First
of all, a big “Thank You” to Michael Andretti and the rest behind INDYCAR’s
return to The Milwaukee Mile this year. I was not in attendance but from what
I’ve heard, this year’s IndyFest was a huge success and am glad that they will
be returning in 2013.
Pre-Race: Or should that be more
pre-race/weather delay coverage? Anyway, thanks to a “lovely” rain shower, the
race was delayed for a little while leaving plenty of time to discuss whatever
and talk to some drivers. Over the delay, 21 out of the 25 drivers in the field
were interviewed with Simona de Silvestro, Mike Conway, Takuma Sato, and Marco
Andretti.
I
must admit that the rain delay coverage was good despite the team broadcasting
the Milwaukee
race. That is something that ABC/ESPN/ESPN2/ESPNEWS/Wherever Else They Send
Their Less-Preferred Sporting Events can do.
The Race Broadcast: Again, disappointing just like St. Pete, Indy, and Detroit (minus the delay
for the track coming up). I groaned in annoyance like I do watching a NASCAR
race on FOX.
Speaking of NASCAR, I feel for those who do not have ESPNEWS. Still disappointed (but not shocked) by the switch at the top of the hour for the Nationwide Series race. Especially since I could clearly see the difference between the INDYCAR broadcast on ABC and on ESPNEWS. Much to my surprise, ESPNEWS on our DISH Network tier is not in HD which meant a much lower quality picture.
Anyway, I am off of the
treatment the race got by the networks. Now on to the people who called the
event from the booth and pits.
Where in the world did Marty
Reid and Scott Goodyear get the idea that Dario Franchitti is battling for the
championship? He’s really not been a factor most of the year. And could they
PLEASE show some kind of emotion and express even a touch of interest? One plus
they have; they do talk about what’s going on the track.
While my patience with the
play-by-play commentators is wearing thin, I do enjoy the pit reporting from
Rick DeBruhl, Vince Welch, and Jamie Little, especially Jamie, who always expresses
interest and enthusiasm in whatever racing she’s covering and knows exactly
what she’s talking about. I can always trust her to be the bright spot in any
ABC broadcast.
The Race: I recorded
Saturday afternoon’s race (I had to get out and get some last-minute Father’s
Day gifts) and am so thankful my brother was home to switch and hit “record.” I
finally watched the recording over the weekend and finished today (only
fast-forwarding through some commercials and some of what I didn’t feel was important)
and liked what I saw on the track.
This
was still probably my least favorite of the three oval races we’ve had so far (Texas was the best
followed by Indy). I think a part of it was that we had so many series of green
flag pit stops (fine on a road or street course but sometimes a little
irritating on an oval especially a short track).
But
it really wasn’t that bad. It was not the worst race of the year (that would be
Detroit), but
it was not the best. I’d say it was in between.
Dixon’s Penalty: Can I admit that I was sick of hearing about the
penalty on Scott Dixon about as soon as I was sick of hearing about Dale Jr.
winning again? I watched and played back the restart(s) that showed what was
going on and I’m about as confused as everyone else. Still, a penalty is a
penalty. Dixon
served it and just wasn’t competitive enough to get back to the front. I feel
for him and all but he’s a great racer. He’ll be going to victory lane a lot
more as his career continues.
So I have a more important
question – why are so many calling for Beaux Barfield’s head? Within hours, he
admitted there was a mistake (both human and technology errors) People have to
remember that it is only Beaux’s first year as chief steward and that he will
make mistakes. He’s been a huge upgrade for INDYCAR after Brian Barnhart, who
was being criticized on almost a daily basis.
The last thing I’ll say about
this is good job to Beaux for doing a pretty good job so far. Keep it up. And
of course, Scott Dixon, thank you for being so classy in your post-race
interview. You continue to remain one of the calmest drivers in the series.
#HinchForChampionship: If he can continue his very consistent streak and win
a few races, we could be using this hashtag come championship weekend. James
Hinchcliffe may have zero wins to Will Power’s three, but he has easily been
the most consistent this season finishing every race but Detroit, and scoring
his second podium Saturday with a third place finish.
As of right now, he is the
only one who can end the dominance of Penske and Ganassi and become the first
driver not from either team to win the title since Franchitti did with Andretti
in 2007 (who pretty much has no shot at repeating this season).
Serrrvia – INDYCARRR’s Superrr Passerrr: Like he was last year, Oriol Servia continues to be
one of the most underrated drivers in INDYCAR especially after he and Dreyer
and Reinbold Racing ditched Lotus for Chevrolet before Indy. He has passed 80
cars throughout the season so far and will likely pass more as the second half
begins. Servia finished 4th on Saturday at Milwaukee.
Other Notables: Tony Kanaan finishes 2nd, his best finish of the year
so far… EJ Viso finished 5th, his best finish of the year so far... Rubens
Barrichello finished 10th, his best finish of his INDYCAR career so far in his
first full season… No drivers from Ganassi or Penske finished in the top 5 for
the first time since 2008; the closest to the top 5 was Helio Castroneves, who
finished 6th… JR Hildebrand, Josef Newgarden, and Justin Wilson all retired
from the race due to mechanical issues… Simona de Silvestro, Takuma Sato, James
Jakes, and Dario Franchitti retired due to accidents.
After the Checkers – One
of the Promoter’s Drivers Takes the Win: After the final restart following a caution due to
Franchitti’s accident, it seemed almost certain that Ryan Hunter-Reay was going
to victory and he did. He led the most laps and was near the front almost the
entire race. It is his first win since New
Hampshire last summer.
Congratulations
to Ryan, the #28 Sun Drop/DHL team, Andretti Autosport, and, of course, Beccy
Gordon, who is a big supporter in her husband’s career and helps in a majority
of their causes including Racing For Cancer.
Coming
up next is Iowa,
one of my favorite races on the schedule. Marco Andretti won last year. We’ll
see who can take the checkered flag in the race along with the three heat races
scheduled to take place Friday and will be shown on NBC Sports Network between
the Indy Lights Race and the INDYCAR race.
Next Race: June 23
Iowa Corn 250
Iowa Speedway
Newton, IA
10PM ET (9PM CT) - NBC
Sports Network
Defending Winner: Marco
Andretti
INDYCAR 36
Featuring Charlie Kimball
12PM ET ( 11PM CT) or
following the Iowa
Corn 250 - NBC Sports Network
Replays at Various Times
Throughout the week
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