Sunday, August 26, 2007

Aug. 26 newsstand - Infineon race day

You've probably read the qualifying stuff already, so we'll focus on the "news" pieces for today.

Top story
Indianapolis Star: Hornish not happy with IRL
Sam Hornish Jr. speaks his mind about as candidly as he has about things in the IRL since his flirtation with taxicabs.

He says he hasn't been in a good mood since Watkins Glen, et al ...
Says Mr. Hornish, "It seems like I'm the first guy (in the IRL) to get an example made of me. I like driving (these cars), and I like being competitive on the road courses, but . . . I don't know ... I guess you're going to have to (come to) NASCAR races to find out if I'm in any better of a mood over there."

Still says his mind isn't made up. But you can read between the lines ... start buying Mobil 1 No. 37 merchandise, Sam fans, and get ready for Ryan Briscoe in the 6 car. Losing Sam would be the biggest blow for the IRL since Tony Stewart's defection -- a home-grown American star.

But there's still Danica, right?

Anyway, Brian Barnhart also tells Helio & TK to "knock it off" with their on-track duels.

More news
San Francisco Chronicle: Patrick has front row seat
This is the notebook from Saturday, but a couple of interesting notes ... IRL will be back at Infineon in 2008, and Terry Angstadt says the league is set to announce a race "that would be an absolute blockbuster in a new market."

Driver stuff
Sacramento Bee: Franchitti's career takes a turn into the fast lane
Great Dario quote: "Scott Dixon and I were like the invisible men. We'd win races and all that stuff but fly under the radar. Be careful for what you wish for, I guess. You win the Indy 500, and everything starts going crazy."

San Jose Mercury News: Fortune smiles on Franchitti

Napa Valley Register: Franchitti shows little fear in Sonoma

AP: Streaking Kanaan a longshot to take IRL crown

Lehigh Valley Express-Times: Marco slowed by detour

Danica on the front row
Never mind the guy on the pole, of course ... you know, the Indy 500 champ & ICS leader
Indianapolis Star
San Jose Mercury News
Napa Valley Register

Looking ahead to Belle Isle
Only a week away ...
Detroit Free Press: Many of the greats have driven here
A good history of the Detroit Grand Prix, from F1 to CART to the IRL
Detroit Free Press: Penske got wheels turning to bring back race
Detroit Free Press: From around the world to our little island
Journal Register: Andretti cramming for Belle Isle test
Detroit Free Press: Belle Isle race info and Belle Isle by the numbers

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