Looking ahead
Scott Sharp confirms he's going to run for RLR in 2008.
Not that there was much concern, but he was seen around ALMS circles (and the more delusional folks in the CC camp began chirping about Sharp switching sides). Scott is back, with Patron sponsorship.
Says Scott: "We're committed to the IRL for another year, at least, although we might add a sports-car race here or there."
Barber test stuff
Official IRL news & notes from the Barber Motorsports Park test. TK was fastest.
Says Scott Dixon of paddle-shifting: “I think it makes the car easier to drive; it’s not as difficult physically. You’re more relaxed in the car; you don’t have other things to think about. All you have is knowing how many gears you have to go down and pushing the little lever."
Says Helio of variable-rate steering: “It seems to be a little better on the high speed turns."
Meanwhile, Vitor Meira called Barber "the best track we've been to," presumably for testing.
IndyCar.com notes the drivers were enthusiastic about the new stuff.
The event was a hit with drivers and fans, says the Birmingham News.
There was a big crowd, too, which could portend future things
Says TK of the crowd of 1,900 that showed up to watch 7 drivers test: "We're 30 miles from Talladega and look how many people got to know Indy cars. I bet all of these guys will be watching us when they take the weekend off from NASCAR. I'm not saying they're going to give up NASCAR, but maybe they'll watch us a little more closely. It took me 15 minutes to get here from pitlane because I was signing autographs. They saw the access they can have to us and how fast the cars go. To me, the most important thing of the day was getting these fans."
Meanwhile, George Barber would like to have an ICS race at his track.
The story doesn't endBarber test stuff
Official IRL news & notes from the Barber Motorsports Park test. TK was fastest.
Says Scott Dixon of paddle-shifting: “I think it makes the car easier to drive; it’s not as difficult physically. You’re more relaxed in the car; you don’t have other things to think about. All you have is knowing how many gears you have to go down and pushing the little lever."
Says Helio of variable-rate steering: “It seems to be a little better on the high speed turns."
Meanwhile, Vitor Meira called Barber "the best track we've been to," presumably for testing.
IndyCar.com notes the drivers were enthusiastic about the new stuff.
The event was a hit with drivers and fans, says the Birmingham News.
There was a big crowd, too, which could portend future things
Says TK of the crowd of 1,900 that showed up to watch 7 drivers test: "We're 30 miles from Talladega and look how many people got to know Indy cars. I bet all of these guys will be watching us when they take the weekend off from NASCAR. I'm not saying they're going to give up NASCAR, but maybe they'll watch us a little more closely. It took me 15 minutes to get here from pitlane because I was signing autographs. They saw the access they can have to us and how fast the cars go. To me, the most important thing of the day was getting these fans."
Meanwhile, George Barber would like to have an ICS race at his track.
The Detroit News' Angelique Chengelis expects to see Dan Wheldon start sniffing stock cars in 2008 and Danica Patrick in 2009.
So, let's go hear from Danica, in the IRL news & notes: "It's an option. It's something out there, especially the last year and a half when I was dealing with my contract negotiations for when I went to Andretti Green. I love IndyCar. I love driving these cars. I'm sure any of the NASCAR guys could tell you that have driven an open-wheel car versus theirs it's the difference between a Lamborghini and a Taurus. It's not really comparable. They feel very different, and I like the sensation an IndyCar gives. I like the racing. This is what I grew up watching with my family. This is where my heart is right now."
Anyway, back to Dario, whom the Fredricksburg Freelance Star says must "prove" he can make the leap. The fact that NASCAR folks seem to treat the IRL and F1 like they're some sort of fifth-rate racing series (and lower than ARCA and trucks, of course) is semi-comical.
Other drivers looking ahead
TK is going to run the final ALMS race of the season
DWTS stuff
The Detroit News says Helio has raised his profile and that of the IRL with his DWTS role.
You have to scroll down a bit, but Dan Wheldon is the St. Pete Times' DWTS judge, now.
Looking ahead
GA's Koni Challenge series will be a support race for the Glen.
What's Gene up to?
Despite putting monsters on Marty Roth's cars, of course, he's pimping the IRL.
And, finally
When you're in the Indy area, check out the new "Speed" exhibit at the Indiana State Museum.
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