...and he’s on it

Rolex is Worth The Watch

2012-01-26T13:37:00.000-05:00

Oh, enough. I see you... on the floor... in your little print dress... feet pattering and arms flailing. "I don't want to watch... you can't make me... I don't want tooooo [snot globule defiantly hits the floor]."

Here's the ultimate question: What else are you going to do? There are zero other racing events of any consequence, this weekend, and the "Super" Bowl isn't till next week.

I know they're not Indycars, and I know it's a ridiculously loooong "race," but here are just a few reasons why you should watch the Rolex 24 Hours of Daytona (random order):

It's one of the top 5 greatest automobile races on the planet
This year is the 50th anniversary
There are 20-something current or former Indycar drivers participating (Dario, Montoya, Briscoe, Golden Graham, Pruett, RHR, Max, and many more!)
It's the unofficial kick-off of the U.S. racing calendar
The DP pigs have been beautifully redesigned
It will definitely, maybe be sunny there

You don't have to watch it all, just pick a favorite IndyCar shoe, tune in every now and again to get up to speed, and put a little racing in your life when YOU HAVE NO OTHER ALTERNATIVE.

I'd overwhelm you with an impressive list of deets, here, but the crack staff over at SPEED, of course, is ON IT. Everything you'd ever want to know going into the Rolex is right here, but this will get the wheels turning: Broadcast of the 50th Rolex at Daytona begins Saturday at 2:30 p.m eastern on SPEED.

Promise. You'll get something out of it, or your money back!

—JM

"Taking Crazy Chances to Please a Lady"

2011-12-07T11:16:00.000-05:00

The Mrs. adores old movies—speaking frankly, a crack addiction would likely occupy less of her psyche than a Fred Astaire film. But I digress...

So, recently, during one of her epic TCM sessions, she came across the 1950 flick, To Please a Lady, starring Clark Gable, Barbara Stanwyck, and [4-year-old-boy voice] WACE CARS!

The Mrs. is smart, beautiful and, without question, thoughtful, so she quickly snapped it to the DVR for me.

Simmer. This isn't going to be a long-winded cinematic critique. Just wanted to give my peeps a heads-up that there's a lot of awesome racing footage that lies within. In fact, the writer definitely had the dudes in mind, because it's equal parts dialogue and racing porn.

Some killer midget footage (which I had no idea was as big a phenomenon as it was back in the day), but the real star? The Indianapolis Motor Speedway. kaBOOOM. Awesome scenes in the latter half of all the sights and sounds of a 50's-era Brickyard spectacle—crowd shots and all kinds of rare delights.

Here's the point: Watch. It. Even you cynics who wouldn't normally have anything to do with a black and white film or a movie made before, say, Meatballs (highly, highly underrated for its cinematic importance, by the way).

Here's the official trailer, but WHOA UP, there, quick-draw. The trailer is short on the race scenes I speak so highly of, so don't turn your nose up until you've laid eyes on the full-length feature (it's a quick 90 minutes, or so).

Check your local listings on TCM, dial up Netflix, whatevs... just do it.

Two thumbs up!

—JM

52-card Pickup

2011-11-09T13:56:00.000-05:00

On the morning of October 16th, in Las Vegas, Randy Bernard had IndyCar's deck stacked perfectly—nary a card or corner out of place.

That afternoon, fate took that carefully laid plan into its hands and fanned it callously into the air—in some respects, drawing the very existence of the sport into question.

Many urgent and highly consequential challenges are now being faced.

Patience and understanding...

—JM

A Letter to Dan Wheldon

2011-10-19T09:04:00.000-04:00

Hey, bud...

Wow, WTF, as they say?! You really caught us by surprise, dude. And, man, did you make me look foolish, Sunday. When the news came, "Fuck that!" leaped off my lips as fast as a blink. Then came the tears—and, oh, did they come. One after the next with gobs of sobs thrown in for good measure. Thanks, dude! :]

Kind of embarrassing, really. Of course, just my wife was there (she wasn't in any better shape), but I don't cry. Not out of some dumb responsibility to "be a man," it just doesn't come very easily to me, I guess. It's so rare, in fact, when the tears started flowing, I think I scared myself! LOL.

It's been a melancholy few days, and I haven't been on Twitter since Sunday. If you knew me, you'd know that's way out of character. Not sure why, really, I guess I just feel like I would be capitalizing on what happened, in some way, and it just hasn't felt right. I'll be back at it soon enough, I suppose.

I have to say, I'm kinda pissed, brother! We were supposed to meet, you know?! :) Despite my inclination not to meet my heroes, for fear of shattering my image of them, I guess I always felt like I'd bump into you at a kart track, or somewhere "comfortable"—you in your too-tight fire suit and me in my middle-age drag. I'd actually cast off my shyness, for a moment, and share a quick hello. Maybe you seemed more approachable than the others, I'm not really sure.

Guys like you aren't supposed to die, you know?! :) You had the kids...and Susie. Plus the comeback! We were SO looking forward to that. I just don't get it, man. It's senseless, really. Of course, you're not the first person with everything going for them to die young, but I really just don't understand it. Guess I should stop struggling and just accept it, huh?!

For now, I've been clinging to something Oriol said: "They always take the good ones. The rest, we still have a lot of growing to do." It's something, anyway. Smart man, is the Catalonian!

Hey, BTW, don't worry about Susie and the kids, we'll take good care of them—as if you had any doubts! IndyCar rawks! \m/

Well, I guess I've said all I need to say. Must be time to say goodbye.

Thanks, Dan, you brought a lot of joy to IndyCar fans and, apparently, you weren't a half-bad human being, either. :) Gotta say, I sure hope you found there is a heaven and you're circulating some kart track up there. After I've done sufficient growing up, I wanna bump into you, sometime.

Rest easy, man.

—JM

IndyCar.com

We Saw It All

2011-10-03T15:55:00.000-04:00

This year's IZOD IndyCar Series race at Kentucky Speedway brought stellar racing, chaos in the pits, and a fairy tale finish.

Tuck in to these (very) random thoughts and observations:

Could the weather over the weekend have been any different within a span of 24 hours? Welcome to the Tri-state...
Newman Haas (P4 and P6): Overachievers. Period.
Charlie Kimball stepped out of his car after the race, took a very animated deep breath, then grinned. Mile-and-a-halves are killers. Respect to all the drivers.
With two second-place finishes in two years, Kentucky is Eddie Carpenter's best track. With it on the bubble for '12, Ed was, essentially, running out of chances to seal the deal for his first win--but he did.
The award for most impressive entourage goes to rookie and part-timer, Wade Cunningham. Post-race found him swallowed up in a scrum of tats and long hair you simply couldn't ignore. BTW: P7 in his third start and besting his mile-and-a-half master teammate, Wheldon, by seven spots? Are you kidding me?!
Post-race presser saw Dario being interviewed for his P2 finish while Willy P's ubiquitous Verizon advert played on the monitors above. Irony...
When you encounter the Sarah Fisher Racing organization, it looks more like a family reunion than a race team. Makes the win even more miraculous.
During the Indy Lights broadcast, Michael Andretti said he would like to see other IndyCar owners step up and support the Road to Indy program--I would too.
Our .3 megapixel pics from race tracks have GOT TO GO (don't hold your breath).
Simona in Switzerland County, Indiana: a little awkward for me.
Buddy Rice getting some fresh looks for '12 because of his development background--kool.
For the ladies: Dan Wheldon's driver suit is obscenely tight. You're welcome.
On Will Power: What do you say? He's not out of it, but DAYUM.
Townsend Bell goes from 26th to 11th for DRR. Underrated?
Tag steps out of the car and into the booth: team player.
Note to Versus: Please don't play radio chatter on air without, somehow, identifying the source.
Mrs. Power's team sends their driver rocketing into the side of Mr. Power, possibly screwing him, royally, with regard to the championship. Awkward?
Tag says he thinks "Vegas will be a fantastic race." I like the sound of that.
Graham Rahal, not outwardly angry, but very emotional in his post-race interview. Tells you what a competitor he is, and I don't blame him--this was supposed to be "the year."

Finally, a few shout-outs:

To those injured, yesterday, a big AHOI get well soon!

To Kentucky Speedway: Thanks for the great hospitality and for putting on another stellar show. May not be next year, but we WILL be back.

Lastly, to you folks. Thanks for reading our tweets, viewing our hideously poor-quality pics, and hitting up our posts, this weekend. Truly one of the greatest experiences I've had in racing, and without an audience, it's just me, if you know what I'm sayin'?

--JM

Kentucky Speedway: How it All Went Down--Day 1

2011-10-01T22:03:00.000-04:00

*touches fingers to keyboard; they shatter like candy glass*
The weather predictor says it's supposed to be sunny and 77 degrees, NEXT Saturday. Right. Shuttin' up.

Stellar day at the big bowl in the Bluegrass. Here's how it all went down--in random, unedited, unproofread blurts.

RAIN. Just a few drops on the windscreen as I hammered down I-71 toward Kentucky Speedway. It obviously didn't amount to anything, but was momentarily PANICKED.

The drive flew by, thanks to a little help from a Fat Man In The Bathtub and a Freebird. Ah, to be young again [adjusts Depends undergarment].

Arrived at the track in record time. Eased the CR-V into its spot, and kaBOOM, brush with greatness. R. Miller steps out of his rental next to me. Knew it was going to be a day to be remember.

Settled in. Bumped into @KimJackson of @FollowAndretti fame. Two words: lovely woman.

Strode out to pit lane to watch a bit of IndyCar FP1 and RUH-ROH, problem. Crackberry battery takes a crap, and phone SEIZES. Implemented "emergency half-hour drive back to Florence Y'all" to replace said battery. 25-minute wait, cell phone dude rummages through every drawer in store--nothing. PANIC. *Finally* turns up a second-hand battery that's completely flat (BONUS). Back in my sleigh, charging all the way to the speedway.

Stalked, met, and exchanged pleasantries with Paul Dalbey (@Fieldof33) of @MoreFrontWing fame. Kind gentleman.

Stumbled upon a nice-sized hole in the pit wall that an out-of-control car could either drive through and endanger those behind the wall, or cut a car in half. Me thinks it should be addressed.

Sought warmth, intermittently [insert my wife--and you--saying "WHAHH" here].

Nearing the end--you're welcome.

Wound up the day with an enjoyable exchange with THE Curt Cavin. Good man, and you know what? He took time out from interviewing qualifiers coming off track to chat with me--to boot, I'm nobody. BAM.

Couple random observations:

Cars' paint jobs aren't in their usual flawless, gleaming brilliance. Why pay for paint with just a couple of races left?
TK (P 19). Sato (P 22). Viso (P 23). KV canned their hot-shot engineer with multiple races to go in the season... O_o

Finally, killer lineup for tomorrow. DON'T miss the action (Graham says three-wide possible). Race airs at 2:00 ET on Versus.

Thanks for reading and supporting AHOI, my friends. Till tomorrow--or later.

--JM

"Testing... one-two. Is this thing on?"

2011-09-30T11:00:00.000-04:00

IndyCar.com

I could go on, ad nauseam, as to why this space has been silent for the past months but, really, who cares?! Right. Let's move on.

What up, peeps? It's been TOO long. So... the natural question is, what's gotten me off my arse? Simple. Just one of the most epic IndyCar events on the calendar--Kentucky Speedway, 2011, of course.

Continually one of the most competitive venues, conveniently located near casa Montona, and rumored to be a question mark for 2012; all reasons why it's only right we dedicate some semi-well-thought-out keystrokes.

So, I pulled "The Man" into my office (I don't have an office) and advised him not to look for my sad mug till Tuesday, next. That means the next days are just you, me, and the big bowl in the Bluegrass--condolences.

Crackberry in hand, we'll be boots-on-the-ground, all weekend, doing our level best to share all the excitement with those unable to make it to what could be the last go-round for Kentucky on the IZOD IndyCar schedule [insert well-chosen expletive here].

Herewago! Pending adequate cell coverage, expect copious tweets; vivid, .3 megapixel pics; and as many posts, here, as we can squeeze out [insert low expectations here].

IT'S ON, bitches (I heart you, Monica--in a I'm happily married sort of way). Let's do this...

--JM

The '12 car WILL turn a wheel—posthaste

2011-07-19T09:08:00.001-04:00

In round about 20 days, to be exact. Check this tweet from the Car Czar, Tony Cotman, then go below for all the deets.

What: 2012 IndyCar Inaugural Test

Pilot: Dan "Two-time" Wheldon

Team: Bryan Herta "One-shot" Autosport

Where: Reportedly, Mid-Ohio (IndyCar races there the day before)

(IndyCar.com)

I, for one, never seem to be fully satisfied with the present, so this bit of news has yours truly sincerely STOKED.

Stay tuned, peeps.

—JM

You’ll be getting it every night and LOVING it

2011-04-27T09:46:00.000-04:00

(1070TheFan.com)

With the month of May comes the running of the greatest race on earth, but it also signals the beginning of something of equal gravitas.

May is when the 1070 The Fan brass loosen the reigns on Curt Cavin and Kevin Lee and allow them to give it the large by going nightly with their epic IndyCar-oriented radio talk show, Trackside.

That’s right. Put your teeth back in, pa-pa, ’cause I’m crappin’ ya’ negative.

Beginning next Monday, May 2nd, Trackside airs every weeknight at 7:00 eastern, through the entire month, followed by the walking encyclopedia of the “Indianapolis 500 Mile Race,” Donald Davidson and “The Talk of Gasoline Alley” at 8:00.

No more agonizing waits until Thursday, I said EVERY NIGHT.

On the precipice of the 100th anniversary of the ‘500,’ they’ll be boatloads to talk about, so be sure to tune in, as well as check Kevin’s blog, regularly, for updates on guests, time changes, etc.

In the words of Shelby Stanga from “Ax Men,” HEREWAGO!

—JM

The "Fab Five" Shouldn't be Invited to Crash the Party

2011-03-03T13:05:00.000-05:00

I'm guessing, other IndyCar drivers
have similar sentiments to Will's
Photo: indycar.com

Leave it up to the quiet speedster, Will Power, to be the voice of reason with all the frothing going on over the IndyCar Vegas finale. I had just put the finishing touches on my list of five favorites ("Cha Cha" Muldowney, Alberto Contador, Shaun White, Kenny Roberts, and Joey Chestnut) when William had to get all up and reasonable in this piece by Marshall Pruett.

“You just need to be careful who [is invited]. It has the potential to be pretty dangerous if the wrong people are let out there because you can’t have a guy who doesn’t have a lot of experience running in a top category like this on a fast oval. I know before I ever did ovals, I looked at them and thought how scary they looked. Kind of crazy, really. After a few years of doing them now, you forget about how fast you’re actually going and forget about the stuff that used to scare you. But, for a guy coming over and doing his first proper oval race in an IndyCar, and it doesn’t matter who it is, it’s still a pretty eye opening thing. It’s no joke.”

Yea, no joke. 220, 221... whatevs. Four open wheels and a bunch ballers vying for the season IndyCar crown is no place for Dennis Anderson, or the like.

It's the proverbial double-edged sword: in some ways, you want the drivers with the least experience, for the pub; on the other hand, the ones with the most experience, for safety and to maintain the integrity of the event.

So, Randy, when it comes to the Sin City Shootout, I am ALL IN, bud. But let's keep the sentiments of one Willy P. in mind: sometimes, even in Vegas, you have to play it SAFE.

—JM

Where in the world is Conor Daly?

2011-02-21T14:16:00.000-05:00

Daly will balance a full season of GP3 (above) with
selected events in the Firestone Indy Lights Series

Think your 2011 is shaping up to be a busy one? Let’s see how your itinerary stacks up against my man Conor Daly’s.

Competing in both a full season of GP3, plus selected events in the Firestone Indy Lights Series, to say Conor will be racking up the frequent-flyer miles is an understatement.

Here it is in a nutshell: 21 races (GP3 holds two per weekend) and the potential to run on 12 test days scattered across 10 countries, 4 states, and only 6 months.

Check out the full list of events, below, then stop back over the course of the 2011 racing season to see where in the world is Conor Daly.

Date                   Series     Race/Test         Venue

March 3-4          GP3         Test                     Paul Ricard, France

March 27            FILS         Race                   St. Petersburg, FL

March 29-31      GP3         Test                     Silverstone, GB

April 10               FILS        Race                    Birmingham, AL

April 12-14         GP3        Test                      Barcelona, Spain

April 17               FILS        Race                    Long Beach, CA

May 7-8              GP3         Race                    Istanbul, Turkey

May 21-22         GP3         Race                    Barcelona, Spain

June TBD          GP3         Test                      TBD

June 16-17        GP3         Test                      Valencia, Spain

June 25-26        GP3         Race                    Valencia, Spain

July 9-10            GP3         Race                    Silverstone, GB

July 23-24          GP3         Race                    Nurburgring, Germany

July 30-31          GP3         Race                    Budapest, Hungary

August 7             FILS        Race                    Trois Rivieres, Quebec

August 27-28     GP3        Race                    Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium

Sept. 4                FILS       Race                     Baltimore, MD

Sept. 10-11        GP3       Race                     Monza, Italy

—JM

P.S. Hey, CD... better print this and strap it to your wrist like an NFL QB, you’re going to need it.

Sammy Speaks

2011-02-18T12:51:00.002-05:00

Will he, or won’t he?

Photo: IndyCar

I’ve seen plenty of quotes from Sam Hornish, Jr. as to whether he will run the "Indianapolis 500" again, but audible interviews seem to be a bit more scarce.

Last night, 1070 The Fan’s, JMV, caught up with Sam and asked him about Indy, NASCAR, Tom Carnegie, and more. Take a listen here, decide for yourself whether you think he’ll return to the '500', then share your opinion via our poll.

—JM

Saying Good-bye to the "Sound of Speed"

2011-02-11T12:53:00.041-05:00

It's a sad, sad day, to say the least. Tom Carnegie, the inspiration for the naming of this website, has died at age 91.

As I stated earlier on Twitter, there's no better way to understand how we felt about Mr. Carnegie than to read our very first blog post, which I've included below.

Nothing sums up his impact on the "Indianapolis 500" and Indycar racing better than the last sentence, which reads, "...on behalf of the millions, Tom, we miss you, and thanks for the memories."

When it came to titling this blog site, I was charged with distilling what 35-plus years of open-wheel racing and the Indianapolis 500 meant to me into a scant handful of words—no easy task, I assure you. The words themselves are plain to see, but to the uninitiated, their intended meaning is predictably elusive and mysterious at best.

But to the millions of souls that have heard those same utterances echo contemplatively, grandstand-to-grandstand, across the grounds of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, they hold true reverence. They are iconic, hair-raising, and for those whose house of worship resides at the corner of 16th Street and Georgetown, I unabashedly say biblical.

Tom Carnegie’s voice is an instrument; more precisely, a drum. Not a child’s toy, but the deepest orchestral timpani in full roll at the hands of the most proficient percussionist. It’s low-boiling thunder, truck tires on a gravel road. Launched from loudspeakers at the world’s greatest and most historic sporting venue, it’s aural fireworks—simply magic.

Mr. Carnegie didn’t just serve as public address announcer for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, he institutionalized the position. From 1946 to 2006 his voice was as much a part of the month of May as the cars, the fans, the drivers.

Quite reasonably, one would expect that the 500-mile race would be his brightest stage, and without question, his performances over the years were legendary. But in this writer’s opinion, the 33 snarling engines on race day only served as recurring and rude interruptions to his impeccable skill. During an era when the word “Indy” meant an ongoing quest for faster and faster speeds, the qualifications for the race are where Mr. Carnegie’s talent truly shown.

With only one race car on the speedway at a time, he had the captive ear of thousands. His dramatic delivery, tone, and inflection had fans hanging on every word in a one-way dialogue of the most engaging sort. Having performed so brilliantly for so long, Mr. Carnegie has become well known for a number of famous phrases, but to me, there is only one.

For an Indycar driver, competing in the Indianapolis 500 each year is second only to winning it. That makes a qualification attempt at Indy one of the most dramatic 10 miles in motorsports. To accomplish qualifying successfully is a triumphant victory of the grandest character, to fail is a tragedy of the greatest proportions—Tom Carnegie knew that as well as anyone.

After circling the oval on his warm-up laps and being presented with the green flag, Carnegie would skillfully and ceremoniously launch the driver into racing’s stratosphere, as if journeying to the moon, with four simple, monosyllabic words: “annnd he’s on it!” No one on the grounds, including the brave soul behind the wheel, knew what would happen over the next four laps. That’s what made those words so powerful... the suspense; the agonizing, all-consuming suspense.

Those famous words are what the singular pursuit of Indycar racing means to me. They simply and wholly encapsulate my decades-long love affair with the sport I just can’t seem to shake. To me, if they were to be linked so closely with this brave new adventure of mine, I felt it only just to pay proper tribute to the man who spoke them so nobly.

To put it more succinctly, on behalf of the millions, Tom, we miss you, and thanks for the memories.

—JM

“...and he’s on it” gets its head out of its a**

2011-01-22T15:56:00.000-05:00

There was a time—not so long ago—when I felt if I was going to add a fellow blog brother to my sidebar that they had to be worthy of some sort of inherent “stamp of approval”—an unspoken “I recommend this person, I like what they do.”

Well, now that I’ve had an opportunity to reflect on what that, indeed, means, I’ve come to one conclusion: what an arrogant PRICK I am. [stabs self in thigh with Bic]

Just exactly, who the hell am I?! Who gave me the right to pass judgment on what you may or may not like to read? [furiously bangs head on table]

After all, we’re in this together, right? The totality of readers and writers alike—we’re just passionate about American open-wheel racing and like to share in each other’s opinions.

When one blogger succeeds, we all succeed. We feed off each other’s prosperity.

So... what’s this all mean? This: my acute attack of rectal-cranial inversion is OVER. Some of you may have already noticed that I have opened up the ...and he’s on it sidebar to include a plethora of sites that focus on IndyCar.

Brilliant idea? Yes! But not mine. IndyCar blogging pioneer, Jeff Iannucci over at mynameisirl.com (and more recently onelapdown.com), is where I stole this little gem of a concept from, and I know there are others out there that boast an equally stout blog roll.

And let’s be absolutely clear: this is NOT an indictment of others who choose to do differently. Everyone has their preferences and, as far as I’m concerned, individuality is what makes the world go round, so you’re encouraged to patronize whatever sites peg your tach.

Bottom line? Want to find out where the latest in IndyCar opinion/editorial, news, and humor is hidden? Swing by ...and he’s on it (or the site of your choosing) daily and GET READING. And don’t forget to comment—your thoughts are always welcome and encouraged.

Lastly, I’d like to take this opportunity, on behalf of all IndyCar bloggers, to say thank you for your patronage. We appreciate it.

63 days, my friends...

—JM

The Skinny on Soucek: A Brief Bio

2011-01-18T10:53:00.001-05:00

Andy Soucek is under consideration for
a ride with Andretti Autosport

It came to light, yesterday, via Curt Cavin’s Q&A that Andretti Autosport is considering a 2011 IndyCar program for Spain’s Andy Soucek.

I thought it might be nice to know a bit more about him before he joins our little party.

Here's the Cliffs Notes version of his bio:

Nationality: Spanish

Age: 25

Racing Career:

2010 Superleague Formula (partial season); Test Driver, Virgin Racing F1 Team
2009 F2 Champion
2008 GP2 Series, (14th in Championship); Superleague Formula (partial season)
2007 GP2 Series (16th in Championship)
2006 Test Driver, Toyota F1; World Series by Renault (4th in Championship)
2003–2005 Spanish F3
2002 Junior Spanish F3

Want to know more? Cool. If you’re fluent in Spanish, you’ll LOVE Mr. Soucek’s official site.

BTW: Andy's on Twitter, so give him a follow, if you so choose.

—JM

A Backstage Conversation from the “State of IndyCar” Address

2011-01-17T14:10:00.002-05:00

FILS Dude #1: [casually] “So, you called Conor’s rep, right?”

FILS Dude #2: “Uh... no, I thought you called him?”

FILS Dude #1: [agitated] “No. I didn’t call him. I’m on confetti, remember?”

FILS Dude #2: [confused] “I thought I was on confetti.”

FILS Dude #1: [angry] “No. DUDE. You are NOT on confetti. And if you didn’t call his rep and I didn’t call him that means they have no fu**ing clue about what is... [stops abruptly]

LOOK. Forget it. He’s about to make the announcement, and we’re completely fu**ed. Get back! I’m doing the confetti.”

[Moments later (in a biblical downpour of diced paper) Roger Bailey, Executive Director of the Firestone Indy Lights Series, announces that 2010 Star Mazda Champ, Conor Daly, will be stepping up to FIL, sharing driving duties for next season with USAC scholarship winner, Bryan Clauson—participating in the road/street races that Clauson does not take part in.]

[Daly’s thought bubble] “WTF?!?”

**************************************************************************************************

Okay. So the conversation may be something I conjured up, but the announcement of Daly’s ride, and the fact that he didn’t know a thing about it, was NOT [insert favorite farcically-induced acronym here; ROFLMAO]. Here’s the proof:

Now, you might think this would be stellar news for Conor but, ruh-roh, PROBLEM. It’s no secret that Daly has his eyes set on Formula One, which means the next logical step for him is Europe’s GP3 Series.

Did Conor already have a GP3 deal done when the announcement came? Was he set to do some FILS races with a team other than the one associated with Clauson’s scholarship? Who knows... since the above tweet, Conor’s been pretty quiet on the subject, so we’ll have to see how this one plays out.

Regardless, this is one wickedly funny episode in the life of a race car driver.

Stay tuned...

—JM

Randy’s listening... No, REALLY, he’s listening.

2011-01-15T13:43:00.002-05:00

Tweeting? Maybe...
Photo: Paul Dalbey, morefrontwing.com

[1/15/11: 4:54 pm] Editor's Note: Since this update was originally posted, Arni Sribhen has clarified that Randy Bernard is "...not on twitter yet...but he's nearly there." In addition, Sribhen indicated that, when Bernard is active on Twitter, it has yet to be determined whether his account will be "open," or whether his identity will be concealed. Stay tuned, peeps...

Knowing Randy Bernard’s kooky philosophy of actually wanting to hear what fans have to say about the state of the IZOD IndyCar Series, I’ve often wondered if, maybe, he was covertly monitoring Twitter as a way of gauging fan feelings. After all, Twitter’s where it all goes down, right?

Well, we now have confirmation he does, indeed, walk among us.

After Tony Kanaan met with Mr. Bernard, yesterday, he tweeted this:

Shortly thereafter, Arni Sribhen, Media Relations Coordinator for IndyCar, responded with this:

BAM.

The point? The leader of the IndyCar Series is a fan-friendly STUD (until proven otherwise) and he is listening to what you have to say.

So, all the more reason to (respectfully) tweet your concerns, or votes of confidence, about the greatest racing series on the planet, because who knows what the Series’ response might be?

Tzit...

...and, Mr. Bernard, if you’re in earshot, I heart you, man.

—JM

Standing “O” for the Supporting Cast

2011-01-13T19:15:00.003-05:00

Randy Bernard is the front man,

but he’s not accomplishing the Series’ goals alone

Photo: Ron McQueeney, IndyCar.com

There’s been a virtual tsunami of epic IndyCar news over the past several months, with the latest wave coming via Tuesday’s “State of IndyCar” address in Indianapolis.

Much of the credit has been thrown Lord Randall’s way and, for the record, I AM ALL ABOUT THAT—you’ll find no bigger supporter of Randy Bernard than I. But... as the saying goes [it either really is a saying, or I’m just making it up... whatevs], “no great leader goes it alone.”

The plans laid out by the Series are ambitious, at a minimum—and there’s a shizzle-load of work that’s already been accomplished and that still lays ahead. That requires an entire TEAM of very talented, hardworking, and motivated people. Randy has that and, in my mind, they need to be recognized.  

I won’t begin to try and name all those involved because, frankly, I have no clue as to who they all are. Let’s just assume it’s pretty much everyone at IndyCar, plus peeps at IMS and, I’m sure, a whole lot of other folks. A big round of applause to you all, plus I’d like to throw in some special recognition for the car czar, Tony Cotman.

I’m fairly certain my schilling of Tony’s brand only runs second to Robin Miller’s, but that’s neither here nor there. The fact is this 2012 car thing is HARD. T.C. has a new safety cell to worry about, four-ish body kits and three engine manufacturers to get all dancing in a 230-mph ballet, and it all has to be accomplished in an insanely short amount of time.

Despite all that, Tony just quietly goes about his business GIT'N R DONE. For that, Mr. Cotman, I say good on ya’, sir.

I think we’re done here... just 72 short more days, peeps. ;)

—JM

Grand Finale: Part V of Pressdog’s Twitter Opus

2011-01-07T10:57:00.000-05:00

Bill saves the best for last. Today’s installment—the final in his epic series—is all about YOU: the soon-to-be Twitter follower/followee.

WARNING: Read with extreme caution. @andhesonit receives MAD PUB in this post (very small type, buried waaaaay at the bottom amongst 341 other tweets) that may aggravate some heart conditions.

Thanks, peeps, this week’s been fun. Props to the almighty Pressdog!

—JM

“Resistance to Twitter is futile.” —Pressdog

2011-01-06T12:54:00.001-05:00

WORD, Bill. You WILL succumb, sooner or later, so why not now? Carpe tweetem, peeps!

Today, Part IV of Pressdog’s epic Twitter tome focuses on the all-important driver presence. Many IZOD IndyCar pilots are on Twitter, which gives followers an unparalleled peek into their private lives.

Plus, when the mood strikes, drivers aren’t shy about communicating directly with fans via tweets, so jump on Twitter, NOW, and your own personal brush with greatness may be in the offing.

Time to hit that LINK, and savor the P-dog prose…

—JM

Day 3: @Pressdog Digs Deep

2011-01-05T13:09:00.008-05:00

IndyCar public relations experts Michael Kaltenmark, Pat Caporali, Kim Jackson, and Amy Konrath comment, in detail, on Twitter as a powerful new PR tool.

I think you know the routine by now... hit that LINK.

—JM

Pressdog's The Rise of Twitter in IndyCar, Part Deux

2011-01-04T10:11:00.002-05:00

Yes, Twitter is that important. It’s an incredibly easy (and fun) way to become an IndyCar “insider” and really feel a part of the sport.

Hit the link for the second installment in Bill’s awesome five-part series, then swing by here, again, tomorrow, or just run straight to Pressdog.com.

Get your tweet on! Have I ever been wrong? Never mind…

—JM

Pressdog Helps You Get a Handle on Twitter

2011-01-03T13:19:00.000-05:00

You found this post by some means other than Twitter? RUH-ROH. PROBLEM. If you’re an IZOD IndyCar enthusiast, you have to be on Twitter. Period.

Great minds think alike—or so they say. And, in fact, I had plans to do a post on how utterly awesome Twitter is when it comes to being a fan of IndyCar, myself, but the honorable Bill Zahren of Pressdog.com beat me to it.

Am I disappointed? Not a smidge. Here’s why: based on “Part 1” of Bill’s five-part series, he’s doing, oh, maybe, a 10,000-times better job than I would do.

So, without further ado, get your non-tweeting (or currently-tweeting) butt over to Pressdog.com and dive into Bill’s killer Twitter primer.

—JM

Just thanks...

2010-12-24T13:53:00.002-05:00

Feliz Navidad from AHOI and
special guest photographer, Graham Rahal

I’m going to forfeit my Man Hard Card for just a moment to get all drippy and convey an overdue message.

The one-year anniversary of ...and he’s on it passed a few weeks ago without fanfare. Oh, I think I might have sent a tweet or two out about it, but it really deserves more than that.

On the eve of one of my favorite days on the calendar, I couldn’t think of a more appropriate time to extend a formal “thank you” to all of you for your support of this little endeavor of mine.

I like to say I dove into Twitter and started the blog with “eyes wide shut”—and thankfully so. Had I actually looked before I leapt and seen the über-smart and talented peeps that make up the virtual IndyCar world, I certainly would have talked myself out of the whole thing.

Because of the killer content that rolls off the keyboards of the IndyCar bloggers on a daily basis, that makes the “success”—if you can call it that—of ...and he’s on it that much more rewarding.

And the fact is AHOI would be NOTHING without its readers, so the credit goes to you, and deservedly so.

I could blather on about it, but let’s just say the blog and Twitter thing have become important to me. So thanks for helping to enrich my life and, in turn, I hope I’ve added a little something to yours by giving you a place to go and chat it up about what I consider to be the greatest sport in the world.

I raise a virtual toast to you and wish you and those you hold dear a very Merry Christmas and totally rad New Year—cheers!

Card back, please...

—JM

That Was Then, This is Now

2010-12-20T17:26:00.000-05:00

One of the biggest off-season announcements
has Rahal and Kimball joining Ganassi
Photo: Ron McQueeney, IndyCar.com

Had you asked me two months ago what my interest was in the 2011 IndyCar season, I would have said, let’s dump it and go right to ’12, when we’ll have the new chassis and engines to create fresh interest—but that was then, this is now.

Since that time, the mother of all off-seasons has broken loose and buried us in an avalanche of awesomeness that has 2011 shaping up to be one epic IndyCar funtacular.

Here’s a random—and, I’m sure, woefully incomplete—list of the storylines we’ll have to follow in the coming months:

Car count: I’ve seen 24 to 28 quoted for non-Indy events, with who knows how many vying to appear in the big show.
Indianapolis 500 Centennial: A virtual cornucopia of things planned. Check out Kevin Lee’s semi-comprehensive list here.
IMS speed record: Sir Randall “wants it gone.” Even if, practically speaking, there’s no chance to break it, if Randy just trots out there and says “have at it,” that will attract stellar pub.
Yanks: You asked for ‘em, you got ‘em… six full time, plus Ed part time—I believe.
Sponsor changes/additions:

o IZOD and Meijer from Andretti to Penske

o Shell/Pennzoil to Penske

o NTB Tires goes full time at Ganassi

o Novo Nordisk to Ganassi

o “New” sponsor for RHR TBA

o Brazilian sponsors for Kanaan?

Driver changes/additions:

o Graham & Charlie Kimball in new cars at Ganassi

o Wheldon out, or back to Andretti?

o TK at de Ferran

o Matos out?

o JR in at Panther

o A second season for Simona? Does the wrecking crew get the ax at KV? Yada, yada, yada…

Whew… Alright. This is supposed to be an interactive forum, right? What did I miss? BRING IT, peeps.

—JM

Drink and Drive with Three “Indy 500” Legends

2010-12-13T16:46:00.001-05:00

Got three-and-a-half large burning a hole in your pocket? Then you can experience the ride (and cocktail party) of a lifetime.

The Indy Racing Experience recently announced they’ll be hosting the inaugural “Legends Day” at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Mark the date: May 23^rd, 2011, Mario Andretti, Arie Luyendyk, and Johnny Rutherford will be shuttling IndyCar fans around the historic Brickyard at a face-melting 180 mph in the stretch limo of open-wheel racing cars, the Indy Two-seater.

[Ron Popeil voice] “But wait, that’s not all…” For your $3,500 you will also receive breakfast (Sausage McMuffin WITH EGG), lunch ($5 Foot Long—LOADED), entrée to a cocktail party with said guests (Jell-O shots and all the Keystone you can pound!), plus participation in a Q&A, autograph session, custom helmet, and framed photograph with all three legends on the famed Yard of Bricks—schwa-POW.

Hey… there are some lies in there. Better click your way over to the Indy Racing Experience site and get all the truthful details on what—with all kidding aside—should be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for 60 lucky fans.

And may we take the liberty of suggesting these beverages for the gala: Andretti vino, Heineken, and Lone Star beer?

—JM

P.S. Dear Santa: Pleeeease…???

“I hope you choke on that whistle, you old bag o’ dirt!”

2010-12-10T09:06:00.000-05:00

Bernard is making moves to remove some of
the barriers between drivers and young fans

Harsh? Sorrrry… [bows head, sheepishly kicks ground]

Truth is, that little outburst has been percolating for, oh, approximately 26.6 years.

See, back in the day, as a young lad [computers clicking off furiously], I BS’d my way onto an Indycar team for the month of May—I was 18, infant-faced, and wholly incompetent (beside the point). Awesome opportunity, though, huh?!

Ruh-roh. PROBLEM.

At the time (1984; “Jump!”), the minimum age to get into the garage area at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway [angels softly sing out “ahhhhhh”] was 21.

Mind you, I haven’t had much interaction with them recently, but back then [last reader nods off, drools slightly], the IMS Safety Patrol, aka “Yellow Shirts,” who manned the garage area gates, could be described—stereotypically, yes—as a group of mature gentlemen of a certain, advanced level of simmering RAGE (picture an army of A.J. Foyts [there go the angels again] with police whistles).

[Get to the point, man!] Okay. Let’s just say the Yellow Shirts were VERY good at upholding the official Safety Patrol oath which, in section 3.7 clearly states, “I don’t care if it’s Queen Mary Hulman herself, if they look under 21, card the little pr*$@#!” (bold-faced lie).

So, despite being uniformed, credentialed, and often having arms filled with car parts or wheeling a set of tires, etc., po-po always got their man—me.

What ensued for the next month (and, ultimately, years into the future) was a cat-and-mouse game with the Yellow Shirts that involved me sneaking from one entrance to the next, trying to hide in crowds, or rushing the gates like festival seating at a Bublé concert.

Unfortunately for you, this quirky little anecdote has very little to do with the actual point of this post. All I really wanted to do was serve up a big, jumbo-sized “AWESOME” to you, Sir Randall, for very wisely lowering the minimum age for entry into the IMS garage area to 9 (allegedly—no official announcement, yet, I don’t believe).

Not only will this maneuver provide pint-sized IndyCar fans the killer opportunity to get close to the action that I never had [complete symphony of violins at full throttle], but it also opens up a whole new talent pool for the teams.

Damn it, Randy, you’ve done it again. And I don’t mind saying, right here and now, I heart you with a love deep, strong, and true...

—JM

Editor’s note: Dear IMS Safety Patrol (and their groupies): First, thank you for your service. Second, please do NOT put a contract out on me. No ill will was meant by the above comments, and I know you carry out a thankless task for little recognition and equal pay—you’re just doing your job, and that’s completely understood... we still good? [barely misses a Luyendyk backhand]

Baguette Represents

2010-11-24T11:15:00.000-05:00

This is the first time Baguette has
competed in the Race of Champions
photo: indycar.com

Big shout-out to Conquest Racing driver, Bertrand Baguette, as he represents the IZOD IndyCar Series on the world stage in this weekend's Race of Champions in Dusseldorf, Germany.

Baguette makes his debut in the race, having been voted in via a public poll.

BB will attempt to put the IndyCar beat-down on such notable international drivers as Michael “Schumi” Schumacher, Sebastian “Wonder Boy” Vettel, and Alain “Crooked Nose” Prost.

Get all the details on the RoC here, and send the love to Bertrand via his twitter account here.

Tear it up, Mr. B.

—JM

Dear Sarah:

2010-11-15T12:37:00.001-05:00

If Hildebrand doesn't get snapped up
by Panther, he could be a great get for SFR

Word on the street is you’re considering hanging up the helmet. Well, that’s a sad prospect, indeed.

Despite being recognized as a perennial most popular driver, I don’t think we’ll ever know the full impact of what your performance on and off track has done to develop and maintain interest in Indycar racing—especially during the “lean years.”

I know I speak for thousands of your peeps, when I say, I hope you race on well into the future; however, if you choose to step out of the car to manage the team and pursue some of the finer things in life, that’s cool—and admirable.

When that day comes, you certainly don’t need my help in choosing a driver for the ‘67’, but I thought I’d share with you the names of a few of my favorite shoes that are decidedly fast and destined to have very prosperous futures:

Wade Cunningham

Former FILS Champ and he knows his way around the Speedway; three, count them, THREE Freedom 100 wins.

Jonathan Summerton

Formula BMW, A1GP, F3 Euroseries, Atlantics, and Lights; he’s traveled the world and done it all. IndyCar is the next step.

J.R. Hildebrand

’09 FILS Champ, A1GP, an F1 test, and a pair of IndyCar races already under his belt—he’s ready.

There you have it, SF. Here’s hoping word of your impending retirement is greatly exaggerated…

Sincerely,

—JM

Rock on, “Thrilla” \m/

2010-11-03T09:12:00.000-04:00

[Pffft... like it
needs a caption]

Every great rock star deserves a farewell tour; a final opportunity to take it to the people and figuratively hug it out with the fans.

One last chance to shred the ax and cast gaze over thousands of hands raised in silent, flame-wielding tribute before dragging their coke- and STD-riddled carcass back to the crib in Antigua.

And, so, with my requisite proclivity for naïveté, I choose to believe that IndyCar’s resident rock star will soon get the same chance to properly bid adieu.

Some brilliant marketing pro will wake up and recognize the epic opportunity that is, “PT’s Farewell Tour, eh?” [“Arrivederci, Paul...” “Tracy’s Last Ride...” You decide]

When it comes to Indycar drivers, Paul Tracy is the last of a generation. A legend, not just for his 31 wins and ChampCar championship, but for his cool, Chrome Horn-wielding character.

So revered by his fellow competitors,
is Tracy, he’s often the recipient of
spontaneous, heartfelt hugs

PT has nobly competed against anyone who is anyone in American open-wheel racing, over the past 20 years, and when he’s gone, so dies an irreplaceable link to IndyCar’s heritage.

A mega-deity, like Paul, doesn’t just do a few races a year and quietly fade away—he unleashes a season-long A-bomb full of AWESOME on the entire open-wheel community. The result? A face-melting mushroom cloud of splintered carbon fiber, shattered egos, and awestruck fans.

So, on behalf of those that worship at the alter of “The Thrill from West Hill,” I ask you, prospective partners, what’s not to love?

—JM

‘Road to Indy,’ Clean and Green

2010-10-26T13:21:00.000-04:00

Underachiever, Daly,
only won half of his races

The IZOD IndyCar Series’ ladder system, designed to help junior open-wheel talent successfully ascend through the lower formula to Indycars, will be on full display this week.

Thanks to multi-series competitors, Andersen Racing, the respective USF2000 and Star Mazda champs will have the chance to test the waters at the next level by lapping around legendary Sebring Raceway in Florida.

Sage Karam (USF2000) who, by the way, POUNDED his competitors by winning a mere 75% of the races run this season, will be testing a Star Mazda ride, while Conor Daly—fresh from a multi-week GP3 test across The Pond—will trade in his regular Star Mazda drive for Andersen’s Firestone Indy Lights car.

Props to Andersen, the respective series, and sponsors involved for making it happen. Cool to see champs rewarded for their accomplishments and get the opportunity to try and take it to the next level.

BONUS. Both of these young soldiers just happened to grow up saluting Old Glory, “so we’ve got that going for us... which is nice.”

Make the best of it, boys.

—JM

Strap on, F1, it’s GO TIME

2010-10-08T10:52:00.001-04:00

Eddie, Danny, Mikey, and Speed... peculiar little amusements, no? Well, Formula One, the ol’ U.S. of A. is stripping off the red nose and oversized shoes, because we’re tired of looking like clowns.

That’s right. We’re done dickin’ around. It’s been three decades since the almighty Mario [angels softly sing out, “ahhhhhhh”] brought you to your knees, and it’s high time those snotty pukes you have spewing champagne all over Qatar, and the rest of creation, get some serious competition.

Yes, we’ve identified the threat and, no, they’ll be no names—you can just call him “O’Shaughnessy.” And there’s no need for a CV, either. Suffice it to say, O’Shaughnessy is napalm in Nomex, the WMD of motorsport, and Special Forces of formula cars all wrapped up into one barely-humanlike form.

He’s a Levi’s wearin’, Marlboro smokin’, ‘Beam swillin’ sh*t storm of AWESOME, and he’s coming to a twisty near you.

O’Shaughnessy has already conducted reconnaissance at your beloved Monza and will be infiltrating your lower formula, posthaste.

For now, he’s in training: pulling coal cars out of the West Virginia mines—with his teeth—while only on respite from skinning Florida ‘gators—with his wheel-crushing bare hands.

How will you know when he has arrived? Oh, there will be no confusion. Look skyward. Behold the mushroom cloud, projectile vomit-inducing bright light, and unmistakable stain in Herr Vettel’s lederhosen.

You have been warned, Formula One. He. Is. Coming. And may God help you... may the Almighty help you.

Uhhh... we got this, Conor, right??

—JM

IndyCar Drivers Storm the 'Castle

2010-10-07T09:39:00.004-04:00

Think you’re 171 days from seeing your favorite IndyCar drivers in action? Not so fast…

October 9th and 10th (that’s this weekend), former IndyCar driver Mark Dismore hosts the 2010 RoboPong 200 Presented by Bridgestone kart race at his totally awesome New Castle Motorsports Park.

IndyCar drivers scheduled to get back to their roots include: Ed Carpenter, Dan Wheldon, Graham Rahal, Will Power, Alex Tagliani, and [wait for it] Milka Duno—just to add that old familiar feeling.

Look for several Firestone Indy Lights upstarts, also, as well as my boy Conor Daly, 2010 Star Mazda Champion.

Where else will you have the opportunity to see such racing superstars in this sort of setting? If you're lucky, maybe you can snag an autograph or quick pic, if you like.

Can’t make it in person? Thanks to RaceFanRadio.com, you can watch the LIVE stream from the comfort of your own castle.

Gonna be a long off-season—catch them while you can…

—JM

"So, some bloggers and a couple of TV types enter a chat room..."

2010-09-18T13:10:00.000-04:00

I wouldn't be so bold as to presume I could promo tonight's IndyCar chat over at Versus.com better than Roy Hobbson, so jet on over there and get the lowdown from the man himself.

What I will say is, that with such BS luminaries in attendance as Hobbson, PressDog, and "Indy Lindy" Thackston, there promises to be more #2 slung than in the entire Dirty Jobs "Poo Pot" episode—or, perhaps, vegan night at San Quentin.

I'll be heading over to Versus.com, round about 11:00—gas mask engaged—you?

Follow RHR Into Battle Against "The Big C"

2010-09-15T13:04:00.000-04:00

10,000 Twitter followers equals
10 large for Racing for Cancer

Hey, tweeps, Ryan Hunter-Reay could use a hand.

In honor of his mother, Lydia, who died from cancer in 2009, Hunter-Reay has, admirably, taken on the roll of global ambassador for Racing for Cancer—a nonprofit established to help battle the disease.

As a result, the group's founding sponsor, Inland Industrial Services Group, has pledged to donate $10,000 if RHR can reach 10,000 Twitter followers by October 2nd—a lofty goal, perhaps, but highly doable.

Here's where you play the hero: if you're not already following @RyanHunterReay (you should be anyway), please do so and, while you're at it, urge your own tweeps to do the same.

It costs absolutely nothing and could go a long way toward giving "The Big C" the beat-down it so properly deserves.

Thanks, peeps.

Now, back to your regularly scheduled programming.

—JM

Car Czar Gets Chatty

2010-09-13T13:01:00.006-04:00

Tony Cotman

Wondering how the 2012 IZOD IndyCar chassis is progressing? Well, ponder no more. In an always-welcome gesture of transparency, Tony Cotman, IndyCar's '12 Car Project Manager, is going all "on the record" with a new blog for Racer.com.

Follow along for the next 18, or so, months as Cotman compellingly documents such über challenges as how to squeeze J-dub in comfortably, properly thrashing his new creation, and much, much more.

Get busy reading TC's first post—of what will hopefully be many—right here.

—JM

Michael Andretti: Owning His Heritage

2010-08-26T08:36:00.000-04:00

75% of Andretti's driver lineup
hails from the U.S.

Sure, I love me some T.K., Willy P., and the always rootable, Swiss Miss but, personally, nothing compares to watching homegrown talent tear it up on the track.

With that in mind, AHOI would like to recognize Michael Andretti, of Andretti Autosport, with major ups for six of his eight full-time drivers having grown up amongst the Amber Waves of Grain.

Coincidence? Maybe, but I'll choose to take it at face value.

Michael is very quietly doing his part to ensure indigenous talent has an opportunity to compete on America's premier open-wheel stage.

Good on ya, Mike.

Below, is a list of all the drivers who regularly attend AA meetings:

IZOD IndyCar Series

Marco Andretti—Nazareth, PA USA
Ryan Hunter-Reay—Boca Raton, FL USA
Tony Kanaan—Salvador, Brazil
Danica Patrick—Roscoe, IL USA

Firestone Indy Lights Series

Charlie Kimball—Camarillo, CA USA
Martin Plowman—Tamworth, England

USF2000 Series

Sage Karam—Bethlehem, PA USA
Zach Veach—Stockdale, OH USA

—JM

Size Matters: Put Something in That Man’s Hands He Can be Proud of

2010-08-15T17:28:00.011-04:00

This isn’t Latvian Formula 3... THIS is the IZOD IndyCar Series. The most absurdly challenging open-wheel discipline on the planet. So, as a fan, every time I see a driver whip out his tiny bottle of bubbly and attempt to celebrate a hard-earned victory, as Mr. Judd did last weekend, I feel like donning a dress.

It’s embarrassing. IndyCar may not be ruling the popularity wars just yet but, as the saying goes, “act like you’ve been there before.”

With props to you, Mr. Bernard, for your accomplishments, thus far, and with due respect, my charge to you is to allow that champion to wrap his hands around something that turns the dudes green with envy and the ladies rosy with embarrassment—in other words, CHAMPAGNE SHOCK AND AWE.

A monumental magnum of the authentic stuff (or a nice domestic sparkling wine, would also be lovely) that allows the winner to put his full manhood on display and bathe those adoring fans, over and over again, in the shared fruits of victory—a bottle that shadows Wilson and Rahal... one that Viso could swim in.

Not too much to ask, I dare say. I’m confident there’s a plethora of fine vintners out there that would leap at the chance to provide the goods, F.O.C., in exchange for a bit of pub with the Series.

Are there bigger fish to fry? Nope. It's a small thing, but one that will make a measurable difference in the perception of IndyCar.

Cheers.

—JM

Smooth Sailing

2010-07-11T11:51:00.047-04:00

[You’re screaming down the front stretch at Indy and about to inhale the car in front of you when, unexpectedly, he pulls down into your line and BAM—you’re airborne. {Freeze Frame} Pop up the visor, take a deep breath, and have a look around. You’re 10 feet off the deck and staring down the throat of the Turn 1 catch fence at over 200 mph.]

So, while you’re temporarily spared a very unenviable fate and just hanging out, ask yourself this: Would I rather slam into the current cheese-grater of a fence that will summarily shred my car (and maybe me) into 1.3 million pieces and shower them like pixy dust all over my fellow competitors; or, maybe hit something a bit more forgiving? Something considerably less ferocious? Something smooth... yea, smooth, that might bang me around and ring my noggin like a cheap kabuki gong, but essentially spit me back out on track in remarkably good shape, all things considered?

Now, I don’t know whose idea a smooth, “hockey-style” catch fence was—some cursory research revealed it being bantered about on the Net at least as far back as ’04—but I think it’s something the IZOD IndyCar Series owes its competitors and fans to, at least, investigate.

No, I don’t know if it will work; no, I don’t know how much it will cost and; selfishly, no, I don’t know if I want to be staring through a clear plastic screen while sitting in the stands. But in light of recent (and not-so-distantly past) events, it seems like something worth considering.

Sure, racing will always have a danger element, but is that a super-license to dismiss safety opportunities [insert HANS Device and SAFER Barrier arguments here]?

I’m not blindly endorsing the idea, just bringing it up for discussion. I suspect you have an opinion on the subject, so please share it via the poll, above, or the comment section, below. I also imagine these guys might have a word or two to say about it: Mike Conway, Ryan Briscoe, Kenny Bräck, Davey Hamilton, Tony Renna (1976–2003).

[Now, back to the action. Drop that visor... {Roll Tape}]

—JM

Editor’s note: I’m not one for sensationalism, but if you absolutely can’t help yourself from wanting to see what sort of carnage the current iteration of catch fence can cause, click here, then scroll down.

Wheels of Fortune: An Open Letter to Dreyer & Reinbold Racing

2010-07-05T16:49:00.006-04:00

Dear Dennis, Robbie, and Larry:

Hey, whassup? So, since the 24 car has already been a rolling paradise to such driver cast-offs as Tomas Scheckter, Graham Rahal, and Paul Tracy, why not make it official?

For the remainder of the 2010 season, dedicate the 24 as home to the super-subs—sanctuary to all the rideless and semi-rideless shoes we’d love to see in the series full-time, but can’t... maybe throw a rookie in the deep end while you’re at it.

I knew you’d ask, so here’s my suggested lineup for the remaining races:

Toronto: Bruno Junqueira
Edmonton: Oriol Servia
Mid-Ohio: Graham Rahal
Infineon: Paul Tracy
Chicagoland: Graham Rahal
Kentucky: Ed Carpenter
Motegi: JR Hildebrand
Homestead: Wade Cunningham

Seems easy enough. Larry? Robbie? Bueller... anyone?

Much love,

Johnny Montona
Chairman, Unemployed IZOD IndyCar Drivers’ Advocacy Coalition

[Um... that’s a lie. I’m not, not the chairman. And, well... there’s actually no coalition. Sorry. Uh, never mind. I feel dirty...]

P.S. Get well soon, M. Conway.

We Don't Know Carroll from Adam

2010-06-26T11:25:00.013-04:00

True, true, but across the pond, Adam Carroll is no stranger. So just who is this lad from the land of green that enters the (increasingly faster and faster) fold at Andretti Autosport for the race at The Glen? Let's check his vitals, courtesy of AdamCarrollRacing.com:

Nationality: Northern Irish
Date of Birth: October 26, 1982 (age 26)
Career Race Results:
Races entered: 223
Wins: 40
Podiums: 86
Pole positions: 24
Fastest laps: 25
Race win percentage: 17.94%
(the above statistics are a summary of the data currently
available)
Racing career highlights:
A1GP Champion 08/09
Second in Formula 3 Britain 2004.
Third in Masters of Formula 3 2004.
European Formula 3 Cup champion 2004.
British Formula 3 National class champion 2002.
Third in Formula Ford Festival 2001.
British Formula Ford Winter Series champion 2000.

'08/'09 A1GP champ...hmm. Sprinkle in some GP2, varying experience in other European formulas, and F1 testing for BAR-Honda, and we just might have something here. Intrigued? Check out Adam's full bio here.

So... new country, new series, new track, new team: how will Carroll fare against TK, RHR, DP, and MA? Hard to estimate, but that's not going to stop us from speculating. Check out the poll above, and voice your opinion on how things will shake out for AA at Watkins Glen.

BTW: Don't miss the showdown next Sunday—with so many road-racing superstars in the IZOD IndyCar Series, I think we’ll be celebrating the Fourth with a bang.

—JM

Tom Terrific

2010-05-14T09:47:00.010-04:00

On the very threshold of another glorious “Month of May,” it’s only fitting that Andhesonit pay proper tribute to the man that inspired the name.

To me, the voice of Tom Carnegie will forever be as much a part of my Indy experience as early-morning bus rides up Interstate 74 and sitting shoulder-to-shoulder in the stands with my dad. He is an icon. Part of the very fabric of Indy lore.

Below, is the very first post that appeared on Andhesonit. If you’re familiar with the master’s work, enjoy getting reacquainted. If you haven’t had the pleasure, please, meet the man:

When it came to titling this blog site, I was charged with distilling what 35-plus years of open-wheel racing and the Indianapolis 500 meant to me into a scant handful of words—no easy task, I assure you. The words themselves are plain to see, but to the uninitiated, their intended meaning is predictably elusive and mysterious at best.

But to the millions of souls that have heard those same utterances echo contemplatively, grandstand-to-grandstand, across the grounds of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, they hold true reverence. They are iconic, hair-raising, and for those whose house of worship resides at the corner of 16th Street and Georgetown, I unabashedly say biblical.

Tom Carnegie’s voice is an instrument; more precisely, a drum. Not a child’s toy, but the deepest orchestral timpani in full roll at the hands of the most proficient percussionist. It’s low-boiling thunder, truck tires on a gravel road. Launched from loudspeakers at the world’s greatest and most historic sporting venue, it’s aural fireworks—simply magic.

Mr. Carnegie didn’t just serve as public address announcer for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, he institutionalized the position. From 1946 to 2006 his voice was as much a part of the month of May as the cars, the fans, the drivers.

Quite reasonably, one would expect that the 500-mile race would be his brightest stage, and without question, his performances over the years were legendary. But in this writer’s opinion, the 33 snarling engines on race day only served as recurring and rude interruptions to his impeccable skill. During an era when the word “Indy” meant an ongoing quest for faster and faster speeds, the qualifications for the race are where Mr. Carnegie’s talent truly shown.

With only one race car on the speedway at a time, he had the captive ear of thousands. His dramatic delivery, tone, and inflection had fans hanging on every word in a one-way dialogue of the most engaging sort. Having performed so brilliantly for so long, Mr. Carnegie has become well known for a number of famous phrases, but to me, there is only one.

For an Indycar driver, competing in the Indianapolis 500 each year is second only to winning it. That makes a qualification attempt at Indy one of the most dramatic 10 miles in motorsports. To accomplish qualifying successfully is a triumphant victory of the grandest character, to fail is a tragedy of the greatest proportions—Tom Carnegie knew that as well as anyone.

After circling the oval on his warm-up laps and being presented with the green flag, Carnegie would skillfully and ceremoniously launch the driver into racing’s stratosphere, as if journeying to the moon, with four simple, monosyllabic words: “annnd he’s on it!” No one on the grounds, including the brave soul behind the wheel, knew what would happen over the next four laps. That’s what made those words so powerful... the suspense; the agonizing, all-consuming suspense.

Those famous words are what the singular pursuit of Indycar racing means to me. They simply and wholly encapsulate my decades-long love affair with the sport I just can’t seem to shake. To me, if they were to be linked so closely with this brave new adventure of mine, I felt it only just to pay proper tribute to the man who spoke them so nobly.

To put it more succinctly, on behalf of the millions, Tom, we miss you, and thanks for the memories.

Feeling nostalgic? Listen to an audio clip of Mr. Carnegie here (click on “First Lap”).

—JM

Take the Week Off

2010-04-15T10:53:00.003-04:00

No, seriously, take the week off. Skulk into the warden’s office, send him an e-mail, slip a note under her door—I don’t care your methods, but when the last car leaves the mine on May 14^th, you’re in it, and they won’t see your war-torn corporate soul at the mill for nine glorious days and nights.

Why the sudden compassion for my fellow man? Just heaven on earth. Nirvana. Front-row tickets to a Clapton concert and free lifetime supply of Mt. Carmel India Pale Ale wrapped up into one. Just the greatest week of your entire planetary existence: the practice and qualifications for the most awesomist automobile race in the world, the Indianapolis 500.

Suffice it to say, when it comes to the buildup for this year’s race, I’m a little stoked. And, yes, come Beer:30 Friday the 14th, yours truly will be leaving the scene of the crime faster than M. Conway bolted from his 23^rd decimated Dad’s-mobile. That stretch of May days at the Speedway is truly going to be grand.

40-plus entries, a compressed schedule, 15 points for pole, and [Rod Roddy voice] “lots more” all add up to what should be one of the greatest Indy practice/time trial periods in recent history. So I don’t care how you get there, just get there if you can.

“But my job, my family, that little something I’ve got going on the side, what will they do without me?!” Simmer down there, Mr. Responsibility. This isn’t an all or nothing proposition. My actual earplug time, taking in the intoxicating fragrance of ethanol and slow-roasting, cooler-totin’, Keystone-swillin’, over-inked Hoosier will be limited, as well (don’t kid yourselves, my beloved Indianans—this ain’t my first rodeo).

I’m not suggesting you just pick up from the old homestead and pilgrimage to Mecca with nary a care, just do what you can to take in as much as you can of the splendor that promises to be.

Personally, I’ll mix up my day or two at the track with some live streaming, Trackside, and whatever Versus throws our way—I may just stare at my scale replica of JR’s ‘74 Mclaren and pretend I’m 8 again. Whatever. But rest assured, I won’t be working and I will be fully immersed in everything IZOD IndyCar.

It’s going to be a good one, peeps. Do what you can to be a part of it.

—JM

P.S. The race may not be too bad, either.

Can Sarah and Dollar General Cash in on Graham?

2010-03-23T11:56:00.011-04:00

So Sarah Fisher generously casts her ego aside and smartly secures the IZOD IndyCar Series' hottest young talent, Graham Rahal, to wheel her #67 Dollar General car around the streets of St. Pete and the hills and dales of Barber Motorsports Park. Clearly, one of the most compelling stories of the upcoming weeks but, ultimately, how will they perform?

Small, tight-knit team with modest results meets uber-talented young stud with everything to prove. Of course, no one knows until the race is run, but what's racing without outlandish prognostications?

Here's your chance to predict the future and garner the respect of all the people you brag to that you knew the result all along. Be a one-click wonder—give us your prediction on how Graham will do at St. Pete by participating in the poll at right.

Thanks for playing along.

—JM

Agent Patrick Infiltrates Enemy Lines

2010-02-08T12:53:00.002-05:00

Here’s what I hope Danica’s 6^th-place finish in Saturday’s ARCA race really said:

“Hi, I’m Danica Patrick. I’m beautiful, charming, a good racecar driver and, sometimes, a real pistol!

I’m over here driving stock cars because I want to stretch my legs a little bit, and it could prove to be a lucrative career move for me in the future but, for now, I’ll just be visiting.

My regular job is driving in the IZOD IndyCar Series, and that season starts very soon. The cars are really cool looking, the racing is super close—with open wheels, if you can believe that—and we go as fast as 230 mph at the Indianapolis 500.

If you liked watching me in a stock car, you should really check me out in an Indycar. That’s where I do my best work. And, by the way, you won’t have any trouble spotting me—just look for the GoDaddy.com logo. I’m sponsored by them in the IndyCar Series, too.”

Alright, don’t let this, maybe, overly optimistic rant fool you—I tossed the rose-colored glasses out years ago. I can see the handwriting on the wall. I know that anything less than a series of disastrous forays in stock cars means DP will likely be heading to NASCAR full-time, sooner rather than later.

And for the record, if these words somehow, miraculously reach your ears, Danica, I truly hope you make a career out of IndyCar. I recognize NASCAR is a quantum leap in prominence and income for you, but there’s something to be said for sticking to your roots when all other signs say yank them up and plant them elsewhere. You can be the one high-profile driver that has plenty of options but recognizes the growth potential of IndyCar, sticks with it, and truly helps make it grow. Years from now, you can say I helped build that… satisfying. I digress.

In the meantime, while Danica tests her wings, I’m choosing (possibly, quite foolishly) to view all the attention she has gotten thus far and will get in fender-world to just be free advertising for the IZOD IndyCar Series.

What the future holds, I don’t think anyone knows—including Danica—but for now, let’s enjoy the ride.

See things a little differently? Cool. I embrace and encourage opposing views. Make a comment or send me a Tweet, if you’re so inclined… and thanks.

—JM

Even While Down, Vision Takes Time to Give Andhesonit a Lift

2010-02-02T20:22:00.003-05:00

It goes without saying that the folks at Vision Racing have their hands full, at the moment, functioning with minimal staff, while still trying to secure enough sponsorship to keep Ed Carpenter's IndyCar drive alive.

That's what makes the fact that those stoically holding down fort at their headquarters very generously found time today to make their nearly 3,200 Twitter followers aware of Andhesonit so astonishing. But I've learned in my brief time interacting with them and with others that also know their thoughtful character that this is nothing new.

There’s a reason why Vision has set the standard in the IZOD IndyCar Series for fan involvement and, today, I got to experience that firsthand.

Now that the dust has settled on another day at the word mill (that would be the day job), I would like to properly thank (in more than 140 characters) those at Vision for the awesome shout-out on Twitter today. It’s sincerely appreciated and, by the way, already reaping rewards: thus far, Andhesonit has received a 56% bump in Twitter followers, and we're staring the halfway point of our 100-follower goal menacingly in the face! Props to Vision, and welcome to all the new followers.

Given the events of today, it wouldn’t be just if I didn’t return the favor to Vision by mentioning their still ongoing "Letter of Recommendation" campaign. Full details can be found here http://bit.ly/d2QlbI, but it’s as simple as jotting down a few lines of support for Vision and forwarding them on to the team—think of each letter as one more piece of ammunition they have available to them in the monumental battle to keep Vision on track.

I’m convinced, with their expertise and our support, Ed will be gassin’ it before we know it...

-JM

Andhesonit Launches “100 by the ‘500’” Campaign

2010-01-31T09:39:00.001-05:00

Everyone wants to feel the love, and Andhesonit is certainly no exception.

Since entering the Twittersphere, just a few short weeks ago, we’ve slowly and steadily built a core group of 19 dedicated and hardy followers. To you ladies and gents, I’d like to take this opportunity to extend a great big “thanks!” You were the brave and adventurous souls that were willing to go where no one had ever gone before. Bravo!

That being said, however, we here at Andhesonit think it’s high time to shift this thing into high gear and put the site on the fast track—and you can help.

Now is your opportunity to be a part of something big(ger). We’ve set a lofty goal of reaching 100 Twitter followers by the time the Indy 500 rolls around on May 30th. Thus, the “100 by the ‘500’” campaign has been established.

It’s simple to be a part of, and can even be fun. If you have a certain fondness for this site and are willing to share the love, please re-tweet, bug, cajole, or beg your followers to hop on board, so we can collectively make Andhesonit everything it promises to be.

So what’s in it for you? Something money just can’t buy... satisfaction. The satisfaction of knowing you followed Andhesonit before it was cool to follow, plus, in fact, you helped build it.

You guys are the absolute best. I sincerely appreciate the fact that you take the time to read my tweets and the blog when most of the rest of the planet has no idea it even exists. That’s wicked. And this is an opportunity to take things to the next level and help put something you enjoy on the map.

To make it easy, I’ll be sending out re-tweet opportunities on a regular basis, as we move forward, so look for those, and please re-tweet your a**es off!

Thanks.

—JM

Rahal Speaks with Andhesonit

2010-01-26T11:16:00.003-05:00

Unfortunately, nothing like one of Jack Arute’s one-on-one gems that aired this past season on Versus, but in an extremely rare instance of acknowledgement by the outside world, Andhesonit did have a brief, but satisfying, Twitter exchange with The Graham Rahal—and, remarkably, we learned something.

Through Tweets posted by Rahal that indicated he was recently in the company of Chip Ganassi’s partner, Felix Sabates, et al, and on his way yesterday to Minneapolis (home base of Target), I wildly assumed Graham was a lock to partner Franchitti and Dixon at Ganassi’s IZOD IndyCar team... uh, no. Here’s the Twitter trail:

Andhesonit:

Am I the only 1 watching @grahamrahal? First seen with Sabates, now targeting a trip to Minneapolis. Hello @pressdog & @curtcavin?!

GR:

@andhesonit i can assure you Minneapolis isnt for Target. promise you that!

So there it is. Humbling proof I shouldn’t even be allowed to walk past an actual pressroom, but who cares? So I suffered a little Howdy Holmes brain fade and looked foolish in front of the masters, Curt Cavin and Pressdog, and all 12 of my Twitter followers. At least we know—for now—a Ganassi/Target deal is not imminent for Graham.

Stayed tuned to Andhesonit for more random acts of journalism.

—JM

Power Gets “Squashed,” but Apparently 100%

2010-01-20T17:43:00.002-05:00

For those pondering the health (or lack there of) of Will Power after his back-breaking crash at Infineon Raceway in August, it appears as if he’ll be back on track in Sao Paulo at full strength—at least if his participation in an afternoon squash match is any indication.

According to a Twitter stream from his fellow IndyCar competitor (and squash opponent), Tomas Scheckter, Power lost the match but put up a good enough fight for Scheckter to remark (after some good-natured trash talking), “will is back in shape… his back seems in good shape.”

Great news for Will, Penske, and the IZOD IndyCar Series; not so good news for his competitors.

—JM

On a Homeless Rahal

2010-01-17T19:49:00.008-05:00

No, not in the traditional sense; I don’t think we’ll see Graham pitching a tent in Bobby’s backyard or wheeling an overflowing shopping cart through the streets of Speedway anytime soon. I presume his IndyCar retainer affords him some pretty decadent digs for someone who just recently got his first (legal) taste of Bud (Stella? Blue Moon?). I digress...

It came to light this week that, with roughly 60 days till the green flag drops in Sao Paulo, the Series’ hottest rising star “still doesn’t have a contract for 2010.” (Read Curt Cavin’s article here: http://bit.ly/5kZ5Be.)

So CC’s just winding us up, right? No, any self-respecting devotee of the IZOD IndyCar Series’ foremost authority on substantiated scuttlebutt knows full well Curt DOES NOT kid.

So, it’s true... How in the name of all things Al Unser could such a thing happen? Say it ain’t so. IndyCar finally gets a legit series sponsor, is building momentum for 2010, and one of the Series’ most valuable properties is relegated to bench racing with Servia and the ex-Indy Lights champions’ club?

Now, don’t go getting your signed Milka Duno boxers in a bunch. GR is smart—wickedly smart, from what I can see—and therefore, one can only assume he’s very assiduously weighing his options. And if his talent has anything to do with it (and there’s truth in a couple of other nuggets dropped by CC in his article), they’re formidable options at that.

Let’s take a closer look. Unlike yours truly, Rahal’s smart enough not to make a lateral move, unless his back’s against the wall. So assuming GR hasn’t told Carl Haas, flat-out, he doesn’t want to be at NHL next year, I just don’t see how he’s not welcomed back with open arms (and all the Cohibas he can chew on).

If he’s going to take a substantial step up, that leaves for a narrow playing field.

First, let’s take the two options Curt mentioned:

• De Ferran—Gil’s apparently proclaimed Rahal as his man, if adequate sponsorship can be found, and De Ferran will likely run a first-class operation, but I’m sure the former employees of Gil’s defunct sports car team are scattering further to the wind with every passing day.
• Ganassi—team officials have gone on record that they’d like Graham, but again... money.

Other possibilities:

• Andretti—Though Tom Anderson mentioned publicly that talk of a fifth car had been bantered about at his shop, that’s stretching things pretty thin, don’t you think? Besides, I would think Graham would want more personal attention than that.
• Penske—Nah, brimming with hot shoes already.
• Last but not least, you knew it was coming... wait for it... get ready... USF1? Okay, okay. I know, the debate over who’s going to drive for USF1 has become about as interesting as knowing which posh European locale Robert Doornbos is currently “training” at. But considering Rahal’s stated interest in F1, you gotta throw it out there. That, despite the fact the IICS seems to be where his heart is.

So there you have it, just a paragraph in Pit Pass, but worthy of further discussion, in my book. I think the notion of Rahal being a free agent is fascinating—savory grist for the silly season rumor mill.

So where does Graham ultimately get down to business? Who knows, but it will most certainly be in IndyCar, and it’s going to be very interesting until we know for sure.

—JM

A Rousing Endorsement for Radicalism

2010-01-01T14:21:00.006-05:00

No, nothing like the 1960s, with blazing braziers, street marches, or sit-ins. Given the context of this site, one could safely assume something a bit more sedate, and they would be correct. Fear not; I have only figuratively taken up arms to lawfully defend the future of the sport we love.

Envision 1971: Nixon’s in office, The Partridge Family’s cool, and that’s also the last time an Indy 500-winning car looked measurably different than it does today--for all intents and purposes, the cars have looked the same for nearly forty years. Sure, they carry new technology, are sleeker and faster, but they’re still rear-engine vehicles with a monocoque chassis, four open wheels, a large rear wing, and smaller front wing. Even at that, Al Unser’s winning P.J. Colt from ‘71 fits that same mold, save for the lack of wings.

Almighty rulers of IndyCar, if you’re listening, the future is now.

To borrow terms, be it evolutionary or revolutionary, we will live with whatever car design is introduced for 2012 for YEARS, and the decision on what car to bring forward is the most important crossroads the sport has faced since the split. It’s imperative we choose the right path and, in my mind, “radical” wins out over traditional, hands down.

I’m a traditionalist at heart and, having begun attending races in 1974, I’m as fully indoctrinated with the current car as they come; but even I recognize that fresh thinking moves IndyCar beyond its current boundaries, making it relevant again, whereas a slightly revamped version of the same old, same old just leaves it hopelessly stuck in neutral.

Let’s face it, nobody really knows what designs are under consideration, other than the ICS decision makers, and a comprehensive argument for and against could span volumes, so let’s keep it short. It’s a simple as this: to anyone outside the current fan base, a wickedly cool car means “wow,” the status quo means “whatever.” The sport desperately needs new interest and a great-looking, technologically-relevant car is the easiest way to get it.

Do I want a solar-powered tricycle? An electric dragster? Not particularly and, frankly, I fear what a “futuristic design” might bring, but it’s time to roll the dice. Could IndyCar be any more insignificant than it currently is? I suppose the possibilities are endless, but if the series can roll out anything that looks like this, I say bring it on. http://www.diseno-art.com/encyclopedia/concept_cars/honda_indy_racing_car.html

—JM

Putting a Face to the Name

2009-12-06T15:28:00.003-05:00

When you hear the word IndyCar, what single person do you picture? Danica... Tony George... Roger Penske... Helio? The truth is that, depending on the individual, it could be any number of drivers, car owners, or officials you visualize.

The series is in desperate need of one recognizable figure to be the face of IndyCar and bridge the gap from series to fan. Someone that appears prominently at every press conference, in television interviews, and at race events. In short, IndyCar needs a front-man.

Not a new concept, to be sure, but what is new is a viable solution. He’s already closely involved with the series, on the track every weekend, and has three ‘500’ championships under his belt. Helio, you ask? A fair deduction, but no. Consider this the first vote for J.R. as ICS ambassador.

As an old-schooler, there’s no doubt it’s wonderful to have Johnny Rutherford still involved with the sport, wheeling the pace car every weekend but, in my mind, he’s destined for greater things and can truly help put IndyCar back on the racing map.

He’s a champion in every respect: articulate, relevant, and passionate. He loves the sport we hold dear and, in this writer’s opinion, he’s the only individual that’s got the chops.

Certainly, at 71, Johnny would, likely, not want to take on such a position for the long term, but securing him for a just year or two to get the proverbial ball rolling and mentor a suitable successor would be a stroke of genius by the series’ decision makers.

IndyCar has an important need and the perfect solution is already on the payroll. What do you say, John?

—JM

Motorsport's Big Dog Throws US a Bone

2009-12-06T11:03:00.005-05:00

It’s no wonder that with the United States’ lack of recent success in Formula One and seemingly contentious relationship with the same that many have given up all hope of revisiting the glory days of decades ago when Mario Andretti won his world championship. It’s more than understandable. Cheever, Sullivan, Michael, and Scott Speed were bitter disappointments, but I, for one, still hold out some measure of optimism.

No matter the circumstances behind their tests or scant likelihood Alex Rossi or J.R. Hildebrand could actually secure F1 drives, it was still a personal delight to see them representing the Stars and Stripes on the international stage. I wish them the absolute best in their quests to make it in the sport.

Granted, given the current state of affairs, witnessing an American winning Formula One races or a championship again may seem utterly implausible, but my take? As long as we still have a horse in the race, let’s root him on.

—JM

The Sound of Speed

2009-11-29T11:59:00.000-05:00

When it came to titling this blog site, I was charged with distilling what 35-plus years of open-wheel racing and the Indianapolis 500 meant to me into a scant handful of words—no easy task, I assure you. The words themselves are plain to see, but to the uninitiated, their intended meaning is predictably elusive and mysterious at best.

But to the millions of souls that have heard those same utterances echo contemplatively, grandstand-to-grandstand, across the grounds of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, they hold true reverence. They are iconic, hair-raising, and for those whose house of worship resides at the corner of 16th Street and Georgetown, I unabashedly say biblical.

Tom Carnegie’s voice is an instrument; more precisely, a drum. Not a child’s toy, but the deepest orchestral timpani in full roll at the hands of the most proficient percussionist. It’s low-boiling thunder, truck tires on a gravel road. Launched from loudspeakers at the world’s greatest and most historic sporting venue, it’s aural fireworks—simply magic.

Mr. Carnegie didn’t just serve as public address announcer for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, he institutionalized the position. From 1946 to 2006 his voice was as much a part of the month of May as the cars, the fans, the drivers.

Quite reasonably, one would expect that the 500-mile race would be his brightest stage, and without question, his performances over the years were legendary. But in this writer’s opinion, the 33 snarling engines on race day only served as recurring and rude interruptions to his impeccable skill. During an era when the word “Indy” meant an ongoing quest for faster and faster speeds, the qualifications for the race are where Mr. Carnegie’s talent truly shown.

With only one race car on the speedway at a time, he had the captive ear of thousands. His dramatic delivery, tone, and inflection had fans hanging on every word in a one-way dialogue of the most engaging sort. Having performed so brilliantly for so long, Mr. Carnegie has become well known for a number of famous phrases, but to me, there is only one.

For an Indycar driver, competing in the Indianapolis 500 each year is second only to winning it. That makes a qualification attempt at Indy one of the most dramatic 10 miles in motorsports. To accomplish qualifying successfully is a triumphant victory of the grandest character, to fail is a tragedy of the greatest proportions—Tom Carnegie knew that as well as anyone.

After circling the oval on his warm-up laps and being presented with the green flag, Carnegie would skillfully and ceremoniously launch the driver into racing’s stratosphere, as if journeying to the moon, with four simple, monosyllabic words: “annnd he’s on it!” No one on the grounds, including the brave soul behind the wheel, knew what would happen over the next four laps. That’s what made those words so powerful... the suspense; the agonizing, all-consuming suspense.

Those famous words are what the singular pursuit of Indycar racing means to me. They simply and wholly encapsulate my decades-long love affair with the sport I just can’t seem to shake. To me, if they were to be linked so closely with this brave new adventure of mine, I felt it only just to pay proper tribute to the man who spoke them so nobly.

To put it more succinctly, on behalf of the millions, Tom, we miss you, and thanks for the memories.

—JM

“Green, Green, Green...”

2009-11-29T10:58:00.004-05:00

I suppose now would be the appropriate time to expound on what the future holds. Well, if I only knew. Suffice it to say, if you’re in to IndyCar and racing in general, you’ll find something of value here. So strap in, drop the visor, and let’s see what lies down the road ahead.

—JM