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.