TK ruled out because he didn't do a refresher course, which is ridiculous IMO so I guess Siegel is the guy if Larson can't run Indy Tweet— Twitter API (@user) date
I don't think TK has been in the car since last year. Neither of them is going to win or do much. I like Nolan Siegel so I am good with him getting the ride.
I would guess that he needs to knock off a bit of rust? Poor preparation by the team IMO, they should have had TK prepped and tested to stand in.
I was hoping for the weather forecast to change as we got closer to the weekend. But no. Every day they keep raising the estimate of rain and massive thunderstorms.
I don't think it will be an issue. The weather forecast for Sunday is still terrible and I think the organizers will postpone the race even before the gates to the track would open in the morning. Monday is now iffy and the race may have to wait until Tuesday. Larson will be able to take a leisurely flight to Charlotte.
The Indy TV channels indicate the decision will not be made until early Sunday morning, which IMO is too late if the forecast holds. I've been watching the Weather Channel's coverage of the severe weather that's been plaguing the center of the country for over a week, and I'd be pleasantly surprised it they're wrong with this one. The chance of rain Sunday is nil until 11 AM but goes up sharply, to 60% at noon and to 85% by 2 PM. If recent days are any indication, it will be heavy rain, possibly leading to flash flooding, accompanied by substantial lightning, small to medium hail, straight-line winds of up to 70 mph, and a slight possibility of tornadoes. Do you want 300,000 people being subjected to that? It could be life-threatening. I think they should decide by no later than 6 PM on Saturday, but that's just my opinion.
Sorry I meant the team's decision on who drives. How close to race time can they decide? Can they change their mind based on if the race gets postponned or not? The weather one is tough since they can't run at all in the rain. If somehow the storms miss them but they already moved everything I think that would be a bigger problem. Remember it isn't just the fans in the stands but also the tv audience.
Speedway President Doug Boles was interviewed on the Weather Channel a few hours ago. He says that if there is a chance of severe weather they have to consider clearing the property two hours ahead of time, since there are really few places on the property where 300,000 people can wait out a storm delay. If a storm front passes but another is expected later (which may be the case on Snnday) he says that they need a minimum of 3:45 to dry the track and run 1/2 of the race, which would make it official. If it appears that they won't have that much time, they would have to postpone the remainder to the next day. He also says that they can start or resume the race as late as 5 PM, since sundown is just after 9 PM this time of year. As of right now there is no chance of rain thru 10 AM, so they will probably open the gates and let the spectators in after 6 AM. The chance of rain goes up to 40% at 11 AM and 75% at 12 PM, and then stays above 60% the rest of the day. So we'll see what happens. And that may dictate when Kyle Larson leaves for Carolina.
hopefully they can at least get the start in Sunday and finish on Monday. I was there in 1997, only saw about ten laps on Monday, rest was on Tuesday and had to go home. first year of the crap wagons, Arie won, forgettable race
I was there too and did the same thing--and gave up the best seats I ever had. Turn One 20 rows back.
Well the place can accommodate 300,000 people? At that time perhaps 150,000+ in attendance. Those in the Snake Pit(many of whom were humanoid) were completely oblivious.
Not quite sure. Didn't AJ grab the Indy trophy from the rightful winner and refuse to give it up--Cheever or Luyendyk?
forecast for Sunday seems to be improving, same time frame (early afternoon onwards) but lower odds-currently at 45%.
