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Category Archives: Indy Car – IRL

As the Firestone Turns: Days of Our Lotus

To say that the Lotus adventure into IndyCar this season has been a disaster would be appropriate.  Lotus was the last engine supplier to announce their involvement in the series.  Lotus was the last manufacturer to announce the teams they would supply engines for.  Lotus was the last to take the track for pre-season testing.  Lotus was last on the practice sheets.  Lotus was the last to get engines to its teams even waiting until the day before the St. Petersburg race to get Sebastien Bourdais an engine for his car that had never seen the track.  The lone bright has been a 9th place finish at Barber Motorsports Park by Bourdais that was attributed to tire management, not outright speed.  Now, 3 of the 4 original Lotus teams have split and gone looking for greener pastures.

Poor Lotus was behind the 8-ball from the start, but midway through the offseason the parent company was sold and assets were frozen essentially crippling all activities of the company for weeks.  This certainly contributed to poor performance of the Lotus engine so far this year and the lack of engine supply.  Ironically, now that Bryan Herta Autosport (Team Barracuda-BHA), Dryer & Reinbold Racing, and Dragon Racing have left Lotus, there would seem to be an oversupply of the engines, but no one is willing to take them.  Simona de Silvestro and HVM Racing are the only full-time team left fielding a Lotus, although Fan Force United will run former F1 racer Jean Alesi in the Indianapolis 500 in a Lotus powered car.

Credit: INDYCAR/LAT USA

It should be noted that before 2012, many fans hated the “spec racing” of the series.  All entrants had the same engine and same chassis with the differences only being the drivers, crews, and teams.  Fans wanted multiple engine partners, differentiated cars, and some innovation.  No fan is wrong in wanting whatever it is that they want.  But, when the IndyCar series is viewed as a whole, is differentiation necessary to grow the sport?  This writer will argue…no.

When I became a fan of the series, it was the era of spec racing.  I do not have vivid memories of the early 90’s turbo beasts or days when the Indianapolis 500 was a place of innovation.  What I knew, and what I enjoyed were the Honda V-8’s and the Dallara “crap wagons” as they were so lovingly called by many.  When I close my eyes and think of an IndyCar, I picture the car that so many detested.  I’ve actually never understood why so many disliked the previous generation Dallara so much.  Regardless, it is understandable for the series to want multiple partners, like Honda and Chevy, to market the sport and sponsor events.  And honestly, the racing this season with the new engines and new cars has been excellent and a much needed improvement on road and street courses.

Credit: INDYCAR/LAT USA

If a casual fan, fan of another series, or a prospective team owner looks toward IndyCar at this time and reads the stories about Lotus, drivers with money that can’t get an engine, teams wanting to enter the series but can’t get an engine, and the possibility of having under 33 cars at the Indy 500, it all looks like an amateur circus show.  There has been poor planning by all.  The rules originally set forth for the engines that dictate mileage between races, the costs of the engine leases, and the percentages that were stated for each manufacturer to supply were quite ridiculous with good intentions behind each rule.  The series painted itself into a corner with only a mouse hole to escape from.  If this were a baking recipe IndyCar’s cake has exploded and splattered batter all over the kitchen.  Grab a chair and watch them try to clean up this mess.

Credit: INDYCAR/LAT USA

Just think, maybe Lotus, being the small car manufacturer it is, would’ve been better off with just 2 teams from the start with no obligation for more.  They could’ve focused on quality, not quantity.  And, since there have proven to be more teams wanting engines than originally anticipated, the cost of the engines could’ve been more, thus the demand would’ve subsided to a degree.  However, if the manufacturers were closer to breaking even on each engine lease, they would most likely be more willing to increase their supply to teams with the money.  The rules IndyCar set out didn’t allow for any of that.

At the end of the day, I believe IndyCar is still far too small and too much of a niche sport to deal with the issues differentiation of engines creates.  IndyCar hasn’t been unpopular because it didn’t have different engine suppliers.  IndyCar has been unpopular because over the course of many years it did not develop its drivers into stars, develop its races into exciting events, or promote the product correctly.  Despite Lotus’ disastrous foray back into IndyCar, Lotus shouldn’t be blamed completely for all the issues it has created.  The series itself created its own problems.

Ross (@therossbynum)

Gaynalysis: IndyCar Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach

This week the IZOD IndyCar Series landed on the West Coast for the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach.  For the official race recap, click here.  Otherwise, hang on for the Ganalysis!

Street races typically fall into one of two catagories:  parades or drama festivals.  Before the race weekend, we were assured it would be a dramatic weekend when Chevrolet announced they would change all of their engines and all would be assessed a 10 spot grid penalty for unapproved engine changes.  This is like half the Miss America contestants receiving a last minute breast implant change before the pageant.  Miss Chevrolet had her fingers crossed that none of her stitches popped on her big day spewing underbody parts and pieces everywhere.

I would normally not discuss in detail the pre-race ceremonies, but Long Beach was a doozy.  What seemed to be an ancient, drunk priest prayed (was it a prayer?  I’m not sure…) and talked of visitors from above, rain, and a bunch of stuff I just got lost on.  He needs to start every race.  Then Taylor Dayne sang the National Anthem.  Does anyone still remember Taylor Dayne?  Has IndyCar fallen so far off the map that she is all the series can get to sing for us?  She’s so irrelevant she’s not even a Z-List celebrity.  She’s in the double letter lists like YY-List.  Next time get a cute kid to sing.  Hopefully the lack of love won’t lead her back.  That said, I do own Taylor Dayne’s Greatest Hits.  Don’t judge me.

Credit Marshall Pruett SpeedTV.com

Because of the engine changes, no Chevy was to start higher than 11th.  This placed Dario Franchitti and rookie Josef Newgarden on the front row.  The likeable and talented Newgarden seemed like an excited kid with a big balloon full of joy.  At the green flag going into turn 1 on lap 1, Newgarden attempts a bold move on the outside of Franchitti for the lead.  BAM!  He ends up in the tires.  Cue the sad, sobbing child with the popped balloon.  Ok, so Newgarden wasn’t crying, but he should’ve been.  Some believe contact was made between Franchitti and Newgarden, but no penalty was assessed.  No matter how this canvas is painted, Newgarden was overly ambitious and ruined a great chance to continue to learn by a dumb move.  Regardless if he was punted or not by Franchitti, he should have never put himself in that position.  If it were the last lap, then his move would’ve been ok.  Rookie lesson of the day:  You can’t win a race in turn 1 of the first lap.

After starting 17th because of others engine changes, we are treated to watching Simona de Silvestro being inhaled by every other non-Lotus entry.  Not to compare Simona or the other Lotus drivers to Milka Duno, but they are all essentially moving chicanes that are as in the way as Duno at Mid-Ohio in front of Danica Patrick.  Is it too early to officially deem them SLOWtus engines?  Or is sLotus better?  Either way, we are shown throughout the race that the Lotus engines are definitely at a disadvantage with top end speed.  It’s that or someone is sneaking old GM “Iron Duke” engines in the Lotus cars the nights before races.

Bourdais brings out the caution on Lap 20 when his Lotus shakes its tail feather a little too much heading into a turn.  Good strippers know you have to control the shaking if your stilettos are low on traction.  Sidenote:  Lotus Bourdais would make an excellent drag queen name.  This caution sets up a restart on Lap 22 which stirs up the real drama.

First we see Alex Tagliani limping into a runoff area with a gimp wheel.  Then, Marco Andretti spins into the tire barriers.  Is his RC Cola spiked?  Graham Rahal’s wing has been clipped and is dragging the ground.  Katherine Legge has buried her nose in the tire barriers.  Gigantic brain farts happening everywhere.  Everyone do the Macarena!  A replay is shown of Andretti attempting an interesting dive-bomb move on Rahal.  It appears Rahal chops Andretti just a little and we have liftoff.  Andretti gets airborne a couple of feet, does a lovely pirouette, then lands shiny side up in the tire.  I give his Double Salchow a 8.5 mainly because he stuck the landing.  As the replay is happening, Mike Conway’s car dies as does Scott Dixon’s.  I’m beginning to think the folks that assembled Fiat’s in the 80’s were hired to screw together the mechanical pieces of this car.  Fix It Again Tony!  As Marco is being interviewed post-wreck my boyfriend, who doesn’t watch IndyCar, looks up from his iPad (he had not been paying attention) and says, “He seems like a jerk.”  Keep that in mind. We will continue on this story further down.

Credit Marshall Pruett SpeedTV.com

The race will stay green the rest of the way with alternate fuel strategies playing out.  Simon Pagenaud is on a 3 stop strategy and Will Power is on a 2 stop strategy.   Pagenaud is hauling ass.  I’d like to take this moment to point out that despite what some people think, the Honda isn’t markedly slower than the Chevy.  The Chevy teams are just better.  The Honda camp is full of 1-car operations and teams that haven’t proven to be winners in a long time.  The speed is there, but the race strategy execution is not.  Nevertheless, Pagenaud catches Power on the last lap, but there isn’t enough time to make a pass and Will Power wins…again.  If winning is porn to Roger Penske, he’s living the life of Hugh Hefner right now.

But, we aren’t done.   Massive brain farts happening again on the last lap.  Ryan Hunter-Reay punts Takuma Sato.  Castroneves drives his nose into the rear-end of fellow Brazilian Rubens Barrichello in the last turn completely blocking the track.  Both Hunter-Reay and Castroneves receive 30-second penalties dropping their finishing positions.  Somewhere in the world Paul Tracy was watching with glee.

Credit Marshall Pruett SpeedTV.com

So, Will Power wins again, but that isn’t the good stuff.  After the race, a quote from Graham Rahal comes out about Marco saying “What’s Marco’s last name?  I’ve said enough.”  On Monday, Mario tweets to Rahal, “What’s your problem with me?”  Oh, this is classy.  Mario Andretti follows up saying, “Your quote to AP says Marco is an Andretti so enough said.  That insult includes me.  You insulted me to the world & I responded.”  Girl fight!  I was fully expecting the next Tweet to included “your momma” and “I know you are but what am I?”  The fact of the matter is these guys can call each other.  There is absolutely no point in airing a disagreement with one another on Twitter.  The wreck itself was both drivers fault.  A dumb dive-bomb move countered with a chop/block (sounds like the old Parappa the Rapper game on PS1) ended with two wrecked cars.  They both had a right to be frustrated…with themselves.  Point is, don’t bitch on Twitter!  I lost respect for Marco, Graham, and especially Mario.  Mario is older and should be wise enough to know better than to stick his nose in it whether his last name was mentioned or not.  The fans wanting the old glory days of IndyCar to return, a good Rahal/Andretti rivalry should make you smile.

The Team Penske series…I mean IZOD IndyCar series heads to race on the streets of Sao Paulo, Brazil on April 29th.  The race will be televised live on NBC Sports Network at Noon ET.  The temporary street track features an extremely long back straightaway which should provide lots of passing in the form of lapped Lotus cars.  I sure hope not, but it is probably going to happen.  And, hopefully we get to see Andretti and Rahal kiss and make –out…I mean make-up.

Ross (@therossbynum)

Podcast: Out of the Tunnel – Show #10

This week Hannah and I talked Texas and Rockingham with Adam who also recapped the points for all of our pics.   Plus – I put Hannah and Adam on the spot to argue to and for Kurt Busch.

Hannah gives us a full recap of the NHRA 4-wide clinic from Charlotte and Ross Bynum called in to talk about the first three races of the Indy car season and their new sled.

I also share some thanks and thoughts from the Las Vegas AIDS Walk…..

Click play to listen: 

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If that embedded player does not work for you – (iPhone and iPad users) can download and listen with Quicktime by clicking here.

IndyCar Playlist: Pippa Mann

One feature that will start popping up on the site is the IndyCar playlist.  I will ask drivers for a playlist of songs that are their favorites, they are listening to right now, and ones that get them pumped up before a big race.  First up is Pippa Mann!  Enjoy!

Credit PippaMann.com

My playlist became the subject of much mirth during May last year. The first question my engineer would ask me when I got there every morning was what song I had been listening to on the way in…

“Real Wild Child” – Iggy Pop

Seems to fit IMS in May in big car when you start taking aero off and gearing yourself up for qual runs fairly well…!

“Livin’ On a Prayer” – Bon Jovi

No comment other than the title of the song says it all…!

“Here I Go Again” - White Snake

The lyrics are actually “here I go again on my own”….! Again when you’re getting yourself ready for a big qual run at the speedway, once you get out there it’s just you and the car alone.

“Don’t Stop Believin’” – Journey

It’s actually very easy to “stop believing” when things get tough on and off the track. Besides – who doesn’t love this song?! :)

“Just a Girl” – No Doubt

For the more angry days. I have always responded well to being told I can’t do something because I’m a girl, so this song is a little extra motivation to get out there and prove I can do anything, and being a girl has nothing to do with it!

“Fighter” – Christina Aguilera

“I’m a fighter, I’m a survivor…” Everyone knows the saying what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. It is never more true than in this business – both with the tough days in the car, and the tough days trying to put sponsorship together outside of the car.

“18 Wheeler” – Pink

Very similar to the Christina song in attitude – the theme is you can do whatever you want to me, but you can’t keep me down. I am going to keep coming back at you no matter what.

“Insane In the Brain” – Cypress Hill

There are days when this seems the perfect way to start. We run 220mph for a living. In open wheel cars. Yup. We are all perfectly sane then.

“Sweet Home Alabama” – Lynyrd Skynyrd

Because running at Barber without listening to this song on the way into the track should be illegal!! And no, you can’t just play the Kid Rock song with snippets of this in it, it has to be the original to count.

“Smells Like Teen Spirit” – Nirvana

I actually have a whole Nirvana playlist. Smells Like Teen Spirit is just the classic track that every knows and can recognise from the opening guitar strums.

“Respect” – Aretha Franklin

“R-E-S-P-E-C-T, Find out what it means to me…” Some days I think if I have one more person tell me that my poles in lights and my win at Kentucky don’t count for anything I think I’m going blow a gasket. “Just a little respect…”

“Beat It” – Michael Jackson

One of my favourite MJ tunes. How can you go to work without an MJ tune every once in a while??

“Girl From Mars” – Ash

This was huge the first summer I really started karting. I remember listening to it along with all the big Blur and Oasis tracks of the time in the van on my way down to a kart track in the south of England where we were going to see if we could qualify for the national championships in my class. I was told by everyone that having just started out I didn’t stand a hope in Hell, but that it would be good experience for me. “Everyone” should eat their words, I made the A Finals and made it in…

“Forget You” – Cee Lo Green

Except I listen to the other, ummm, non PC, no Glee version… The juxtaposition between the happy tune and what he’s actually saying makes me laugh. Plus, not only is it a great tune, but I am a child, and this allows me to sing a rude word at the top of my voice…!

“Jump” – Van Halen

How can you not love Van Halen??? I challenge anyone to find a tune with more get up and go than this one. It’s a classic!

“Iris” – The Goo Goo Dolls

More of a wind down song that a get up and go song, but one of my favourites all the same. If the previous song is all about high energy, this song is about reinstating some calm.

“Lil’ Star” – Kelis

Continuing the calm theme, some days it’s not about getting pumped up, it’s about composure instead, and this song has it in spades.The lyrics are beautiful and some of my favourite of all time.

“Far Away” – Nickelback

I know it’s unfashionable in “real music” circles to admit to being a Nickelback fan, but I am. I listen to this song not to get pumped up, but to remind me of everything else I have in life and how lucky I am. It’s our first dance song for our wedding in December

Gaynalysis: Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama

Let’s be honest, St. Petersburg was a huge letdown for almost everyone involved in IndyCar.  The fact that the cars ran and there were no engine parts scattered along the track were the only real positives to come out of the weekend.  So, when I sat down to watch the Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama at Barber Motorsports Park on Sunday I, honestly, wasn’t expecting much.  Barber is a track designed specifically for motorcycle racing, so passing in an IndyCar had been a rare commodity.  Combine past performances at Barber with the new cars performance at St. Pete and the stage was set for a parade and not the good kind that include Moon Pies and beads.  I poured myself a (strong) Fuzzy’s Vodka + SunDrop soda adult beverage thinking a good buzz might make a boring race tolerable.

Credit Marshall Pruett SpeedTV.com

First, the drivers all deserve credit for finally learning how to line up double-file correctly and not wad up their cars in Turn 1.  The start of the race was beautiful.  However, before all the cars had made it through Turn 5 on the first lap, Alex Tagliani’s Lotus had died.  Most issues with the Lotus engines had stemmed from issues with the engine control unit and not from a major mechanical failure.  More of a “wilted Lotus” than a dead one if you will.  New NBC Sports pit reporter and driver Townsend Bell gave a great explanation of just exactly what has been at issue with the Lotus engines.  Because Lotus engine builder Judd has very few engines assembled and ready, they have the ECU tuned to “protect” the engine vs. let it run at 100%.  If the ECU detects an issue with the engine, it cuts the engine off.  This keeps a small issue with the engine from becoming a smoking, fire spewing explosion saving valuable parts and pieces.

On the restart, the drivers, once again, did a masterful restart.  But, those expecting the parade to begin would be in for a shock.  Cars began passing each other…a lot.  It should be stated that NBC Sports Network did an amazing job not only showing passes as they happened but also showing replays of passes for position all through the field.  The best part of the coverage focused on battles deep in the field.  Instead of showing leaders Helio Castroneves and Scott Dixon parading around the track NBC Sports Network spent laps following battles with Marco Andretti and EJ Viso as well as Sebastien Bourdais and Rubens Barrichello later in the race.  I guarantee that ABC would have higher ratings over time if their coverage was on par with NBC Sports Network.  Sunday’s coverage made the poor showing at St. Pete by ABC look even worse.  Also, Bob Jenkins cracks me up.  He trips over his tongue more than a redneck trying to speak Spanish, but it is pure entertainment.  My only nitpick is Simona’s last name is pronounced “dee” Silvestro, not “day” Silvestro.  Oh, and is he drunk during telecasts?

Watching Marco Andretti battle EJ Viso in the early stages of the race was great.  Andretti was driving like a madman.  It wasn’t pretty, but he was hustling the car attempting passes and getting runs all over the track.  Viso, obviously the slower of the two cars, was driving defensively but not obviously blocking.  Major kudos goes to Beaux Barfield for allowing drivers to defend, but putting rules around blocking.  There is a difference and it was visible in the racing.  Most likely Viso’s driving on Sunday would’ve been called blocking in past years, but it was just great racing now.  The rules in place force the drivers to time their moves better and creates more of a “dance” where the former rules created passing, but it wasn’t real racing.

Credit Marshall Pruett SpeedTV.com

Contrasting Andretti’s rough and tumble hustle with Viso is Bourdais and Barrichello.  Exchanges with Bourdais and Barrichello were, frankly, beautiful to watch.  Clean, well-timed, technical passing and racing by two excellent racers.  Though no more or less entertaining to watch, Andretti’s driving looked more GED to Bourdais’ and Barrichello’s Ph.D.  Despite the less than ideal situation and circumstances with Bourdias, his driving has been stellar.  He proves, once again, that real talent can still shine through in poor conditions.  Although Barrichello is in a better team situation that Bourdais, he is technically a rookie in many areas in regards to how IndyCar races work.  But, his ability to drive a car is obvious despite the learning curve.

Green flag conditions would reign from lap 4 until lap 67 when the yellow was brought out for a spin by Katherine Legge.  Legge, while trying to move over to allow faster cars to pass, got into the marbles in Turn 9, spun, and stalled in the gravel pit.  Yes, for the second week in a row Ms. Legge brought out a yellow, but in her defense, her learning curve is the steepest in the field.  It must be noted that watching timing and scoring on-line showed that her lap times improved through the race and were on par with the back 1/3 of the field by the time the checkered flag fell.  Slow, steady improvement is what is needed and is being accomplished.

Credit Marshall Pruett SpeedTV.com

Right now, I am shocked at the less than stellar performance of Justin Wilson with Dale Coyne Racing.  On Sunday, his car was looser than Jenna Jameson after a few cocktails.  I believe he spent the majority of the race in opposite lock.  Actually, loose doesn’t even begin to describe how evil his car looked.  His tires seemed to have been made out of ice cubes.  He managed to hold on most of the race, but ended up spinning in front of Marco Andretti.  Luckily, he didn’t bring out the caution or do any damage.  I am expecting more from Justin in the next few weeks than what has been shown thus far.

At the restart, none other than Will Power was up front.  After starting 9th, Power methodically worked his way up through the field with a fast car and great pit stops.  To the surprise of no one, Power would end up stepping out to a 3.37 second lead in the final 15 laps to win at Barber for the 2nd year in a row. Scott Dixon finished 2nd for the 3rd year in a row, and Helio Castroneves finished 3rd.  Big shockers, right?

One thing is for certain, the race was great.  The tires went away at just the right amounts through the runs.  There was enough differentiation between the setups, the engines, and driver talent to create real, exciting racing.  The key word being racing.  The DW12 proved to have what it takes to be a real racecar.

Like the rest of the motorsports world, IndyCar takes Easter weekend off before heading to Long Beach for one of the most famous races on the schedule, the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach.  Tune in to NBC Sports Network (please!) at 3:30 ET to catch all the action.

Ross (@therossbynum)

As The Firestone Turns: Dragon Racing

Despite the title, this isn’t a driver interview or an owner interview.  Actually, it is nothing of the kind.  It is a fitting title to what would make an excellent episode of Days of Our Lives.  This is real drama.  Someone please cue the dramatic telenovela music and shocked facial expressions.

If one will remember, Dragon Racing is the team that attempted to field Chinese driver Ho-Pin Tung in the Indianapolis 500 as well as NASCAR and ex-F1 driver Scott Speed.  Tung sent his car into the wall at Indy on his qualifying lap.  Speed, slow and frustrated, was replaced for a practice with Patrick Carpentier who promptly placed the Dragon Racing machine into the wall as well.  Dragon Racing also fielded Paul Tracy for a handful of events in 2011.  The results were, in a word, poor.

Credit IZOD IndyCar PR

Color everyone surprised when Jay Penske, son of Roger Penske and owner of Dragon Racing, announced that for 2012 the team would field 2 full-time IZOD IndyCar entries powered by Lotus for Sebastien Bourdais and Katherine Legge.  With the poor performances of 2011, the crashed cars, and a team the caliber of Newman-Haas Racing not returning, it was assumed that Dragon Racing would be the last team to ever make the grid.  Couple that with the fact it was reported numerous times prior to the announcement that Dragon Racing and Jay Penske hadn’t returned phone calls to reporters and media inquiring about their status for 2012, the announcement certainly fell from the sky.

However, after the announcement was made, Dragon Racing once again disappeared from the map.  As other teams began testing, Lotus teams included, and PR machines ramped up for the season, Dragon was nowhere to be found (Insert Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon jokes here).  Naturally, questions of whether or not they would make the grid circled on message boards and Twitter.  File that under the Lindsay Lohan-type file of  PR: “At least they are talking about me even if it’s bad.”  Oddly enough, in the midst of the disappearance, the #7 team of Bourdais was selected as one of the two TEAM money recipients vacated by Newman-Haas Racing by Randy Bernard beating out teams like Chip Ganassi’s #83 and 2011 Indy 500 winning team Bryan Herta Autosport #98 (now Team Barracuda – BHA).

Two weeks ago in Sebring the situation began to come to a head.  Originally, teams were scheduled to test together on 2 sets of 2 concurrent days.  Mysteriously, Katherine and Sebastien were scheduled to test in separate sessions, not as a team.  Why would they be the exception?  On Monday of the first group test, the #6 car of Katherine Legge did not have an engine and there wasn’t one to be found.  Contract issues were apparently the case.  Insert more rumors of why here.  The #7 car of Bourdais was never even discussed as it had no power as well.  It was beginning to look like Legge and Bourdais would have to “Fred Flintstone” their cars around the track.  But, late on Wednesday, the team received 1 engine to be installed in the #6 car.  The crew pulled an all-nighter and Legge was in the car for the afternoon session and on Friday she shared her car with Bourdais.  Were the issues worked out?

Credit Marshall Pruett

As has been a theme through it all, PR was non-existant for Dragon Racing.  The bad perception by fans of the team as a whole had continued to degrade as no one knew what was going on with the them.  It was akin to watching the Britney Spears meltdown.  Were fans supposed to gawk, laugh, be upset, or feel sorry for everyone involved?  Seriously, who was in charge of this situation?  Thank God Katherine didn’t shave her head.

As teams and drivers arrived to the track this week for the IndyCar season opener in St. Petersburg it was revealed that Bourdais’ car still didn’t have an engine.  Brant James finally reported that an engine that was meant to be a backup for another Lotus team was being rebuilt to be placed in the #7 car on Thursday evening.  Dragon Racing PR is still nowhere to be found.

To the relief of everyone involved, Bourdais took to the track on Friday morning turning the first laps in his car under Lotus power with no reported problems and quickly established himself as the quickest among the Lotus teams.  Yes, a car that had never turned a lap in anger with a last minute engine install with team that only had a day and a half of on-track testing was quickest of Lotus teams.  Stunning and impressive would be great terms to describe this feat as well as a rousing sing along of Phil Collins’ “Against All Odds”.

Credit Marshall Pruett

But, after Legge stuck the nose of her car in the tire barriers during her qualifying session and Bourdais spun during his qualifying session, the Dragon Racing entries will start 25th and 26th.  That would be almost last and last.  The balloon of optimism was promptly popped.  But at least they made it to the track, right?

Oh, and still no PR from the team.

Lotus reported that Dragon Racing signed their engine leases at the last minute which caused the time crunch.  Regardless of whose fault it was, the entire situation proves that it pays to be prepared and PR is crucial to keeping the flames of rumors from burning the house down.  This is what is called a half-assed effort.

So Queers4Gears readers, keep your eyes on the Dragon Racing team this season.  Hopefully the drama has passed, but it could always turn into an episode of Dynasty at the last minute.

Ross (@therossbynum)

IndyCar 2012 Season Opening Notes and Storylines

Credit IZOD IndyCar Media Site/LAT Photo USA

In less than a week, the 2012 IndyCar season kicks off at the Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.  The new season brings more changes to the formerly stoic IndyCar formula than costume changes at a Cher concert.  Let’s take a look at a few story-lines to follow over the course of the season.

  • Engine Wars – On the top of the list for many is the return of multiple engine manufacturers to the series.  Chevy and Lotus join Honda on the grid for 2012.  Through preseason testing Honda and Chevy have looked to be closely matched with Lotus a step or two behind.  Lotus was late to the game, had much less on-track testing, and does not have any top-tier teams signed.  However, preseason testing doesn’t always paint the clearest of pictures.  Do not count anyone out and watch closely to see how the manufacturer battle develops.  In addition to engine power, reliability and fuel-mileage will play big roles in race strategy for the first time in many years.
  • Engine Availability – The most unexpected issue popped up over the offseason as more teams than expected wanted engines for full-time entries.  Due to the short development periods, long lead times for engine parts, and various financial constraints, manufacturers were limited in the amount of engines they could provide at the start of the season.  However, manufacturers have repeatedly stated they would be in a better position by the Indianapolis 500 to provide additional engines.  Expect this to be a factor post-Indy as part-time entries pop-up on entry lists.  Also, there may be a couple of entries, including the already announced #30 Luca Filippi entry from Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, that run full-time from Indy until the season finale.
  • Engine Reliability – Like it or not, the former Honda, naturally aspirated V-8 engine was bulletproof.  Years of development and tuning that had the engine running at less than 100% power created a situation where engine failure was last on the list of raceday worries.  That will change this year.  Do not be shocked if multiple engines, especially in first few races, fail.  This will play a huge part in strategy and in the final results of most races.
  • The Texas Motor Speedway dilemma – IndyCar, in a post-Las Vegas mindset, has a conundrum on its hands with Texas.  One of the most exciting and successful races on the schedule is one of concern for many drivers, fans, and officials.  In the past, Texas has had pack racing and also has a fence configuration like that of Las Vegas Motor Speedway.  Throw in brash track president Eddie Gossage into the equation and there is a recipe for drama.  If pack racing is limited or eliminated, the fence issue remains.  Drivers and series officials have repeatedly stated the event will proceed as scheduled this year, but tensions are high.  Can the series afford to have one of the most successful events and one of the few remaining ovals possibly removed from the schedule?
  • The 2013 Schedule – Expanding upon the Texas Motor Speedway issue, what to expect from the 2013 schedule remains wide open.  After a disappointing 2012 schedule that was released very late with much howling and disdain from many fans, IndyCar should have its act together getting the 2013 schedule ready.  Randy Bernard has stated he would like to see the schedule expand to around 19 events in 2013.  Rumors continue to swirl about the series being in discussions to hold events at Phoenix, Michigan, Watkins Glen, and Road America.  Street-courses also on the list include an event in Ft. Lauderdale, a 2nd date in Brazil, and the return of the Houston event.  Plus, will 1.5 mile ovals could be off the schedule for good?  What happens with Texas this year may be a barometer of what direction and stance the series could take with 2013 dates and ovals.
  • Beaux Barfield – The former ALMS director of race control was hired to replace Brian Barnhart as director of IndyCar race control after numerous questionable calls from Barnhart were made last year.  So far Barfield has said all the right things and made needed tweaks to the official rulebook.  But, talking the talk and walking the walk are two very different things.  Expect more consistent calls across the board although some may be unpopular.  Also expect some mistakes.  As long as there is grey area in the rulebook, which Barfield wanted to retain some of, there is room for error.  Firm, fair, and consistent calls are what is to be expected.
  • TV Ratings and Attendance – 2012 is a crucial and critical year for IndyCar in terms of TV ratings and attendance.  Overall on average, IndyCar had double digit growth in both areas last year, although attendance was down at ovals.  Nevertheless, with new engines, new cars, and despite the departure of Danica Patrick, the series hopes to continue and grow the upward trends of both.  Keep a close eye on attendance at ovals because a continued decline will negate most efforts to add additional ovals to the schedule.  Now that the Versus network is rebranded as NBC Sports Network, expect to see added growth, though not huge, in TV ratings.

Credit IZOD IndyCar Media Site/Chris Jones


So, ladies and gentlemen, lets put the 2011 behind us for good and look to the future.  If one thing is for certain, the 2012 IndyCar season looks to be one of the most exciting seasons on the books.

Ross (@therossbynum)

Podcast: Out of the Tunnel – Show 6

This week Hannah and I recap the action from Phoneix and preview the races in Las Vegas. We also have the full interview with Top Gear and Speed TV’s Rutledge Wood – and some “cute” audio from Brad Keselowski.

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As the Firestone Turns: 5 to Watch in 2012

To say the offseason for IndyCar was an offseason of change would be a gross understatement.  The scramble to be on the grid with the new DW12 Dallara and the new 2.2 liter turbo-charged V-6 engines has been interesting to watch unfold as silly-season took many abrupt and surprising turns.  With all the seat shuffling and new teams entering the series, the questions arise as to which drivers may have breakout seasons.  At this point not a lot is known about which engine will be the strongest, which adds an increased factor of difficulty as to the drivers that may have very successful seasons.  But, the 5 drivers below are certainly ones to keep an eye on during the 2012 season.

Rubens Barrichello:  First and foremost, all eyes will be on Rubens Barrichello this year.  The former Formula 1 star will try his hand at IndyCar, and ovals, for the first time in his career.  The veteran of 322 F1 starts, 11 wins, and 14 poles will pilot the #8 BMC/Embrase entry for KV Racing Technology in 2012.  The long-time best friend and “brother” of IndyCar champion Tony Kannan brings a wealth of experience in setting up and developing new racecars.  Barrichello’s biggest challenges will be on the ovals where has no experience, but expect him to be a podium contender on the road and street courses.  A win is certainly not out of the question.  The relationship with Kanaan will also make the transition easier and should create a positive environment for the KV teams.  On top of the stellar resume’, Rubens is known as one of the most likeable drivers in the paddock.  Although he may not be a household name in the US, he should quickly become a fan favorite.  @rubensbarrichello @kvracing

Credit Mosport.com

Simon Pagenaud:  The 2011 “super-sub” finally gets his chance at a full-time IndyCar ride with Sam Schmidt Motorsports.  The sports-car veteran found himself as the last minute sub for injured drivers Ana Beatriz and Justin Wilson last year at Barber and Mid-Ohio respectively.   He also filled in for Simona de Silvestro at Infineon while she was in Switzerland with visa issues.  Pagenaud should be fast at the road and street courses, but his lack of experience on ovals will certainly play a role in the final championship standings.  However, Sam Schmidt Motorsport sat on the pole for the Indianapolis 500 in 2011, so the team should be able to help the transition to ovals much easier.  A win is not out of the question, but also expect him to contend for podiums on the road and street courses.  @simonpagenaud @ssmindy

Credit Speedcafe.com

Sebastien Bourdais:  Former ChampCar champion and F1 driver Sebastien Bourdais will finally return to full-time open-wheel competition in 2012 with Dragon Racing. However, he will miss the race at Milwaukee due to previous commitments to run the 24 hour race at LeMans.  There is certainly no doubt the Frenchman is an incredible wheelman.  After a strong run at the end of 2011 with Dale Coyne Racing, Bourdais showed that he not only still has the skill some thought may had been lost, he also showed he can make the best out of imperfect cars with a small team.  The biggest question mark will be the Lotus engine powering his #7 ride and the Dragon Racing team itself which has struggled to run well.  @dragonracing

Creid IZOD IndyCar Media Site (2011)

Justin Wilson:  The likeable Brit finds himself back with Dale Coyne Racing in 2012 and will reunite with former engineer Bill Pappas.  Wilson’s 2nd, and last, win came with Coyne and Pappas in 2009.  This win currently stands as the only win in the series for the Coyne team.  Powered by Honda for 2012, expectations are high for the reunification of the winning combination of Wilson/Pappas/Coyne.  The 2012 season-opener at St. Petersburg marks the return of Wilson to the series after missing the last portion of the 2011 season with a back injury he suffered in a freak off-track excursion at Mid-Ohio.  Another former F1 driver, Wilson is highly regarded for his technical skill and was rumored, before returning to Coyne, to be in the running for the Andretti Autosport #27 GoDaddy.com ride.   If past history and team chemistry are any indication, Wilson should challenge for a win or 2 during 2012, and  it could be a breakout year for the Dale Coyne Racing team.  @justinwilson22 @dalecoyneracing

Credit IZOD IndyCar Media Site (2011)

Mike Conway:  After a surprising victory at Long Beach in 2011 with Andretti Autosport, Conway struggled through the rest of the season and even missed the Indy 500.  Moving to AJ Foyt Racing in 2012, Conway looks to improve his fortunes and those of the Foyt team as well that spent recent years mid-pack with Vitor Meira at the helm.  AJ Foyt Racing GM Larry Foyt has expressed that the team has refocused its efforts and placed increased emphasis in engineering which he believes will lead to improved results on the track.  Also, it has been reported that Conway and the team have been very quick in pre-season testing.  2012 could be the breakout year for Conway that he seemed to be on the verge of in 2011.  @mikeconwayindy @ajfoytracing

Ross Bynum (@therossbynum)

NOTE:  Past season driver headshots were used as 2012 headshots are not yet available through the IndyCar media site.

Not That You Asked, Adam’s 2012 Wishes

Queers4Gears contributor Adam Lovelace lays out his best wishes for the 2012 racing season:

  • A safe season for all racing series first and foremost!
  • Huge, major sponsors for Queers4gears.com so we can go to every single race!
  • I wish you all would listen every week to the Q4G Out of the Tunnel podcast. In fact, listen now right here: CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE SHOW
  • Dale Earnhardt Jr wins races and the championship even. Hey, I can wish big.
  • I hope Danica Patrick out performs and shuts up the haters. I hope she wins races.
  • I wish for less haters everywhere, not just racing.
  • I hope the Busch brothers get another big helping of humble. They need it. I’m not hating, just wishing.
  • I hope Queers4gears founder, Michael, starts being stalked by Kasey Kahne.
  • I wish Indycar would race on more ovals, or that the road courses were more competitive. Either one.
  • Every ARCA race televised! The ones they do televise are generally NOT the best ARCA races to watch. You are missing some good racing not seeing the short tracks. SPEED is a channel; they should show more racing of all types.
  • I want to listen to Sirius NASCAR online. It is 2012. I listen in the car for about 20 mins on the way to work and 20 mins on the way home. You know what lots of folks have access to during the day? Computers and mobile devices! I could listen all day. In fact, I pay extra to listen online, but one of the few channels I can’t get online? You guessed it.
  • Speaking of Sirius NASCAR, how about live qualifying and practice? Why not?
  • While I’m at it, how about some kind of app available to ALL smartphones? Again, it’s 2012. Keep up.
  • I wish the following would be banned from all tracks: the word boogity, all politicians of any persuasion, confederate flags (let’s move on), and Lee Greenwood songs.
  • I wish the Daytona 500 was still the day before a holiday. It was much better that way.
  • No rainouts, for any series.
  • More Friday/Saturday night races.
  • Autoclub Speedway should be reconfigured. While that’s being done Bruton Smith should remember what he did in Vegas and bring that to Kentucky Speedway. I think it greatly improved the racing.
  • I wish for all races to end two or three wide at the finish line.
  • I wish for all championships to be decided on the last lap of the last race of the season.
  • I wish for more first time winners. I love seeing drivers and teams get their first win.
  • I wish for more sell out races for all series.
  • I hope this two-car tandem racing in NASCAR is coming to an end. I’ll take the pack racing anyday.
  • Side by side commercials all the time. I love that feature and I see more commercials that way. Seems like wise marketing to me!
  • And, a shameless plug for myself, I wish someone from the racing world would call me. Offer me a job. I have many skills you need.
  • I hope you all have a wonderful new year and enjoy the 2012 racing season!!

Follow Adam on Twitter (@aclovelace)