I have not written in awhile because I've been busy finishing up my semester and trying to get an online class ready to be reviewed. Anyone who thinks online classes are less work is gravely mistaken, let me tell you! I've been busting my tail like crazy over the last week to meet my deadline, but in between preparing the class I did make time to view some online steaming of practices for the Indy 500.
Tuesday's practice sessions were the most interesting to me. Only one Honda in the top 18? That was unexpected. But it seems the new Honda engines have rebounded, although they still hold the bottom seven spots as I write this. Team Rahal Letterman Lanigan has had the most disappointing practice sessions in my opinion; it seems like none of their cars have the speed to compete with the others. However, a 500-mile race is not all about speed. Endurance and engineering will also play a big role, so perhaps they are learning some things that will help them come race day.
Meanwhile, Andretti Autosport continues to impress once again. All of their cars and drivers have been near the top of the speed charts each practice day. I have a good feeling that one of their cars will find its way into Victory Lane next Sunday. I've also been impressed with JR Hildebrand. It would be great to see him redeem himself from that ill-fated 2011 finish (although I still say there was a spiritual presence overseeing that final lap, waiting to give Dan Wheldon one last win).
Here are some notes from the world of randomness:
Vegas apparently has Josef Newgarden as a 200-1 longshot to win the Indy 500. Are they serious? I actually think Newgarden has a great chance to win, or at least place in the top five. He is coming off of his best IndyCar series finish ever, and his car has been fast in practice. I understand he's just a sophomore in the series, but to put him below Mike Conway, who isn't even entered in the race (!) and some of the other one-off entrants is just insulting. Someone could end up with a huge payday. By the way, Scott Dixon is the favorite, with Dario second. That at least makes some sense to me.
What is up with ESPN's Indy 500 promo? I just caught the short one last night and it's playing soft, slow piano music in the background. That does not capture the excitement and thrill of the Indy 500. If they really want people to tune in, then they should show speed, passing, drama, celebrations! Just replay Sato's attempted pass from last year! I should not be surprised by this half-hearted promotional attempt by the mother ship, but it's still disappointing.
I purchased my tickets to the Firestone 550 at Texas Motor Speedway this week, and I was dismayed to see that I paid $10 more per ticket than I did last year. Especially since there's no rally car race beforehand like last year. I'm also trying to convince my parents to attend Pocono with me, and I'd say I've been 90% persuasive so far. My mom was concerned the cars would be too loud, which I found amusing but understandable. I know my dad would have a great time. I can just hear him now: "You mean I get to sit in the sun, drink beer, and watch cars go fast? Heck yeah I'll be there!" Although he'd probably use a more colorful word than "heck...."
And on that note...enjoy Fast Friday!
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