Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg

[DanicaFan]

Well everyone, its that time of year again. Indycar season just over 2 weeks away. So, lets get this started...

http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee236/DanicaRules/hgp_logo.jpg

Race 1 of 16

Race - Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg

Location - Streets of St. Petersburg, Florida

Date - Sunday, March 25th

Time & TV Schedule - Pre-Race Show - 12:00PM , Green Flag - 12:30PM - ABC

Course Type - 1.8 Mile Street Course

Distance - 100 Laps / 180 Miles

Practice Sessions -

Friday, March 23rd - 11:50AM-12:50PM & 2:30PM-3:50PM Eastern
Saturday, March 24th - 9:55AM-10:55AM Eastern

Qualifications - Saturday, March 24th - 1:15PM-3:15PM

2011 Pole Sitter -#12 Will Power - 1:01.9625 / 104.579 MPH

2011 Winner - #10 Dario Franchitti

[DanicaFan]

http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee236/DanicaRules/stpetemap.jpg

[heliocastroneves#3]

Definitely looking forward to this, although this race will be different than it was the last 7 years.

Certainly one of my favorite street courses on the schedule, but there are not really tracks on the schedule which I dislike anyway. Who are having a chance to win here? I won't rule out Andretti Autosport, they seem to be coming back on the level they had in 2007.

[nigelred5]

It's gnawing at me that I couldn't get off work the 26th and 27th so I could attend the race. I"ll be a freaking hour away for over a week starting the 28th.

I'd be going with the usual suspects in a Penske car except they seem to be driving firecrackers in testing. Going out on a very short limb and saying a Chevy powered KV or Andretti car will finish 1st.

[FIAT1]

I'm going with Honda. I would love to see Rahal winning the race.

[DanicaFan]

I gotta pull for Marco !

[heliocastroneves#3]

It's the opening round, so he will probably end upside down in turn 1 hehe. :p Well, you never know.... I think Marco Andretti is definitely having a chance. :)

What about Hunter-Reay or Castroneves? Both were very quick in the last practices. I'm a little bit concerned about Chip Ganassi Racing tough. Dario is a very nice person... And I won't be against it if he would become the champion again, but after a three in a row for him, I'm going to root a lil more for Scott Dixon this year at the Target squad.

[Anubis]

Doubtless be the usual suspects, but will be keeping an eye on TK and Rubens, as I think that pairing is going to work very well indeed. Shall obviously be cheering on Taku as well, right up to the point he plants it in the fence. Finished second in an exhibition FNippon race over the weekend, so he's sort of warmed up already.

[call_me_andrew]

Gee, I wonder if it'll be a Penske 1-2 or a Penske 1-2-3!

[00steven]

Powerful days ahead...

[FormerFF]

Powerful days ahead...

Fer shurr, Will's the best roadracer in the series.

[Jag_Warrior]

I think it would be pretty darn cool if Rubens won it (he will be there, right?).

[call_me_andrew]

I think it would be pretty darn cool if Rubens won it (he will be there, right?).

I think it would make IndyCar drivers look pretty darn bad if Rubens won it.

[DBell]

I think it would make IndyCar drivers look pretty darn bad if Rubens won it.

I don't agree. If Rubens were to come out and dominate the season, then I can see that sentiment. But Rubens coming over and being competitive and winning some races doesn't lessen the quality of drivers in IndyCar to me.

[garyshell]

I don't agree. If Rubens were to come out and dominate the season, then I can see that sentiment. But Rubens coming over and being competitive and winning some races doesn't lessen the quality of drivers in IndyCar to me.

I agree with you DBell. If he came over LAST year, when all the teams had baseline data on their cars and won, it might make the other drivers look bad. But given the current situation I don't think it would cast any real shadow. At this point anyone can jump up with a little luck and hard work.

Gary

[FIAT1]

Challenge for Rubens will be getting used to yellows.

[heliocastroneves#3]

The whole thing is new to Rubens; And there's no need to think he would have an advantage, because he competed 19 seasons in F1. I wish him the best though, he's a nice guy and I hope to see him doing well. :)

It would be nice if he could do it; Scott Dixon also won immediately when he made his IRL debut, and that absolutely didn't mean drivers like Scheckter, de Ferran or Hornish were immediately bad drivers or something (on the contrary..)

[FIAT1]

He will be as good as his car. Penske and Ganassi will dominate and someone will take a checkered with a lucky yellow in between. Where he might bring some advantage is experience in new car developement every year in F1. Winning or not Indycar is better with Rubens on the grid.

[edv]

I'm pullin' for the Mayor of HinchTown!

[DanicaFan]

Pit Lane Assignments..

http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee236/DanicaRules/stpetepits.jpg

[F1boat]

As always, I support my favorite driver Dario Franchitti, but now I must admit that I will be happy if Rubens Barrichello wins it.

[JC_Berger]

Just wanted to let you know, there is a newer version of the map available. I think it is on the website, but if you have any trouble with it, just let me know, as I actually made that map.


Wise words.

[FIAT1]

I heard there is going to be a race this weekend. I do have to admit , there is excitement in the air, and I can't wait to see these cars race. Finally!!!

[DanicaFan]

Here is the entry list..

http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee236/DanicaRules/stpeteentry2012.jpg

[garyshell]

26 cars, where are the folks who said we'd be lucky to see 20 on the grid? Just sayin'...

Gary

[Anubis]

Away from the headline teams, it'll be interesting to see how Wilson does with Coyne, and by extension, how Jakes benefits from having Wilson as a team mate.

[FIAT1]

New INDYCAR Website coming March 21st, 2012 at 12pm Eastern (http://www.indycar.com/)

I don't know if this belong here, but here it is...

[heliocastroneves#3]

Yeah, I just saw it. I'm very curious, I already knew a new website was coming around the St. Petersburg race, but not when exactly... I know an update already would come to the new website around the Indianapolis 500. I'll definitely keep an eye on this. Those things are always very interesting for me, as I'm a designer my self. I have to say that the current website is great but a completely new design after 2 years, won't be wrong at all I think.

[00steven]

26 cars, where are the folks who said we'd be lucky to see 20 on the grid? Just sayin'...

Gary

Ha ha! So true!

[SarahFan]

26 cars, where are the folks who said we'd be lucky to see 20 on the grid? Just sayin'...

Gary

Can you ACTUALLY dig up a post where someone said/posted that?

[garyshell]

Can you ACTUALLY dig up a post where someone said/posted that?

Oh sure let me spend a couple of hours trying to dredge it up just because you want to see it. Not.

Gary

[heliocastroneves#3]

@SarahFan: I'm pretty sure I saw someone saying this, I dunno exactly who it was... It was anthonyvop, right? I'm not sure about this tough.. Well, nevermind.

[chuck34]

Can you ACTUALLY dig up a post where someone said/posted that?

Will this do? http://www.motorsportforums.com/indycar/149659-end-road-newman-haas.html post #9

The Question is will they be the last?

Especially considering that most of the teams are faced with warehouses full of obsolete equipment and are forced to buy new cars and parts.

Or post #10

time will tell, probably not the last - but I do not think it is necessarily portends of things to come in and of itself.....

You also seemed to be implying that with post #19, although not in so many words

It's interesting that everyone seems to be contributing this to the loss of Newman and the age of Hass... Yet straight from haas' mouth the reason is the 'economic climate'

Post #21

Can Penske be all that far behind?

That was about 5 minutes worth of looking. Do I need to go on?????

[SarahFan]

None of those posts suggest less than 26 cars

*this just another in a long line of classic Gary shell projection

[chuck34]

None of those posts suggest less than 26 cars

*this just another in a long line of classic Gary shell projection

Are you serious? Talk of more teams going under, doesn't suggest less than 26 cars?????? Are you kidding me?

Classic case of Ken not wanting to admit he may have been wrong.

[SarahFan]

Find a post where someone ACTUALLY said less than 26 cars

[numanoid]

Find a post where someone ACTUALLY said less than 26 cars

http://www.motorsportforums.com/indycar/146730-chevrolet-honda-provide-engines-10-cars-each.html#post944821

http://www.motorsportforums.com/indycar/146730-chevrolet-honda-provide-engines-10-cars-each.html#post945806

[garyshell]

Find a post where someone ACTUALLY said less than 26 cars


You are being very optimistic.

How many teams are in the financial/Sponsorship situation where they can toss their current cars, spares, specialty tools and data and replace them with all new product?

Penske, Ganassi, KV, Andretti(Doubt will see a 4 car Andretti team next year), Panther.......a 20 car grid next year would be astounding.

Is that what you wanted. Jeesh. Happy now Ken?

Gary

[numanoid]

Is that what you wanted. Jeesh.

Gary

Beat ya! ;)

[chuck34]

Find a post where someone ACTUALLY said less than 26 cars

So somehow in your world teams going under doesn't equate to less cars in the field? Okaaaaaay.

And looks like numanoid and gary have both found quotes for you. But I'm sure you will find some way to discount those posts as well. Why can't you just say "hey I was wrong, and than goodness too. I'm glad to see more cars than expected"? Would that be such a horrible thing to admit?

[garyshell]

Beat ya! ;)


To quote Maxwell Smart, "Missed it by that much."

Gary

[garyshell]

New INDYCAR Website coming March 21st, 2012 at 12pm Eastern (http://www.indycar.com/)

I don't know if this belong here, but here it is...

I've been hitting refresh since 12:00 PM. It just went live a few minutes ago.

Gary

[heliocastroneves#3]

The new IndyCar site is online! It looks awesome! :)

[drewdawg727]

Reading some websites that say Bourdais will not be on the grid this weekend ...... I think they're trying to resolve the problem.
If you guys are in the pickem competition, please be aware of this and make changes accordingly!!

[SarahFan]

That's who you guys/gals are talking about ...,Anthony?

Seriously

He might be the only poster more out of touch than danicafan

These forums are nothing if not entertaining

[heliocastroneves#3]

That's true sarahfan, but I don't think it's entertaining when people are saying that the times at Sebring are slow, and there might be no more then 20 cars on the grid at St. Pete.... Those forums are way better then the dutch edition of a motorsport forum we have, where everyone is so... Boring..

[SarahFan]

HCN3...

I do t find what he has to say entertaining either....

The comedy is in those that hang on his every word ... Those that actcually entertain what he has to say

[garyshell]

I have searched the new IndyCar.com web page and can't find the usual schedule on ontrack activity. Has anyone seen it?

Gary

[chuck34]

That's who you guys/gals are talking about ...,Anthony?

Seriously

He might be the only poster more out of touch than danicafan

These forums are nothing if not entertaining


Can you ACTUALLY dig up a post where someone said/posted that?

So now Anthony isn't "someone"? How about Chris R. Or yourself. You all were implying that more teams will go out of business. Oh right, that doesn't mean less cars somehow. :confused:

Why can't you just admit that you were wrong, that there were people claiming a loss of cars, that you are happy they are wrong, that you are happy there is a healthy number of cars at St. Pete? Why is that so d@mn hard for you?

[Andrewmcm]

Trying to save face is odd on the internet, particularly as no-one can see your face.

[numanoid]

So this race is an ABC race. Does that mean no televised qualifying?

[heliocastroneves#3]

NBC might broadcast the qualifying... Does someone knows if NBC will broadcast qualifying, or if it just won't be televised? I fear it won't be televised, but I'm not a fanatical fan of watching qualifying sessions anyway.

[booger]

Supposedly Seabass doesn't have an engine yet? WTF? This makes no sense at all.

[FIAT1]

Supposedly Seabass doesn't have an engine yet? WTF? This makes no sense at all.

Yeah, I read obout it and it makes me feel so bad for this great racer. Damn shame.

[Nikki Katz]

Ok, it's clear that Lotus are going to be also-rans, but if they can only come up with 4 engines that's just bad. Also, why's it Bourdais that loses out? Of all the Lotus drivers he's probably the best!

[heliocastroneves#3]

It's because he drives for Dragon Racing, the team with the smallest amount of money of the Lotus powered teams. Also the lack of sponsorship might be an issue here. If it really was based on drivers talent, I think they would leave Kat without an engine. Just because she's a rookie and all other Lotus drivers are having at least one season of IndyCar experience under their belt. I know Kat ran in Champ Car, but IndyCar is completely different and Seabass already competed at the 2005 Indianapolis 500 and 9 road/street races last year.

[garyshell]

I read something on another site (can't remember which one) that said there were "sponsorship issues".

Gary

[FIAT1]

It's I know Kat ran in Champ Car, but IndyCar is completely different and Seabass already competed at the 2005 Indianapolis 500 and 9 road/street races last year.

What is there so completely different? I remember local dentist was able to drive so called completely different cars. Almost everyone on the grid is from old Indycar, cart, champcar and everyone udjusted just fine and force regulars out of series. Perhaps driving a car with less hp and more downforce then she is used to is going to be only udjustment she have to make. Give me a break. I do agree if I had to make decision it would be Sebastien. Last year with crap car and a crap team he was up front racing wheels of that thing.(nothing pesonal against Coyne, but we all know it is not a top team)

[FIAT1]

Engine is in the car according to Marshall Pruett. Great news!

[00steven]

Does anyone know if qualifying will be streamed anywhere?

Just 3 more days...

[SarahFan]

Simmer down Sally!

Did I actually say noone said that?..

And frankly it's not supriseing you and Gary are hanging on Anthony's posts

Hook line and sinker


So now Anthony isn't "someone"? How about Chris R. Or yourself. You all were implying that more teams will go out of business. Oh right, that doesn't mean less cars somehow. :confused:

Why can't you just admit that you were wrong, that there were people claiming a loss of cars, that you are happy they are wrong, that you are happy there is a healthy number of cars at St. Pete? Why is that so d@mn hard for you?

[Chris R]

I'll claim ownership of my earlier negativity. Back in post season 2011 I was thinking we'd be lucky to see 20 cars on the grid at St. Pete. If I did not say it directly, I certainly thought it.... Happily, I was wrong - I am now of the opinion that perhaps Indycar (and indeed the larger economy) have finally turned the corner... I think there are still many very real dangers out there to halt the forward movement - but if we dwell on such things too much they become self-fulfilling prophecies.....

So, congrats to Indycar and all the parties involved for coming to St. Pete with a full grid and I have to ay I am more excited about a season of Indycar than I have been for a while...

I also wanted to add, despite my early mis-givings about the look of the new car, it does not look so bad all painted up (it is far from my favorite Indycar of all time - but it is not nearly as embarrassing as the new F-1 look - at least the Lego version of the new F-1 car will look very realistic!!)

Heres looking forward to a great race and a great season!!!

[chuck34]

Can you ACTUALLY dig up a post where someone said/posted that?


None of those posts suggest less than 26 cars


Find a post where someone ACTUALLY said less than 26 cars


That's who you guys/gals are talking about ...,Anthony?

Seriously

He might be the only poster more out of touch than danicafan

These forums are nothing if not entertaining



Simmer down Sally!

Did I actually say noone said that?..

And frankly it's not supriseing you and Gary are hanging on Anthony's posts

Hook line and sinker

Wow!

I don't know what else to say

Just WOW!

[chuck34]

I'll claim ownership of my earlier negativity. Back in post season 2011 I was thinking we'd be lucky to see 20 cars on the grid at St. Pete. If I did not say it directly, I certainly thought it.... Happily, I was wrong - I am now of the opinion that perhaps Indycar (and indeed the larger economy) have finally turned the corner... I think there are still many very real dangers out there to halt the forward movement - but if we dwell on such things too much they become self-fulfilling prophecies.....

So, congrats to Indycar and all the parties involved for coming to St. Pete with a full grid and I have to ay I am more excited about a season of Indycar than I have been for a while...

I also wanted to add, despite my early mis-givings about the look of the new car, it does not look so bad all painted up (it is far from my favorite Indycar of all time - but it is not nearly as embarrassing as the new F-1 look - at least the Lego version of the new F-1 car will look very realistic!!)

Heres looking forward to a great race and a great season!!!

Well Chris it's been good to know you. Sorry that you admitted to being wrong, you must have instantly burst into flames. I mean that must be what Ken/SarahFan is afraid of, right?

Seriously, I think at some point we've all been at least somewhat worried that the economy could start taking a toll on the more underfunded teams.

[00steven]

Hey guys, how about we settle down and focus on the race? There will be plenty of time to bicker all season long... :D

[DanicaFan]

That's who you guys/gals are talking about ...,Anthony?

Seriously

He might be the only poster more out of touch than danicafan

These forums are nothing if not entertaining

Hey, how did I get thrown into this ? LOL

[DanicaFan]

1st practice only 2 hours away ! Weather is going to be good today. High of 83, only a 20% chance of rain.

[anthonyvop]

Hey, how did I get thrown into this ? LOL

By someone who's screen name is almost as silly as yours.

[anthonyvop]

In case anyone missed it

St.Pete Spotter's Guide

http://www.indycar.com/media/files/01-STP-SpotterGuide1.pdf

[FIAT1]

Nice to see different looking colors on the cars this year.

[Chris R]

Well Chris it's been good to know you. Sorry that you admitted to being wrong, you must have instantly burst into flames. I mean that must be what Ken/SarahFan is afraid of, right?

Seriously, I think at some point we've all been at least somewhat worried that the economy could start taking a toll on the more underfunded teams.

I did feel a momentary burst of warmth - but it passed - still in one piece ;)

[garyshell]

Cars are on the track!!!! And audio is dead. ...sigh...

Audio is back on...

Chevy in 5 of top six spots. (It is just practice though.)

Gary

[anthonyvop]

This is the target time/speed

1:01.9625 seconds/ 104.579 mp

[garyshell]

This is the target time/speed

1:01.9625 seconds/ 104.579 mp

What does that target represent? Past fastest lap?


Gary

[anthonyvop]

What does that target represent? Past fastest lap?


Gary

Pole 2011

[garyshell]

Pole 2011

Thanks.

Honda now has three of top four positions.

Gary

[anthonyvop]

Thanks.

Honda now has three of top four positions.

Gary

Surprising as everyone was saying that the Chevy was faster but it is still early

[anthonyvop]

Penske and Ganassi top 4......All is well

[FIAT1]

Good job, Josef Newgarden! I know it's only a first practice but I love when small team does well.

[DanicaFan]

Here are the results of Practice Session 1

1. #9 Scott Dixon - 1:03.0406 - Honda
2. #2 Ryan Briscoe - 1:03.5190 - Chevrolet
3. #12 Will Power - 1:03.5747 - Chevrolet
4. #10 Dario Franchitti - 1:03.6013 - Honda
5. #77 Simon Pagenaud - 1:03.6417 - Honda
6. #18 Justin Wilson - 1:033.6704 - Honda
7. #26 Marco Andretti -1:03.7928 - Chevrolet
8. #14 Mike Conway - 1:03.8333 - Honda
9. #38 Graham Rahal - 1:03.8522 - Honda
10. #3 Helio Castroneves -1:03.8728 - Chevrolet
11. #67 Josef Newgarden - 1:03.8772 - Honda
12. #5 EJ Viso - 1:03.9142 - Chevrolet
13. #19 James Jakes - 1:03.9634 - Honda
14. #4 JR Hildebrand - 1:04.0914 - Chevrolet
15. #15 Takuma Sato - 1:04.1072 - Honda
16. #27 James Hinchcliffe - 1:04.1079 - Chevrolet
17. #28 Ryan Hunter-Reay - 1:04.1239 - Chevrolet
18. #11 Tony Kanaan - 1:04.1404 - Chevrolet
19. #22 Oriol Servia - 1:04.2946 - Lotus
20. #98 Alex Tagliani - 1:04.3861 - Lotus
21. #7 Sebastien Bourdais -1:04.4874 - Lotus
22. #83 Charlie Kimball - 1:04.6632 - Honda
23. #78 Simona De Silvestro - 1:04.9147 - Lotus
24. #8 Rubens Barrichello - 1:05.6681 - Chevrolet
25. #20 Ed Carpenter - 1:06.0310 - Chevrolet
26. #6 Katherine Legge - 1:07.3331 - Lotus

[anthonyvop]

Only a little over 1 sec slower than last year's pole time. Looking good.

[Anubis]

Only a little over 1 sec slower than last year's pole time. Looking good.

Fastest time from Sepang free practice 1:38.021 (Hamilton)
Pole time last year 1:34.870

Your point?

[anthonyvop]

Fastest time from Sepang free practice 1:38.021 (Hamilton)
Pole time last year 1:34.870

Your point?

IndyCar has come out and said on many occasions that their new car is faster than the Old one. It looks like that might actually happen by the time the weekend is over.

F1 has on the other hand added new rules in the off season to slow the cars down.

In answer to your query my point is moot because you will come to your own conclusion.

[FIAT1]

Perhaps new curbes have to do something with last year comparison as now they have to drive oround them .

[DanicaFan]

Looks like Katherine Legge is the new Milka Duno of the series....lol

[garyshell]

Looks like Katherine Legge is the new Milka Duno of the series....lol

Your success with humor is rivaled only by your success at driver prognostication.

Gary

[garyshell]

Practice 2 under way. The map on the timing and scoring page is working, but it has no audio. The Radio Broadcast button, does have the audio however.

Will, Dario, Ryan, Graham, Scott and Helio at the top of the leader board.

Gary

[chuck34]

Only a little over 1 sec slower than last year's pole time. Looking good.

2011 P1 fast lap, Ryan Hunter-Reay 1:04.1437
2012 P1 fast lap, Scott Dixon 1:03.0406

1.1031 seconds faster this year than last. Looking really good to me.

[chuck34]

Here are the results of Practice Session 1

1. #9 Scott Dixon - 1:03.0406 - Honda
2. #2 Ryan Briscoe - 1:03.5190 - Chevrolet
3. #12 Will Power - 1:03.5747 - Chevrolet
4. #10 Dario Franchitti - 1:03.6013 - Honda
5. #77 Simon Pagenaud - 1:03.6417 - Honda
6. #18 Justin Wilson - 1:033.6704 - Honda
7. #26 Marco Andretti -1:03.7928 - Chevrolet
8. #14 Mike Conway - 1:03.8333 - Honda
9. #38 Graham Rahal - 1:03.8522 - Honda
10. #3 Helio Castroneves -1:03.8728 - Chevrolet
11. #67 Josef Newgarden - 1:03.8772 - Honda
12. #5 EJ Viso - 1:03.9142 - Chevrolet
13. #19 James Jakes - 1:03.9634 - Honda
14. #4 JR Hildebrand - 1:04.0914 - Chevrolet
15. #15 Takuma Sato - 1:04.1072 - Honda
16. #27 James Hinchcliffe - 1:04.1079 - Chevrolet
17. #28 Ryan Hunter-Reay - 1:04.1239 - Chevrolet
18. #11 Tony Kanaan - 1:04.1404 - Chevrolet
19. #22 Oriol Servia - 1:04.2946 - Lotus
20. #98 Alex Tagliani - 1:04.3861 - Lotus
21. #7 Sebastien Bourdais -1:04.4874 - Lotus
22. #83 Charlie Kimball - 1:04.6632 - Honda
23. #78 Simona De Silvestro - 1:04.9147 - Lotus
24. #8 Rubens Barrichello - 1:05.6681 - Chevrolet
25. #20 Ed Carpenter - 1:06.0310 - Chevrolet
26. #6 Katherine Legge - 1:07.3331 - Lotus

That may be the first time in a long time that I can remember Foyt's team in the top 10 at a road course. I could be mis-remembering though. Let's hope Conway can keep them up towards the pointy end of the field, I'd love to see that. :D

[anthonyvop]

2011 P1 fast lap, Ryan Hunter-Reay 1:04.1437
2012 P1 fast lap, Scott Dixon 1:03.0406

1.1031 seconds faster this year than last. Looking really good to me.


Jeez. I post something positive and still the haters hate!

[DanicaFan]

Here are the results of Practice Session 2..

1. #12 Will Power - 1:02.0077 -Chevrolet - 7 laps
2. #2 Ryan Briscoe - 1:02.0931 -Chevrolet - 17 laps
3. #10 Dario Franchitti - 1:02.2232 -Honda - 20 laps
4. #38 Graham Rahal - 1:02.2924 -Honda - 23 laps
5. #9 Scott Dixon - 1:02.3117 -Honda 16 laps
6. #3 Helio Castroneves - 1:02.3190 - Chevrolet 13 laps
7. #27 James Hinchcliffe - 1:02.46322 - Chevrolet -25 laps
8. #11 Tony Kanaan - 1:02.4814 - Chevrolet - 20 laps
9. #28 Ryan Hunter-Reay -1:02.5301 -Chevrolet - 18 laps
10. #14 Mike Conway - 1:02.5337 - Honda - 17 laps
11. #26 Marco Andretti - 1:02.5624 - Chevrolet - 24 laps
12. #77 Simon Pagenaud- 1:02.5997- Honda - 10 laps
13. #4 JR Hildebrand - 1:02.7683 - Chevrolet - 26 laps
14. #67 Josef Newgarden - 1:02.7838 -Honda - 24 laps
15. #18 Justin Wilson - 1:02.8915 - Honda - 19 laps
16. #78 Simona De Silvestro - 1:02.9136 - Lotus - 21 laps
17. #18 James Jakes - 1:02.9152 - Honda - 24 laps
18. #15 Takuma Sato - 1:02.9594 - Honda - 21 laps
19. #7 Sebastien Bourdais - 1:02.9778 - Lotus - 22 laps
20. #5 EJ Viso - 1:02.9857 -Chevrolet - 19 laps
21. #83 Charlie Kimball - 1:03.0904 - Honda - 22 laps
22. #98 Alex Tagliani - 1:03.1812 - Lotus - 24 laps
23. #8 Rubens Barrichello - 1:03.3290 - Chevrolet - 25 laps
24. #22 Oriol Servia - 1:03.3535 - Lotus - 10 laps
25. #20 Ed Carpenter - 1:04.6031 - Chevrolet - 12 laps
26. #6 Katherine Legge - 1:04.7592 - Lotus - 23 laps

[chuck34]

Jeez. I post something positive and still the haters hate!

Orrrrrr .... I could have been agreeing with you.

Haters hatein' alright.

[Anubis]

IndyCar has come out and said on many occasions that their new car is faster than the Old one. It looks like that might actually happen by the time the weekend is over.

F1 has on the other hand added new rules in the off season to slow the cars down.

In answer to your query my point is moot because you will come to your own conclusion.

You mean you weren't being negative for a change? Colour me surprised. I will actually apologise.

[Mad_Hatter]

Practice 1 times were done on old tires for everyone. That may explain the difference in times to prac2.


I was hoping for better from Lotus, but it's still early for them. Glad cars are finally on the clock.

[anthonyvop]

Almost there.

Pole should be faster than last years. Good Job

[anthonyvop]

1st - 6th All Penske & Ganassi. Is anyone surprised? With everyone starting with a blank slate the better managed and funded teams are expected to perform better from the outset.

[FIAT1]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PzJbimhw_JM&feature=player_embedded#! Mirror camera is amazing.

[Anubis]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PzJbimhw_JM&feature=player_embedded#! Mirror camera is amazing.

Cars looking much better than I thought they would. Little bit fussy from some angles, but ok. Quite like the look from the rear actually - has an old Group C feel.

[keysersoze]

Cars looking much better than I thought they would. Little bit fussy from some angles, but ok. Quite like the look from the rear actually - has an old Group C feel.

Completely agree. From the rear it looks like a sports car rather than an open-wheel car. Aesthetically, the only odd aspect for me is the rounded front half of the rear wheel guards.

[Mad_Hatter]

Pagenaud gets 10 place penalty for engine change (http://www.racer.com/pagenaud-given-grid-penalty/article/233527/).

Honda engine failures a continuing trend?

[anthonyvop]

Pagenaud gets 10 place penalty for engine change (http://www.racer.com/pagenaud-given-grid-penalty/article/233527/).

Honda engine failures a continuing trend?


new engine design so it is to be expected. Getting 700+ HP from 2.2 liters is still an impressive feat. Give it some time.

[FIAT1]

Practice 3 , Pegenaud 1st. Race will be very interesting. I'm starting to be a fan of this kid Newgarden, 8th place, not bad. Sebastien 16th is best for Lotus.

[DanicaFan]

Results of Practice Session 3..

1. #77 Simon Pagenaud - 1:01.8929 - Honda - 28 laps
2. #12 Will Power - 1:01.9395 - Chevrolet - 25 laps
3. #2 Ryan Briscoe - 1:01.9428 - Chevrolet - 17 laps
4. #10 Dario Franchitti - 1:02.0046 - Honda - 19 laps
5. #14 Mike Conway - 1:02.0150 - Honda - 28 laps
6. #38 Graham Rahal - 1:02.0222- Honda - 27 laps
7. #9 Scott Dixon - 1:02.0561 - Honda - 30 laps
8. #67 Josef Newgardeen - 1:02.1342 - Honda - 20 laps
9. #27 James Hinchcliffe - 1:02.1547 - Chevrolet - 25 laps
10. #3 Helio Castroneves - 1:02.1563 - Chevrolet - 24 laps
11. #5 EJ Viso - 1:02.2310 - Chevrolet - 25 laps
12. #11 Tony Kanaan - 1:02.3279 - Chevrolet - 23 laps
13. #4 JR Hildebrand - 1:02.3678 - Chevrolet - 24 laps
14. #28 Ryan Hunter-Reay -1:02.4455 - Chevrolet - 28 laps
15. #19 James Jakes - 1:02.4648 - Honda - 27 laps
16. #7 Sebastien Bourdais - 1:02.4774 - Lotus - 26 laps
17. #26 Marco Andretti - 1:02.5191 - Chevrolet - 22 laps
18. #18 Justin Wilson - 1:02.6131 - Honda - 26 laps
19. #15 Takuma Sato - 1:02.6939 - Honda - 30 laps
20. #8 Rubens Barrichello - 1:02.7945 - Chevrolet - 26 laps
21. #22 Oriol Servia - 1:02.8365 - Lotus - 29 laps
22. #83 Charlie Kimball - 1:02.9398 - Honda - 30 laps
23. #78 Simona De Silvestro - 1:02.9640 - Lotus - 25 laps
24. #98 Alex Tagliani -1:03.3503 - Lotus- 22 laps
25. #20 Ed Carpenter - 1:03.4051 - Chevrolet - 21 laps
26. #6 Katherine Legge - 1:03.7094 - Lotus - 30 laps

[mike15]

Lotus engines just not there. Reminds me of the days of the Judd engines that always lagged behind.

[Mad_Hatter]

It's worth noticing that Bourdais and Servia are both with a second of P1. Bourdais is six tenths. Not too bad I'd think.

With that kind of pace and dependant on the fuel consumption of each engine a top 5 for Lotus isn't too far-fetched.

[DanicaFan]

I dont think we will see any Lotus driver make it to the 2nd round of qualifying. The top 12 and 6 will all be Chevys and Hondas.

[SarahFan]

Who does Josef drive for again!?!?

[nekav]

Hi! Can you give me stream to watch qualifying, please?

[DanicaFan]

The 6 moving on from Group 1 are..

#3 Helio Castroneves
#77 Simon Pagenaud
#2 Ryan Briscoe
#11 Tony Kanaan
#38 Graham Rahal
#14 Mike Conway

[numanoid]

Hi! Can you give me stream to watch qualifying, please?

No video stream, but live timing and scoring can be found here.

IZOD IndyCar Series Race Control - Live Timing & Scoring (http://racecontrol.indycar.com/Default.aspx?ResultMode=TIME)

if that doesnt work, go to Indycar.com and pick timing and scoring from the list at the very bottom of the page.

[booger]

You'd think somebody would get the ok to stream qualifying. The cameras are recording...wtf...ABC shouldn't mind for gosh sakes. Come on Randy, don't piss off the fans before the first race!

[nekav]

Thank you.

[DanicaFan]

The top 6 from Group 2 are..

1. #28 Ryan Hunter-Reay
2. #12 Will Power
3. #27 James Hinchcliffe
4. #26 Marco Andretti
5. #10 Dario Franchitti
6. #9 Scott Dixon

[numanoid]

Did I just hear new track record for qualifying?

[DanicaFan]

Well, Marco didnt advance to the Firestone Fast 6....http://www.trackforum.com/ubb/frown.gif

The Firestone Fast 6 moving on are..

1. #27 James Hinchcliffe
2. #12 Will Power
3. #2 Ryan Briscoe
4. #77 Simon Pagenaud
5. #28 Ryan Hunter-Reay
6. #3 Helio Castroneves

[DanicaFan]

Did I just hear new track record for qualifying?

Yes, James Hinchcliffe had a lap record of 1:01.4491.

[numanoid]

And Helio took himself out of the fast 6 with a crash on his last lap.

[nekav]

So, can Helio continue?

[numanoid]

So, can Helio continue?

He is out for qualifying and will start P6 for the race.

EDIT: With the Pagenaud penalty, he will start in 5th, right?

Also, is anyone else experiencing the sound cutting out every 5 seconds or so on the stream?

[beachbum]

You'd think somebody would get the ok to stream qualifying. The cameras are recording...wtf...ABC shouldn't mind for gosh sakes. Come on Randy, don't piss off the fans before the first race!ABC minds, so no video for the fans

[nekav]

But Pagenaud has a penalty and Helio will start fifth, I think.

[numanoid]

But Pagenaud has a penalty and Helio will start fifth, I think.

Right. It also sounds like they are trying to get Helio out there still. He's still in the car and they are working on it.

[booger]

Sound is a piece of crap. You'd think they would have fixed this with all the time they had in the off season. I've seen better websites built by 12 year olds!

[nekav]

It would be great if he is able to continue!

[FIAT1]

Congrats Will Power!

[DanicaFan]

Congrats to Will Power for the pole with a lap of 1:01.3721. This is a new track qualifying record.

[numanoid]

It would be great if he is able to continue!

Well he did, but got P5, LOL.

[nekav]

Congratulation for Will Power and Team Penske for pole!
Does anwone know what are drivers positions behind top 12?

[FormerFF]

Congratulation for Will Power and Team Penske for pole!
Does anwone know what are drivers positions behind top 12?

Results are here: http://media.indycar.com/pdf/2012/Official_Honda_GP_of_St._Pete_Starting_Grid.pdf

[DanicaFan]

Here is the starting grid for tomorrow's race..

1. #12 Will Power - 1:01.3721 - Chevrolet
2. #2 Ryan Briscoe - 1:01.5357 - Chevrolet
3. #28 Ryan Hunter-Reay - 1:01.9321 - Chevrolet
4. #27 James Hinchcliffe - 1:01.9701 - Chevrolet
5. #3 Helio Castroneves - 1:01.9987 - Chevrolet
6. #77 Simon Pagenaud - 1:02.1095- Honda
7. #9 Scott Dixon - 1:01.7636 - Honda
8. #26 Marco Andretti - 1:01.7895 - Chevrolet
9. #11 Tony Kanaan - 1:01.8699 - Chevrolet
10. #10 Dario Franchitti - 1:01.9570 - Honda
11. #38 Graham Rahal -1:02.0233 - Honda
12. #14 Mike Conway - 1:02.5084 - Honda
13. #5 EJ Viso - 1:02.5146 - Honda
14. #8 Rubens Barrichello -1:02.2009 -Chevrolet
15. #15 Takuma Sato - 1:02.6015 - Honda
16. #18 Justin Wilson - 1:02.2538 - Honda
17. #98 Alex Tagliani - 1:02.6506 - Lotus
18. #4 JR Hildebrand - 1:02.4426 - Chevrolet
19. #67 Josef Newgarden - 1:02.7155 - Honda
20. #19 James Jakes - 1:02.5271 - Honda
21. #78 Simona De Silvestro - 1:02.8218 - Lotus
22. #83 Charlie Kimball - 1:03.0437 - Honda
23. #22 Oriol Servia - 1:02.8771 - Lotus
24. #20 Ed Carpenter - 1:03.3591 - Chevrolet
25. #6 Katherine Legge - 1:04.1654 - Lotus
26. #7 Sebastien Bourdais - 1:05.6858 - Lotus

**Note - Simon Pagenaud has a 10 position penalty for the engine change violation in yesterday's practice. He will have to start p16 tomorrow.

[anthonyvop]

Congrats to Will Power for the pole with a lap of 1:01.3721. This is a new track qualifying record.

Congrats to Will, Dallara, Ilmor Engineering and All those at IndyCar behind the project.

[DavePI2]

thanks df, easier too find results here then on indycar's website.

[DanicaFan]

Today's Warm-Up Session Results..

http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee236/DanicaRules/stpetewarmup-1.jpg

[dot-niek]

Sorry to bother you but is there any livestream available? I want to watch the race in the Netherlands. thx

[DanicaFan]

This will be my first Indycar race where I wont be so darn nervous since 2004. But it will not be the same without Danica..http://www.trackforum.com/ubb/frown.gif

[Mad_Hatter]

Cautions are too long.........


Also, why aren't the backmackers taking advantage of the caution laps by pitting? Any ideas?

Edit: As Simona gets a tow to the pits..... Terrible call HVM.

[numanoid]

Anyone know when the first yellow came out?

[DanicaFan]

That last restart should of been called off, they were no where near double-file...

[Mad_Hatter]

Anyone know when the first yellow came out?

Not sure numanoid.

Interesting that Lotus powered cars have gone the longest on a tank (unless they pitted during the yellows).

[Mad_Hatter]

Seabass overachieving again!!!

[shazbot]

Just tuned in, and about to turn off. These cars are just hideous. It must just be me because i can't see how Indycar racing has managed to sink so low. Helio's car looks like it fell out of a breakfast cereal box. I'd want a refund on my Cheerios.

[Mad_Hatter]

Bourdais out. I'm sure ABC will never tell us what happened.....

[steveaki13]

My first time really watching an Indy car Grand Prix right through as its on Sky F1 in the UK here.

It looks a hard circuit to pass on, the only real chance is down the pit straight.

The 2nd Caution seemed a bit long, but other than that its been good fun.

You will have to excuse my ignorance of some aspects of Indy. I hope to pick up knowledge as I watch the season.

[anthonyvop]

It looks a hard circuit to pass on, the only real chance is down the pit straight.
.

Not really. Before there was plenty of passing. Took awhile for it to start today

[Lousada]

This wasn't very good :| It's still extremely hard to pass, it's still all about fuel mileage and ABC still sux...

[numanoid]

Bourdais out. I'm sure ABC will never tell us what happened.....

Yeah, what was that about? He was running top 10 at the time! Overall an awesome race. Lots of lead changes, some passing and a long overdue win for my favorite driver! Loved to see Spiderman do his thing and the run to the Dan Wheldon Way sign was emotional for the wife and I.

[steveaki13]

I enjoyed the race, it was a great move around the outside by Castroneves.

Shame for Will Power he seemed to get shuffled down via bad timings of cautions and pitstops.

[Mad_Hatter]

Great race drive by Helio, he deserved the win.

Quite a few good drives, I honestly expected the turn 1-lap 1 carnage. I think Indycar put on a good show for the world today, despite the inexcusably coverage...

[harvick#1]

looks like the crowd was pretty good, some empty seats but with "The Danica Patrick" leaving, I thought IndyCar was dead, just goes to show all those idiots that maybe some fans have come back.

as for the car, the rearend is hideous, openwheel cars should not have a rear bumper. the front wing will be ok if they took off the little aero pieces.

all in all a good race, Lotus was dead in the water though, hopefully they will get all the bugs figured out quickly or else its gonna be an extremely long season for the 5 teams.

more badluck for Sato, was doing awesome until the gearbox took a crap

and a shoutout to Newgarden getting a top 10 for Sarah Fisher

[heliocastroneves#3]

I dunno about your guys' opinion, but I saw an awesome race and man... What an emotional moment for Hélio and what am I happy to see him winning again. This is gonna be a great season for the #3. :)

[jimispeed]

Cars sounded great!! But, if they're gonna allow a form of blocking then P to P needs to come into play immediately!! Lotus is a slug! Let's hope that changes. They have some great drivers who deserve a higher performing engine!! Great crowd. OK race, but could have been much better. Castroneves reacted to winning with alot of class!!

[numanoid]

I'd like to see P2P put in place (a real one and not 300 RPM addition) to make the races more interesting. Also, what was up with the anti-stall tech?

[DanicaFan]

Here are the final results..

1. #3 Helio Castroneves
2. #9 Scott Dixon
3. #28 Ryan Hunter-Reay
4. #27 James Hinchcliffe
5. #2 Ryan Briscoe
6. #77 Simon Pagenaud
7. #12 Will Power
8. #5 EJ Viso
9. #83 Charlie Kimball
10. #18 Justin Wilson
11. #67 Josef Newgarden
12. #38 Graham Rahal
13. #10 Dario Franchitti
14. #26 Marco Andretti
15. #98 Alex Tagliani
16. #22 Oriol Servia
17. #8 Rubens Barrichello
18. #20 Ed Carpenter
19. #4 JR Hildebrand
20. #14 Mike Conway
21. #7 Sebastien Bourdais
22. #15 Takuma Sato
23. #6 Katherine Legge
24. #78 Simona De Silvestro
25. #11 Tony Kanaan
26. #19 James Jakes

[Chris R]

Cautions were too long for the causes, they need to tighten it up a little... Cars are not beauty queens - but nor are they the pigs I feared. They looked pretty racy - - I hope they crank up the HP after a little more track time to get reliability sorted... I thought they did really well in close quarters - nobody (except MAYBE Ed) got pushed out of the way....

Not a bad start to the new era - I would have hoped for a little more "blown away" by the race feeling - but it was respectable enough....

[numanoid]

The second caution was way too long, not sure exactly what happened to cause it. I know TK and Simona were also taken off the track during that time and that may have contributed to it.

[FIAT1]

Not bad for the first race. I know this that in the bigining they did not push as hard ,but last portion of the race was good. Sebastien needs better team as his talent is wasted. Congrats to Helio and cool tribute at the end.

[DanicaFan]

Im glad Indycar is back and I was excited to see them racing again. However,this race wasnt exciting at all. Very little passing. It was definitely a parade today.

[GRW1983]

A decent 1st race for IndyCar's new season. Although ABC left a lot to be desired, what happened to Bourdais & Hildebrand??? Both Barrichello & Franchitti had late dramas but that didn't warrant a mention. New cars seemed fast, but gremlins still persist. What happened to anti-stall (3rd caution for Ed Carpenter)??? Beaux Barfield had a decent debut, although the Carpenter incident with cars going either side of the safety team whilst recovering Ed shouldn't have happened. However, these cautions are still too long and they need to speed the process up, especially with the Legge & Carpenter cautions. I can forgive them on James Jakes' crash as they had to rebuild the tyre wall. Overall though, a good race & Spiderman is back!!!

[DBell]

This wasn't very good :| It's still extremely hard to pass, it's still all about fuel mileage and ABC still sux...

I agree. I was hoping it would be different with a new car and engines, but it looked very much like the races from previous years. Most of the race was about running for fuel economy. At one stage in the race Dixon, RHR, and Helio were running nose to tail for the lead. There was no excitement about it because you knew no one would try to pass. You could hear on the radios they were being told to save fuel.. IMO, the cars still have to little HP, too much downforce, and the main race strategy is to run for fuel mileage. For all the change, it still looks the same.

I also think that the carbon brakes will do nothing to help passing on road courses.

[Chris R]

Im glad Indycar is back and I was excited to see them racing again. However,this race wasnt exciting at all. Very little passing. It was definitely a parade today.

I think the lack of passing might have been more about the presentation than the actual on track action - there were more than a few fleeting shots of some tight racing - but the front of the pack got pretty stretched out on multiple occasions.....

I wonder if they need to mandate a certain number of stops (different for each race) to nip the fuel economy run in the bud.....

[call_me_andrew]

I dunno about your guys' opinion, but I saw an awesome race and man... What an emotional moment for Hélio and what am I happy to see him winning again. This is gonna be a great season for the #3. :)

I thought it was pretty good until Helio started running away with it.

EDIT: No one blew an engine and no one died, that's gotta be a win.

[00steven]

A good race all and all. I think we will see many different winners with this new car.

[00steven]

My first time really watching an Indy car Grand Prix right through as its on Sky F1 in the UK here.

It looks a hard circuit to pass on, the only real chance is down the pit straight.

The 2nd Caution seemed a bit long, but other than that its been good fun.

You will have to excuse my ignorance of some aspects of Indy. I hope to pick up knowledge as I watch the season.

Good to have you onboard!

[garyshell]

Say what you will about the "ugly body work" and "open wheel cars should not have bumpers" (both statements I vehemently disagree with) I saw a lot of close racing and moves that drivers never would have dared to make in the old cars for fear of being taken out. In motion I like the look of the car very much. And I think the rear "bumper" is something that is LONG overdue. I never want to see any race car launched into the air again.

Gary

[Anubis]

I thought it was pretty good until Helio started running away with it.

EDIT: No one blew an engine and no one died, that's gotta be a win.

I think the edit sums up my feelings as well. After the events last year, the series needed a solid start with no surprises. Might not have been the most exciting race ever (although neither was it the dullest), but I think it was a solid start to the new season.

[FIAT1]

Perhaps front wheels should be covered also ,therefore we would have even more passing and daring moves. Please! I think new cars need more hp on street and road tracks and that would be money much better spend. My opinion.

[nigelred5]

Overall a good 1st race with new engines. I assume all three could have been running a bit conservative. I'm sure the electrical problems will get worked out but it was good to see no overt failures. It's a shame that so many cars were essentially taken out by a dead battery. I can't believe there isn't a way to manually select neutral.

Unfortunately I was dog tired trying to watch the race and dozed off a couple times. I'm not sure if that was an inditement of the racing action or indication of just how beat I was yesterday evening, but I'll be attempting to watch the race again tonight.

[nigelred5]

The second caution was way too long, not sure exactly what happened to cause it. I know TK and Simona were also taken off the track during that time and that may have contributed to it.


It looked like they had trouble moving both cars. When the electronics failed, the cars were stuck in gear. No towing, no push starts. They've definitely go to fix that.

on the fuel game...

They were still able to make race distance on 3 stops with the the 18.5 gal tank which was supposed to be 19. Make it 17, or 15 even. If a team want s to short fill, ok, but force an extra stop through tank capacity, not just mandating a number of stops. It's always a problem, but fuel saving really messed up several potential end of race dog fights.

[heliocastroneves#3]

I enjoyed this race very much, the new car is beautiful and that sounds are amazing! If it was up to me they would go onboard with someone just for a couple of laps, with the commentators just shutting their mouth. This was a great race, and I expect an ever better race at Barber Motorsports Park. I have to admit I'm more a fan of oval racing, but man I'd enjoy some great road/street racing as well. I'm glad IndyCar is where it's now. But man, what happened to Dario...? It's been a while I've seen him finishing that far back.

[numanoid]

It looked like they had trouble moving both cars. When the electronics failed, the cars were stuck in gear. No towing, no push starts. They've definitely go to fix that.

on the fuel game...

They were still able to make race distance on 3 stops with the the 18.5 gal tank which was supposed to be 19. Make it 17, or 15 even. If a team want s to short fill, ok, but force an extra stop through tank capacity, not just mandating a number of stops. It's always a problem, but fuel saving really messed up several potential end of race dog fights.

I agree. I also heard one of the ABC guys say that somebody may not be running "Full Rich" on their fuel settings. Is this another example of them not knowing what they are talking about, or did the new car bring back multiple fuel settings? I know they did away with it last season so it would force the drivers to save fuel with their feet and not a switch in the cockpit.

There should only be 2 fuel settings in the car. Race and Caution. Even caution can be done away with!

[DanicaFan]

I agree. I also heard one of the ABC guys say that somebody may not be running "Full Rich" on their fuel settings. Is this another example of them not knowing what they are talking about, or did the new car bring back multiple fuel settings? I know they did away with it last season so it would force the drivers to save fuel with their feet and not a switch in the cockpit.

There should only be 2 fuel settings in the car. Race and Caution. Even caution can be done away with!

I dont recall hearing them say that. You are correct, no more fuel settings or push to pass.

[DanicaFan]

I hope Barber is better than this but I doubt it. Barber has little passing and excitement to it. I think we may be in for a long, boring season with all these road/streets. Gonna be a long follow-the-leader type races most of the year.

[FIAT1]

I hope Barber is better than this but I doubt it. Barber has little passing and excitement to it. I think we may be in for a long, boring season with all these road/streets. Gonna be a long follow-the-leader type races most of the year.

boring road and streets? I'm sure you will find something to follow to ease your pain or should we all yell boogitty, boogitty to make it more exciting.

[DanicaFan]

boring road and streets? I'm sure you will find something to follow to ease your pain or should we all yell boogitty, boogitty to make it more exciting.

If you wanted to see a good race this weekend, you should of watched the Nationwide race at Fontana Saturday. That was exciting, especially the last 1/3. Lots of 4, sometimes 5 wide racing, now that is exciting! As they said it was like a hornet's nest with that racing...lol

The only thing that made that Nationwide race bad was Danica losing her engine about halfway thru the race. Something got into her radiator. That sucked.

[FIAT1]

If you wanted to see a good race this weekend, you should of watched the Nationwide race at Fontana Saturday. That was exciting, especially the last 1/3. Lots of 4, sometimes 5 wide racing, now that is exciting! As they said it was like a hornet's nest with that racing...lol

The only thing that made that Nationwide race bad was Danica losing her engine about halfway thru the race. Something got into her radiator. That sucked.

I'm afraid I couldn't watch Fontana as I was doing same thing on local expressway only three wide, for two hrs, but sounds like we had same fun of boring. Telling this open wheel fan that nascar is better race is like telling a hockey fan that bocce ball is way to go. I'm very happy that you found something that you enjoy.

[DBell]

Here is an article from Autosport about Rubens first IndyCar race.

Barrichello says he needs to work on IndyCar strategy, which plays a greater role than in F1 - IndyCar news - AUTOSPORT.com (http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/98414)

A quote from Rubens in the article:


He admitted that he was surprised at how important fuel saving was in the series, and he said it was the main thing he learned from his first race.

"I was pleased that I got so much better during the race, but parts of it were frustrating," Barrichello wrote in a blog for USA Today.

"I was in fuel-saving mode throughout most of the race, which is something I'm not used to doing. I wasn't allowed to push all the way through.

"In America, we're going to have to learn how to be patient and deal with saving fuel as a strategy to win races.

"I feel like strategy is going to be a much greater part of this form of racing than it was for me in Formula 1."

The 39-year-old added that he was not particularly keen on racing to a target fuel mileage.

"I'm the type of driver who wants to push," he said. "I want to go flat out at all times, but this race was save, save, save all the way. To add to that, we also had trouble with a fuel gauge that was giving us bad information, so I ended up running out of fuel.


This is my frustration with IndyCar. I want to see drivers go flat out racing each other, not tooling around trying to make fuel mileage. If they could fix this, then I'd be onboard and excited about the new season. If St Pete is an example what we can expect to see this year, then I doubt I'll be watching many races this year. Fuel economy as a racing strategy is a sure way to bore fans to tears.

[chuck34]

Here is an article from Autosport about Rubens first IndyCar race.

Barrichello says he needs to work on IndyCar strategy, which plays a greater role than in F1 - IndyCar news - AUTOSPORT.com (http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/98414)

A quote from Rubens in the article:


This is my frustration with IndyCar. I want to see drivers go flat out racing each other, not tooling around trying to make fuel mileage. If they could fix this, then I'd be onboard and excited about the new season. If St Pete is an example what we can expect to see this year, then I doubt I'll be watching many races this year. Fuel economy as a racing strategy is a sure way to bore fans to tears.

Unfortunately I don't think there is anyway to ensure that races won't be about fuel economy. That is unless they go the F1 route and don't allow in-race refueling. Even then you hear calls to save fuel to those guys too. Plus I like the pit strategy aspect of the racing, but maybe that's just me.

I just don't see how you get around it. Engineers have figured out that there is an advantage to be gained by going just hard enough to stay in front, but not so hard that you use up too much fuel. And once an engineer has learned something, they'll never unlearn it.

[DBell]

Unfortunately I don't think there is anyway to ensure that races won't be about fuel economy. That is unless they go the F1 route and don't allow in-race refueling. Even then you hear calls to save fuel to those guys too. Plus I like the pit strategy aspect of the racing, but maybe that's just me.

I just don't see how you get around it. Engineers have figured out that there is an advantage to be gained by going just hard enough to stay in front, but not so hard that you use up too much fuel. And once an engineer has learned something, they'll never unlearn it.

Well, there are things they can do. They can make races a few laps longer so that trying to do the race in 1 less stop isn't a practical strategy. They could make a race like St Pete a few laps shorter so that everyone can do it in 2 stops without saving fuel. A long term approach is to go to softer compound tires so that tire degradation is the deciding factor on when to stop vs fuel.

There are times in F1 when fuel conservation comes into play, but that is rare and usually because someone made a miscalculation on how much fuel they need to finish the race. Most of the time in F1 you hear them tell the drivers to push and go get the guy in front them. In IndyCar, what you hear most is for them not to go too fast and save fuel. I don't mind some pit strategy coming into play, but when the whole field is doing that for most of the race, boooooring.

[FIAT1]

Well, there are things they can do. They can make races a few laps longer so that trying to do the race in 1 less stop isn't a practical strategy. They could make a race like St Pete a few laps shorter so that everyone can do it in 2 stops without saving fuel. A long term approach is to go to softer compound tires so that tire degradation is the deciding factor on when to stop vs fuel.

There are times in F1 when fuel conservation comes into play, but that is rare and usually because someone made a miscalculation on how much fuel they need to finish the race. Most of the time in F1 you hear them tell the drivers to push and go get the guy in front them. In IndyCar, what you hear most is for them not to go too fast and save fuel. I don't mind some pit strategy coming into play, but when the whole field is doing that for most of the race, boooooring.

Agree with you here, but I remember at Road America they made a race longer for that reason alone and then stupid yellows made a fuel strategy race again.

[garyshell]

Well, there are things they can do. They can make races a few laps longer so that trying to do the race in 1 less stop isn't a practical strategy. They could make a race like St Pete a few laps shorter so that everyone can do it in 2 stops without saving fuel. A long term approach is to go to softer compound tires so that tire degradation is the deciding factor on when to stop vs fuel.


But even with that change, aren't you going to see engineers trying to put in only as much fuel as they think they need to get to the end of the stint to minimize weight and to minimize pit stop times? I agree with trying to eliminate fuel strategy and rather see drivers allowed to drive full tilt. Just not sure if this solves it.

Gary

[jimispeed]

Liked to see this!!

Indycar 2012 St. Petersburg Helio Castroneves Dan Wheldon Tribute - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_dsuP2pM-A)

[SarahFan]

Make it take longer to change tires than fill the tank

[garyshell]

Liked to see this!!

Indycar 2012 St. Petersburg Helio Castroneves Dan Wheldon Tribute - YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_dsuP2pM-A)


I dare say I think we ALL liked seeing that. Hats off to the corner worker who sugested it to Helio.

Gary

[Anubis]

If you wanted to see a good race this weekend, you should of watched the Nationwide race at Fontana Saturday. That was exciting, especially the last 1/3. Lots of 4, sometimes 5 wide racing, now that is exciting! As they said it was like a hornet's nest with that racing...lol

And of course you'd have made the exact same point prior to you know who racing in said series...

Being serious for a moment, you can't compare an oval stock car race to an open wheel street race. I'm a big fan of the Nationwide and truck series, but not all overtakes are created equal, and a race isn't necessarily "better" for having more of them. Also, at the risk of sounding overly dramatic, if it hadn't been for poking the hornet's nest last season, odds are St Pete wouldn't have seen a field of DW12s racing down Dan Wheldon Way.

[chuck34]

Well, there are things they can do. They can make races a few laps longer so that trying to do the race in 1 less stop isn't a practical strategy.

Then it's a matter of saving fuel so that your splash at the end won't have to be as long.


They could make a race like St Pete a few laps shorter so that everyone can do it in 2 stops without saving fuel.

Then you simply short fill your last stop, making the last pit stop shorter, then you have to save fuel prior to that.


A long term approach is to go to softer compound tires so that tire degradation is the deciding factor on when to stop vs fuel.

Then you have even more marbles than we do now. That makes passing impossible. And therefore a boring race.

I don't really mean to shoot down everything you say. Some things may work. But there are always going to be situation where fuel comes into play. If the yellows would have fallen slightly differently at St. Pete, it may not have come down to fuel at all.


There are times in F1 when fuel conservation comes into play, but that is rare and usually because someone made a miscalculation on how much fuel they need to finish the race. Most of the time in F1 you hear them tell the drivers to push and go get the guy in front them. In IndyCar, what you hear most is for them not to go too fast and save fuel. I don't mind some pit strategy coming into play, but when the whole field is doing that for most of the race, boooooring.

No. F1 guys don't make "miscalculations" on how much fuel they need. They purposely short fuel the cars, so that they can save weight. The gamble being that they will be able to get away from the other guys early when their cars are the lighter than their competition. Then they can save fuel at the end when they have a good gap on their competitors.

And you don't always hears the IndyCar guys trying to save fuel either. It's just when the yellows get spaced out just right (or wrong in this case) that the races turn into fuel mileage deals.

[SarahFan]

Smaller tanks
Make it take longer to change tires than fill the tank
Never close the pits

[DBell]

No. F1 guys don't make "miscalculations" on how much fuel they need. They purposely short fuel the cars, so that they can save weight. The gamble being that they will be able to get away from the other guys early when their cars are the lighter than their competition. Then they can save fuel at the end when they have a good gap on their competitors.

And you don't always hears the IndyCar guys trying to save fuel either. It's just when the yellows get spaced out just right (or wrong in this case) that the races turn into fuel mileage deals.

An article from Autosport after the Australian GP where Mclaren admits they made a mistake on fuel calculations. So yes, it does happen sometimes.

Jenson Button was 'more than marginal' on fuel during the Australian Grand Prix - F1 news - AUTOSPORT.com (http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/98176)

Barrichello himself said that saving fuel in F1 is not something that happens often and is something he is not used to doing. He said that strategy plays a much bigger role in IndyCar than in F1.

I never said IndyCar is always in fuel saving mode, but it does seem to be the strategy used at IndyCar races for a sizable portion of the race at road courses. At St Pete the whole race was in fuel saving mode. After seeing all the fuel saving going on in IndyCar the last few years, I was hoping the new car would change that some, but going by St Pete, it was worse than before. It is only one race and we'll see what happens at Barber.

All I'm saying is for a series trying to grow it's audience, fuel mileage racing won't get it done.

[chuck34]

Smaller tanks
Make it take longer to change tires than fill the tank
Never close the pits

How does that garuntee that there won't be fuel mileage races? Or even lower the probabilty of one? I'm not saying you are wrong, I just don't see how it would really change much, other than increasing the number of stops needed.

[chuck34]

An article from Autosport after the Australian GP where Mclaren admits they made a mistake on fuel calculations. So yes, it does happen sometimes.

Jenson Button was 'more than marginal' on fuel during the Australian Grand Prix - F1 news - AUTOSPORT.com (http://www.autosport.com/news/report.php/id/98176)

I didn't really mean to say that it never happens, although re-reading my post I could see that being the interpretation. What I'm saying is that if it takes 100 gallons (just a nice round number) to run the race at full throttle I don't believe for a second that any F1 team would put 100 gallons in the tank. With a generally accepted "weight penalty" of 0.4 seconds or so per lap per gallon of fuel (I think that's what I've heard, at least that sound reasonable) I sure wouldn't put 100 gallons in. Call it 95 gallons, that way you can go a bit quicker at the start, then save at the end when you have a lead. And yes they do mess up a bit sometimes and over gamble.


Barrichello himself said that saving fuel in F1 is not something that happens often and is something he is not used to doing. He said that strategy plays a much bigger role in IndyCar than in F1.

I heard that comment too. I can't figure what he's saying though because when I've watched F1 races pit strategy is all they talk about. I don't want to say he doesn't know what's going on, but perhaps it just isn't something HE has had to think about before. In F1 I could see the engineers not really discussing it with the driver much. The call comes down "change to map x", and the driver does it almost without thinking. But in IndyCar, there is no map X, the driver has to do it all, so he has to think about what he is doing now.


I never said IndyCar is always in fuel saving mode, but it does seem to be the strategy used at IndyCar races for a sizable portion of the race at road courses. At St Pete the whole race was in fuel saving mode. After seeing all the fuel saving going on in IndyCar the last few years, I was hoping the new car would change that some, but going by St Pete, it was worse than before. It is only one race and we'll see what happens at Barber.

All I'm saying is for a series trying to grow it's audience, fuel mileage racing won't get it done.

I don't really like fuel mileage races either. It's just that I don't really see a practical way to eliminate them. Maybe I'm being dense?

[SarahFan]

How does that garuntee that there won't be fuel mileage races? Or even lower the probabilty of one? I'm not saying you are wrong, I just don't see how it would really change much, other than increasing the number of stops needed.

It doesn't gaurantee anything... That's clear

But it adds a dimension to pit strategy....and IMO that's a good thing

[chuck34]

But it adds a dimension to pit strategy....and IMO that's a good thing

What does?

Smaller fuel cells? Simply added stops.

Longer to change tires? Simply adds length to the stops.

Both together? Simply adds more, longer stops.

What am I missing?

[Lousada]

From previous years they should know by now how long the green flag periods are. They also know how much fuel the engines use. With those two numbers any first year math student should be able to calculate how big a fuel tank you'll need in order to have a 95% chance of no fuel saving.
Maybe it's just my feeling, but Indycar seems to have have a disproportionate amount of fuel saving races. That could mean that the fuel tank is too big or too small, or it could mean that the teams feel it is too hard to win by racing rather than strategy.

[garyshell]

From previous years they should know by now how long the green flag periods are. They also know how much fuel the engines use. With those two numbers any first year math student should be able to calculate how big a fuel tank you'll need in order to have a 95% chance of no fuel saving.
Maybe it's just my feeling, but Indycar seems to have have a disproportionate amount of fuel saving races. That could mean that the fuel tank is too big or too small, or it could mean that the teams feel it is too hard to win by racing rather than strategy.

Disproportionate to what series? F1? They have fuel mapping settings on the steering wheel, so the driver doesn't have to think about it. And to be honest I think maybe that is the right answer to the dilema. Let the engineer decide the strategy and have the ECU implement the strategy while letting the driver drive flat out.
Since when was strategy NOT a part of racing?

Gary

[FIAT1]

Would awarding points for passing help? Just wonder.

[F1boat]

I watched the race, finally, and I have to see that I am pleasantly surprised. The new cars are pretty, have nice sound and are fast. There is overtaking. And Helio won again, which is nice. I think that this will be a good new beginning for the championship.

[FIAT1]

I watched the race, finally, and I have to see that I am pleasantly surprised. The new cars are pretty, have nice sound and are fast. There is overtaking. And Helio won again, which is nice. I think that this will be a good new beginning for the championship.

..to bad I watched abc and did not see much passing , and sound was muted so we could listen Goodyear and company talk obout it, instead enjoying it.

[F1boat]

I watched it on HD taped torrent and I was happy.

[anthonyvop]

Smaller tanks
Make it take longer to change tires than fill the tank
Never close the pits

Frankly I believe they should go to larger tanks and take fuel out of the equation. Nothing turns off a fan more than hearing about "Fuel Mileage" being a factor in a race. Racing is suppose to be about who is faster. Not who make their car run like a Prius.

[garyshell]

Frankly I believe they should go to larger tanks and take fuel out of the equation. Nothing turns off a fan more than hearing about "Fuel Mileage" being a factor in a race. Racing is suppose to be about who is faster. Not who make their car run like a Prius.


But won't the race engineers just short fill the larger tanks to minimize weight and gamble? Are you suggesting elimination of in race fueling altogether? Maybe that with a mandated minimum fuel load would get rid of the issue. I agree something needs to be done. I am leaning toward the on board fuel mapping.

Gary

[anthonyvop]

But won't the race engineers just short fill the larger tanks to minimize weight and gamble? Are you suggesting elimination of in race fueling altogether? Maybe that with a mandated minimum fuel load would get rid of the issue. I agree something needs to be done. I am leaning toward the on board fuel mapping.

Gary


Eliminate race refueling all together. All teams start with a mandated number of Gallons which guarantees that nobody will go slow to save fuel. Maintain the current Tire regulations.

[garyshell]

Eliminate race refueling all together. All teams start with a mandated number of Gallons which guarantees that nobody will go slow to save fuel. Maintain the current Tire regulations.

To be honest I think that really is the only answer. Any of the other ideas still allow the engineers to gamble on a short fill which, given the likelyhood of a FCY, leads to fuel economy runs.

Gary

[garyshell]

Yes, but it shouldn't be an advantage unless the race just by chance has yellows at the right time in the race and for the right number of laps. The winners of most races should be whoever goes fastest all the way.

Some mentioned F1 above and it's not a real comparison. With the exception of extremely heavy weather like last weekend, full course yellows are rare in F1.

I still don't see how a larger tank accomplishes anything if there is still refueling. All it does is cut down on the number of stops. With even one stop for fuel, the short fill gamble is still an option on the table, leading to a fuel economy run.

Gary

[Lousada]

I still don't see how a larger tank accomplishes anything if there is still refueling. All it does is cut down on the number of stops. With even one stop for fuel, the short fill gamble is still an option on the table, leading to a fuel economy run.

Gary

Let's say the average green flag run is 35 laps. Let's say normal fuel consumption is 30 laps. In this situation fuel saving pays off, because if you save fuel you have a bigger chance of reaching a caution to pit in. Now let's change normal fuel consumption to 25 laps, then it is much less likely for fuel saving to pay off because the chance of reaching a caution is much smaller. Or you could change normal fuel consumption to 40 laps, than it is almost certain you will reach a caution period, so there is no need for fuel saving at all.

[garyshell]

Let's say the average green flag run is 35 laps. Let's say normal fuel consumption is 30 laps. In this situation fuel saving pays off, because if you save fuel you have a bigger chance of reaching a caution to pit in. Now let's change normal fuel consumption to 25 laps, then it is much less likely for fuel saving to pay off because the chance of reaching a caution is much smaller. Or you could change normal fuel consumption to 40 laps, than it is almost certain you will reach a caution period, so there is no need for fuel saving at all.

Oh, I understand all that. But given those facts there is nothing to prevent an engineer from trying a short fill strategy and then needing the driver to save fuel when the hoped for FCY doesn't happen. I truly only see two ways to eliminate asking the drivers to pedal the car. Drop in race fueling altogether or allow ECU mapping changes from the car. Any big tank, little tank leaves open the chance for fuel strategies that involve the drivers right foot.

Gary

[Mad_Hatter]

Indystar (http://www.indystar.com/article/20120326/SPORTS01/203260320/IndyCar-notebook-Drivers-avoid-major-mishaps-St-Petersburg)

Engineers, drivers, teams will do near anything to get a leg up on the competition...

[F1boat]

I don't know why you dislike strategy, IMO it adds fun to the races and makes them more unpredictable.

[chuck34]

Eliminate race refueling all together. All teams start with a mandated number of Gallons which guarantees that nobody will go slow to save fuel. Maintain the current Tire regulations.

That's probably the only way I can see that eliminates fuel milage races. But I don't really want the League to mandate anything else. They already lock these guys into too much. I like the strategy aspect of the racing, and I'm willing to accept that some races will come down to fuel milage. And sometimes fuel milage races can be exciting ... sometimes.

[F1boat]

chuck, I love your signature!

[Mark in Oshawa]

Well after reading all that, I have come to the conclusion that some people think racing should be all about driving the fastest laps all the time. Which is true to an extent, except in the real world, no sport has a one dimensional strategy. The teams who figure on ways of saving time on pit road, by eliminating a stop allow their driver to get track position, hence the fuel saving strategy. If some team wants to make 3 stops while another one strokes it and only makes 2, all power to em. Where St. Pete's fell down in this regard is EVERYONE who did the two stop strategy seemed reluctant to race, and yet in the end, the winner DID make his pass and DID win because of it. I think by adjusting the distance of the race by 10 laps either way will eliminate this for the most part. Adding 10 laps means it is a 3 stop race no matter what, and you could do 3 stops and drive flat out to the end. Problem solved. They did that in Toronto by shortening the race slightly to stop this dance.

That all said, I don't mind a fuel strategy gamble by the engineers if they are doing something no one else is doing, but at St. Pete's the distance was too obvious and all of them it seemed were trying to stretch. The element of gamble where the whole field is running flat out save a few brave souls trying to stroke while up 14 seconds is good, but not the whole field.

It was an interesting show, despite ABC's missing some of the plot lines. The cars are goofy looking, but I cant say ugly. They are......unique. I hope like hell we see new body kits in future years to differentiate the cars, and that will help. I thought the new liveries were spectacular, and while I don't like carbon brakes (they will reduce passing if they are too efficient), they didn't seem to really effect the passing too much this time. The new Turbo sounds good but I want them to turn the beasts up and really let them howl. I just wish Lotus wasn't so half assed, because it is clear during the race, Bourdais got his car figured out and while he didn't have the stones on the straight, he was more than fast and savy enough everywhere else to be competitive.

Ah, my boy Hinch was competitive too...and THAT made my day. He says he wants to win the first race for Go Daddy in Indycar....lol..and he is right. For all the hype you know who gave, she never won in that green......

[F1boat]

Well after reading all that, I have come to the conclusion that some people think racing should be all about driving the fastest laps all the time.

I don't like this, this way obviously benefits the fastest car and hurts clever drivers and team strategists...

[FIAT1]

I don't like this, this way obviously benefits the fastest car and hurts clever drivers and team strategists...

Racing should be obout fastest car and driver not a best driver who worked his a.. off to be on the pole and got stuck in traffic because of yellow. My opinion.

[heliocastroneves#3]

My opinion is that who wins the race, deserved the win. It can be that you worked your a.. off to be on pole, but it's about winning races and not pole positions. I think the racing always has been great when the pole sitter doesn't win. The fastest car winning races is not where IndyCar is made for in my opinion. That's what you see in F1. Okay, it didn't happen in Malaysia but there had to be a lot of wet weather, before it was possible to win without having the fastest car. It's quite nice that the pole sitter finished only seventh, that makes the racing even more unpredictable and exciting in my opinion.

[Igor 1987]

great track

[FIAT1]

[quote=heliocastroneves#3;. The fastest car winning races is not where IndyCar is made for in my opinion. That's what you see in F1.



I do apologize I did not know that. All these years I was going to races and paying good money not to see fastest car and driver win the race. Boy ,I feel like an idiot. Thank you for opening whole new world of racing to me. I agree F1 sucks and fast guy shouldn't win. Terible what they do in F1.

[Anubis]

I do apologize I did not know that. All these years I was going to races and paying good money not to see fastest car and driver win the race. Boy ,I feel like an idiot. Thank you for opening whole new world of racing to me. I agree F1 sucks and fast guy shouldn't win. Terible what they do in F1.

I don't think he meant it quite like that. Winning a race shouldn't be JUST about having the fastest car (ok, drag racing aside), it should be the sum of the whole team. Whilst Indycar has its mega-teams, it is still a more even series than F1, where the disparity of resources is much larger. Take Conway and Carpenter winning by way of example. You could maybe argue Conway lucked in a bit, but he was fast enough to be there when it mattered, and it's that extra dimension that makes it a more interesting series for me. F1 really only gets that mix when there are changing conditions.

[FIAT1]

I don't think he meant it quite like that. Winning a race shouldn't be JUST about having the fastest car (ok, drag racing aside), it should be the sum of the whole team. Whilst Indycar has its mega-teams, it is still a more even series than F1, where the disparity of resources is much larger. Take Conway and Carpenter winning by way of example. You could maybe argue Conway lucked in a bit, but he was fast enough to be there when it mattered, and it's that extra dimension that makes it a more interesting series for me. F1 really only gets that mix when there are changing conditions.

I have replied to what he wrote. What he meant I don't know. I know that I like speed ,high tech and talent who can master the best.I believe that F1 and Indycar (minus 15 wasted years) was all obout the fastest and best. People who are intersted in fixed show for sake that everyone gets a trophy, there is plenty other circels to follow.

[garyshell]

I have replied to what he wrote. What he meant I don't know. I know that I like speed ,high tech and talent who can master the best.I believe that F1 and Indycar (minus 15 wasted years) was all obout the fastest and best. People who are intersted in fixed show for sake that everyone gets a trophy, there is plenty other circels to follow.


I respectfully suggest that Indycar (or F1 for that matter) has NEVER been about the fastest car, they have been about the fastest team. I think it's always been a TEAM effort combining the skills of the folks in the shop to provided the fastest car possible, the engineers to set it up for the fastest laps, the race day strategists to make a plan for the fastest elapsed time, and the driver to implement that plan. It is that combination of talents that has drawn me, and I dare say MANY others to the sport since I was a kid in elementary school.

Gary

[FIAT1]

I respectfully suggest that Indycar (or F1 for that matter) has NEVER been about the fastest car, they have been about the fastest team. I think it's always been a TEAM effort combining the skills of the folks in the shop to provided the fastest car possible, the engineers to set it up for the fastest laps, the race day strategists to make a plan for the fastest elapsed time, and the driver to implement that plan. It is that combination of talents that has drawn me, and I dare say MANY others to the sport since I was a kid in elementary school.

Gary

Agree, I did say racing is obout fastest and best, that would include everything up above to win.

[anthonyvop]

I respectfully suggest that Indycar (or F1 for that matter) has NEVER been about the fastest car, they have been about the fastest team. I think it's always been a TEAM effort combining the skills of the folks in the shop to provided the fastest car possible, the engineers to set it up for the fastest laps, the race day strategists to make a plan for the fastest elapsed time, and the driver to implement that plan. It is that combination of talents that has drawn me, and I dare say MANY others to the sport since I was a kid in elementary school.

Gary

The casual fan (who makes up the vast majority of those who watch races on TV) think that racing is about who is the fastest driver. You are not a casual fan and neither am I.

[garyshell]

The casual fan (who makes up the vast majority of those who watch races on TV) think that racing is about who is the fastest driver. You are not a casual fan and neither am I.

While you and H.L. Mencken may agree "No one in this world, so far as I know — and I have searched the record for years, and employed agents to help me — has ever lost money by underestimating the intelligence of the great masses of the plain people." and in reality there is all sorts of anecdotal evidence to prove that right, I am just not ready to concede that even the casual fan doesn't realize that racing is a team sport. Even with the most mediocre coverage, its pretty obvious that the driver has to at the very least rely on their pit crew. It may very well require a bit more nuanced understanding of the sport to see the role that the strategists, engineers and fabricators play, I'll concede that point.

Gary

[F1boat]

The casual fan (who makes up the vast majority of those who watch races on TV) think that racing is about who is the fastest driver. You are not a casual fan and neither am I.

I doubt that the casual fan will love a parade like F1 in 2002 in which you had the fastest cars nicely split - Ferrari 1-2, Williams 3-4, McLaren Mercedes 5-6.

[F1boat]

My opinion is that who wins the race, deserved the win. It can be that you worked your a.. off to be on pole, but it's about winning races and not pole positions. I think the racing always has been great when the pole sitter doesn't win.

Yeah, I agree. It's true for F1 as well as for IndyCar.

[FIAT1]

INDYCAR: Bourdais' Street Fighter Sector Times (http://auto-racing.speedtv.com/article/indycar-bourdais-street-fighter-sector-times/)

Nice article. This is perfect example where tv personal needs to step up.

[maxmach]

In reference to the Boudais article, wow. Why He isn't with a........ better, if not top level team I don't understand. I, don't know, but He doesn't appear to be hard to work with, don't know how much money he brings(god I hate that) but really, He has the second fastest sector times thru the twisties, in a barely driven Lotus..... reallly. Somebody snap him up. And yes, I wish PT were in there mixing it up with him.

[anthonyvop]

I doubt that the casual fan will love a parade like F1 in 2002 in which you had the fastest cars nicely split - Ferrari 1-2, Williams 3-4, McLaren Mercedes 5-6.

You would be wrong as both attendance and TV rating went up in the year before, during and after. Basically Ferrari fans wanted to bask in its glory and Ferrari Haters wanted to be there when they faltered.

[anthonyvop]

While you and H.L. Mencken may agree "No one in this world, so far as I know — and I have searched the record for years, and employed agents to help me — has ever lost money by underestimating the intelligence of the great masses of the plain people." and in reality there is all sorts of anecdotal evidence to prove that right, I am just not ready to concede that even the casual fan doesn't realize that racing is a team sport. Even with the most mediocre coverage, its pretty obvious that the driver has to at the very least rely on their pit crew. It may very well require a bit more nuanced understanding of the sport to see the role that the strategists, engineers and fabricators play, I'll concede that point.

Gary

I should have said the fastest driver, car and pit-crew.

Tell the casual fan to tune in and watch how well a driver is saving fuel and watch a casual fan move on to another sport.

[garyshell]

I should have said the fastest driver, car and pit-crew.

Tell the casual fan to tune in and watch how well a driver is saving fuel and watch a casual fan move on to another sport.

I agree with you 110%. Fuel runs have no place in the series.

Gary

[call_me_andrew]

Nevermind how many casual fans surveyed feel that fuel milage racing makes for great drama!

[Mark in Oshawa]

Understand a fuel mileage gamble, whether it be here or NASCAR means you actually understand the nuances, and most fans don't want to understand it. They like the guys that drive the living hell out of everything....and if it happened every week it would be boring, but we all know there is more nuances to racing than saving fuel.