IRL’s Interesting Spin

The IRL has a unique way of defining growth. First, Dario Franchitti the defending champ is not returning to defend his title. As far as I’m concerned that’s a good thing because Franchitti was more lucky than good. With all of his crashes, it’s better that Dario move on to the Tanks before he hurts himself or worse yet, someone else.
Next, a former IRL champion and star Sam Hornish, Jr. went over to the dark side which is also probably a good move. Lately it seems like Hornish has lost the fire in his belly.
After umpteen years, the IRL and Michigan Speedway can’t work out a date for the long standing race, so they cancel the event all together. Maybe this was part of the master plan to make way for another Road (parade) Race at Belle Isle.
Finally, AGR hires Hideki Mutoh to replace Franchitti; so much for grass roots support. Much more growth like this and the IRL will be out of business. I was hoping to attend the 100th running of the Indy 500, but all kidding aside, I’m not sure there will be one. When the IRL wakes up have them give me a call. I might consider buying another ticket to one of their 18-20 car races.

My 2008 Racing Wish List

• See Danica Patrick get that first IRL win and then a few more
• See Scott Speed have a great year in ARCA
• See Sam Hornish have a great year in NASCAR
• See Robin Miller get his own TV show
• See Terry Klatt and Richard Hoffman have great finishes as owners in USAC
• See the IRL develop even more as the nation’s premier racing league
• See Kyle Wiegand of Indiana have an awesome year in the Indy Pro Series
• See Bobby Wilson have an incredible year in the Indy Pro and IRL series
• See 50,000 people attend the June 22 IRL event at the fabulous Iowa Speedway in Newton
• See Butch Meyer and Roger Bailey have another great year as directors in Indy Pro Series

If The Tables Were Turned?

As of this week, with one race to go, Chevrolet has won 24 races. What would happen if Dodge, Ford or Toyota had done that?
I would bet the “Sugar Daddy” GM would be camped out at the NASCAR head office getting this changed.

Western Dominance

The Jim Feeney photo of A.J. Russell leading Chris Perley in the East-West shootout for supermodifieds shows the usual result when the two sides meet. With a few exceptions, the West usually wins these matchups.
Starting in the 1970s with the Golden State Classic, drivers like Nick Rescino and Howard Kaeding dominated the series. Exceptions included Ollie Silva winning at Roseville and Todd Gibson powering his rear engine, four wheel drive supermodified to a victory. If I remember right, that car was banned at most tracks in the East.
The Copper World Classic in Phoenix has also been dominated by the West with the exception of Bentley Warren’s victory. About a decade ago, Davey Hamilton took his Super East and also won. Now, Californian A.J. Russell has continued the tradition. Way to go, A.J.!