From The Hills of Sonoma to Four Wide at Chicagoland

For those of us who enjoy hairpin turns, the change in speeds of 165 mph down to 70 mph and majestic hills of a road course like Sonoma; IZOD IndyCar is back to the ovals and they made sure it was an exciting evening at Chicagoland Speedway.

   

Like most races, the field started with much anticipation, “Drivers, start your engines!”  Throughout the night, Ryan Briscoe led the majority of laps, but drivers kept pushing him, at times up to four wide, leaving drivers little if any room for error.  Ultimately Will Power took the lead and looked to grab his sixth win of the season. When the field made their final pit at lap 172, the question being asked was: Which drivers were going to only fuel their cars and forgo a tire change and which drivers would spend the time for new rubber.

For Power, it was double trouble, Dario Franchitti did just that, his crew had faith that his Firestones would last for another 28 laps and he was first out of the pits.  Franchitti had been lingering at P10 for most of the race while Power had been aggressively pushing Briscoe and looked as if he could pull another last minute win out of Chicagoland.  Power took fuel and tires but his crew miss-calculated on the fuel which left him one gallon short causing him to pit at lap 199 and Franchitti cruised to victory circle.  Who said ovals can’t be exciting?

Jon Schackmuth for Avocado Motorsports Marketing

Artwork: copyright 2010 Wscott motorsports photography

The Milwaukee Mile Is A Great Track In A Great City

The IndyCar Series ran at the Milwaukee Mile until 2009. The series dropped the race from its 2010 schedule because the then- promoter didn't pay the sanctioning fee.

The Mile is a great track in a great city on a great lake. While not without challenges, there is ample reason for a dedicated promoter, government officials and the IZOD IndyCar Series to work to bring an event to Milwaukee in 2011. Some of those reasons are outlined below.

1. Its an urban track with character. The Mile is located on State Fair Park in West Allis, Wisconsin, minutes from downtown Milwaukee. Its easy to get to from all directions, and an easy drive, whether you're coming from Chicago or Sheboygan, Madison or just about any other city in Wisconsin.

There isn't a bad seat in the house, the grandstand seats are plenty and comfortable, and the fan experience can be easily enhanced by applying some creativity.

You can get whatever food you want in the hospitality village, and there is a 200,000 square foot convention center located just outside turn one.

2. There is plenty to do close by. Milwaukee has a beautiful lake front, a river walk on pace to rival those in Chicago and San Antonio, and world class hotels and excellent, one-of-a-kind restaurants. Its also a place the whole family can enjoy (try he Zoo, walk the Marquette University campus or go find the spot that the opening of Laverne & Shirley was filmed for starters).

3. The drivers like it. The Mile is flat, fast, challenging and they can pass. This are a key ingredients for producing number 4, below.

4. The racing is close and exciting. Combined with great seats, fans won't be disappointed.

5. The fans deserve it. They've paid and supported the race when others did not. The market represents untapped potential, and chance for the series, teams, drivers and businesses to reestablish relationships and make new friends.

Prior economic models produced operating arrangements almost devoid of profit potential, which created disincentives and financial losses. The resulting focus on cost control and accounting distracted from action on the track.

Moving forward, proper planning and execution by a dedicated promoter, coupled with community support and the IRL's commitment, can result in an upgraded fan experience in a unique setting in a great city.


Image: Copyright 2010 Milwaukee Mile

Briscoe Chops Wilson During Qualifying Lap!

On a beautiful day at the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, Justin Wilson was having a strong start to the weekend when Ryan Briscoe Chopped the #22 Z-Line car into the barrier coming out of turn four.  Wilson was on a hot lap and clearly had room to get around Briscoe’s left side when it appeared to most race fans that Briscoe turned into Wilson, attempting to block his car and causing both cars to collide.

Wilson was quoted on his website:

“I really don’t know what Briscoe was thinking when he chopped down on me,” said Justin. “I was on a hot lap and was at least two tenths quicker than my previous lap. Briscoe was on an out-lap from the pits and I thought he was pulling over to let me by. I think the Z-Line Designs car had a shot at making the Firestone Fast Six today. We’ll have to re-group for tomorrow and give it all we can for the race.”

Despite the crash, Justin was able to finish the day P11 and the Dreyer & Reinbold crew worked diligently to rebuild the car for Sunday.  Mid-Ohio is the perfect setup for Justin and if he can race as he raced in Toronto, He can overcome the P11 spot and finish out front.

Wilson and Briscoe have words...

Jon Schackmuth for Avocado Motorsports Marketing

Artwork: copyright 2010 Wscott motorsports photography