From the "taxicabs" to the naturally aspirated IndyCars in the space of 96 hours
We'll keep an eye on both the IndyCars (Indy Racing League) and Grand-Am Rolex Daytona Prototype Series this weekend. Scott Dixon is the real deal as a road racer. The 2003 IRL champ was fastest in practice...followed closely by Helio Castroneves. As in Kentucky...the IRL point lead could change after the race. Indy 500 winner Sam Hornish, Jr. is just 7 points ahead of Helio...and 33 ahead of Dixon.
Jan Magnussen is on pole for the GrandAm Rolex race...Jorg Bergmeister, the series point leader, starts 2nd overall. As we said on "Race-Talk", Bergmeister can clinch the title if he finishes 36 points ahead of Max Angelelli...both have Riley chassis; Bergmeister with Ford power, and Angelelli's team has the Pontiac engine.
There are 25 of the Daytona Prototypes qualified for the race. Eighteen Indy Cars will go for the pole on Saturday.
In the "what were they thinking" department...Patrick Carpentier (he of the Busch series ambition) will be co-driving another Pontiac Riley with Milka Duno. Why this driver from Quebec is not in a Champ Car in Montreal this weekend makes me pull out what little hair I have left (they have just 17 Champ Cars there).
Infineon is a jewel among places where cars race. It is worth a side trip when you visit wine country in Napa.
