At the Halfway Point...

This was suppose to be up late last week. I wrote this pre-Iowa and only considered the races up through Milwaukee.

I admit that I am SO disappointment to say that the conclusion of race EIGHT marks the halfway point of this year’s INDYCAR season (hopefully, this will change in 2013). Since we’re at the halfway point, I thought I’d give a few little “Halfway Through The Season” awards as well as make my predictions for who I think will be in the hunt Fontana (at least I think it’ll be Fontana).

Best Race – Firestone 550k at Texas Motor Speedway

This race had it all – passing throughout the field, no pack, intriguing twists and turns, and just plain good racing. It was far from the pack racing that was feared in the weeks leading in. Not to mention we had an unexpected winner that did NOT come from Penske or Ganassi – Justin Wilson from Dale Coyne Racing.

Worst Race – Chevrolet Detroit Grand Prix at Belle Isle

After a pretty exciting Indy 500, this race failed in terms of action, passing, and track maintenance. The race was shortened by 30 laps due to track issues that caused a two-hour delay that also led to the race being shifted from ABC to ESPNEWS. Talk about getting the shaft.

Best Story – The DW-12 Has Provided Some Good Racing Almost Everywhere

Everyone went into 2012 not sure how the new car would perform. Who knew that halfway through the season, we would mostly be talking about how interesting the racing was and how much passing we’ve seen this year. Hopefully as the year progresses will see more of this fun racing.

Worst Story – Michael Shank Fails to Obtain Engine Deal for Indy

He had a car, driver, and sponsor, but could not get an engine deal with a competitive manufacturer. That was the issue that kept Michael Shank from running a career at this year’s “500,” a huge disappointment for both the team who won the Rolex 24 in January and for Jay Howard, the driver he had hired. Hopefully next year, Michael Shank Racing will finally make their big debut.

Most Shocking Moment – Justin Wilson Wins At Texas

I gave the race at Texas “Best Race” and one of the elements that put there was that Justin Wilson, who was considered a “road course racer” up until this season, went to victory lane. It was his third career win.

Most Refreshing Change – Beaux Barfield Replacing Brian Barnhart

It was obvious as the 2011 season wound down that there was a change needed in Race Control. There was just too many issues with Brian Barnhart and many were unhappy with many of his decisions. In comes Beaux Barfield, who has worked in the American Lemans Series. Other than the issue at Milwaukee with Dixon, he has been a huge upgrade and his approaches have been interesting. I expect more from him in the future.

Biggest Disaster – Lotus

I could write a short story if I wanted to tell of all of the issues Lotus has endured this season – some self-caused and some just bad luck. Hopefully, they can improve and pull off a few decent finishes in the second half of the season with their lone final team – HVM Racing with Simona de Silvestro.

Most Improved Team – Andretti Autosport

They had three victories last year with Mike Conway at Long Beach, Marco Andretti at Iowa, and Ryan Hunter-Reay at New Hampshire, but most of Andretti Autosport’s 2011 was one to forget. Half of the team DNQ’d at Indianapolis and just struggled. 2012 has been a major improvement with the addition of James Hinchcliffe to the lineup with Hunter-Reay and Andretti. They had great runs at Indy and have been consistent so far this year. Though Andretti has struggled some, Hunter-Reay and Hinch have had some very good finishes and could be contenders for the championship come Fontana.

Best Tribute (tie) – Helio Castroneves at St. Pete and James Hinchcliffe at Indy 500 Pole Day

It was difficult to choose one winner of this award because both winners were so deserving. In the excitement of victory at the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, Castroneves made sure that Dan Wheldon was not forgotten as he climbed the same fence that held the “Dan Wheldon Way” sign in honor of the city’s adopted son. Greg Moore never got the opportunity to race at Indy but a pair of his famous red gloves did as Hinchcliffe qualified with them tucked in his fire suit, earning him even more respect from the fans, especially “North of the Border.”

Most Improved Driver – Helio Castroneves

2011 was the worst season of his career. No wins. No poles. A handful of decent finishes. He was never a factor at Indy. There was talk of Castroneves not returning to Team Penske for 2012, but he was re-signed for another season and has shown the Helio many fans know and love. He won at St. Pete in March and has had multiple podiums, top 5’s, top 10’s, and pole this season. If it weren’t for some issues in the pits, he likely would’ve been in the hunt late at Indy. I think he should be good to go with Penske for 2013.

Biggest Surprise – James Hinchcliffe

The newest GoDaddy.com guy has really shown what he can do this season. He was signed to this car this past winter and expectations were mixed. Hinch has done what many didn’t expect. Other than a crash at Detroit because of the track, he has been Mr. Consistency this season. This has him 2nd in points with a shot at the championship if he can score some wins and outrun “twisty track” ace and current points leader, Will Power.

Biggest Disappointment – Dario Franchitti

He may have won his third Indy 500 in May and finished runner-up to Dixon at Detroit, but the three-time defending series champion is likely not going to score his fifth title with the kind of season’s he’s had. In five out of eight races, he has finished 10th or worse. After years of dominance, is a shock to see him struggling. But the fact that a new champion might soon be crowned is a nice small consolation prize.

Most Surprising Performance – Simon Pagenaud

In the words of Ricky Bobby’s buddy, Cal: “Frenchy can driver.” Pagenaud has exceeded many expectations in his rookie season, including mine, on the road and streets courses (not a huge shock) and on the ovals (very surprising considering his lack of oval experience). He has proven his talent and that he is serious about open wheel racing. A win in the second half of the season would no surprise at all.

Most Underrated Driver – Oriol Servia

What does this Spaniard have to do to get noticed? Last year, he quietly had an excellent season, placing the highest in points among the Penske and Ganassi drivers. He’s managed to score some respectable finishes for Dreyer and Reinbold Racing in both a Chevy and even a Lotus. In the right situation, he could contend for a victory later this season.

I have decided to make predictions on who will be the rookie of the year and champion at the close of this 2012 INDYCAR season. Here they are and why I think they’re going to win:

Rookie of the Year Prediction – Simon Pagenaud

How soon can we give this to him? He’s been amazing this year. This honor is his unless some bizarre occurs.

Championship Prediction – Will Power

It just feels right. Not to mention a majority of the second half is road and street courses. Power is pretty good at those. If he can keep his nose clean at Fontana, the title will be his.