As to ovals Phoenix again would be great and what about Michigan? Fontana always brings back the bad memory of Greg Moore's demise... I was shocked to see that Nazareth (no longer on the calendar since several years) is actually abandoned, I was looking at something nearby on Google earth so I looked for the track and it is all overgrown, sad. It would also be great to have Indycar visit Europe again but perhaps not necessarily on an oval or if they do Laustizring the track could be used as an oval if dry and as a road course if wet. More kit to freight, a logisit challenge (I am aware of the big changes they make on cars between road course and oval layouts) but it would avoid the ridiculous delays we saw at Rockhingham UK... Imagine them at Mugello, Portimao...or Monza...
Homestead is an active oval that hosts one (1) major event per year and even then, NASCAR seems to be having problems knowing where it fits in their schedule now. When CART ran at Homestead as the season opener, there would be 100+K fans in attendance. I have images of that grandstand packed end to end. If properly promoted, it could happen again. BHW
There were some epic races at Michigan, Montoya's last lap pass on Michael Andretti was sensational. +1 we can dream.
shame about Nazareth...stone's throw from Mario Andretti's house and it still couldn't be saved! if Indycar goes back to Europe they need to race at Brands Hatch Portimao would be fun, that's the most characterful of the "new" tracks
Thanks for posting just watched Mario's visit very nice, he has a great appreciation for history, not just his own. Brands is a bit outdated I think in terms of safety standards...it has been for years ask Jacques Laffite....and it felt tight when I raced there in Formula Ford so in these big heavy Indycars it would be hard work...
The NASCAR race seemed to take forever though they have those ridiculous stages which I don't really get. How do lap times compare at Road America between IndyCar and NASCAR?
stages are dumb everywhere but particularly so at a 4 mile road course IndyCar is roughly 30 seconds a lap faster than NASCAR (1:45 to 2:15-ish)
Mid Ohio Indy Car Race weekend July 2-4, 2021: Friday late afternoon first race, front straight view. LOVE Fridays there, relaxing and not crowded. Infield weekend parking pass so plenty of excellent places to watch. Image Unavailable, Please Login Pole winner J Newgarden driving through turn 4. I know a flagger there quite well Image Unavailable, Please Login View of start into turn 4 - Sunday's 80 lap race, 2.258 mile road course these guys do in 1:06 (China Beach on right; Newgarden leading) Image Unavailable, Please Login Black 5G car Will Power on the hook on left, Ed Jones (Sealmaster?) on the hook at right, following significant crash at start (turn 5 going into 6, called "the Esses" or more commonly in these parts, "Madness"). AMR boys doin' their thing, and in the foreground turn 5 flaggers are staring at the aftermath thinking "did I really just see that sh*t?" Image Unavailable, Please Login Weather was good, crowd was friendly, good time had by all.
The last 2 races at Phoenix were DEAD, I enjoyed that track a lot but knew the last time I went there that it would be the final time. At the final race at Fontana there were more workers than fans present.
Robin Miller faces serious health issues. We wish him well. https://racer.com/2021/07/07/a-message-to-our-readers-about-robin-miller/?fbclid=IwAR3SNXG8kOvMQGZYOHnE5KLoKjURPAlIEJ1YGWFRmKBVkjaifjN75JRJdSw
Just saw the bit about Robin Miller on Racer. While the article doesn't state what the issue is it does say that he "faces a battle" which is an indication. I first met Robin Miller when I got into shooting in CART. I kind of knew who he was as the racing beat writer for the Indianapolis Star and my work was gaining some notice at the time. Will never forget it, he approached me in the paddock at Homestead during Spring Training, introduced himself and stated if I ever need his help to contact him. I kept his card and on a couple occasions called him with questions and he couldn't have been any nicer or more helpful. BHW
Best wishes to Robin Miller, a fount of knowledge who tells it how it is. Romain had his first oval test yesterday at Gateway, intersting (and funny!) comments: https://www.motorsport.com/indycar/news/grosjean-everyone-who-thinks-oval-racing-is-easy-is-wrong/6637744/
Hope all is well, I was always a fan of his, particularly with his speaking out against Tony George. I think he has a form of bone cancer - can't remember where I read that but it was (somewhat) public knowledge.
Poor products do not need promotion. They need a burial! The continued charade know as Indy car is on life support. If not for the large checkbook of certain owner, this turkey should have been served up years ago. When real competition returns, you may see hope. Spec racing has never gotten many peoples knickers in a twist with excitement !
