mack Matt Howard and Shawn Vanzant, The Dawgs go nine deep and can beat you in so many ways. Ronald Nored, Andrew Smith, Kyhle Marshall and Zach Hahn are key players to the success of Butler, along with a very famous mascot cheering them on in Blue II.
To all the fans, in Indy and nation wide. Enjoy the Final Four. For the second straight season a mid major will play of the national title. Take a minute before tip, and think about how Butler has got to this point, how hard it is to make one Final Four, let alone two, and the way they get it done on and off the court, The Butler Way.
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