msrpk.com blog

Dario on Richmond Saturday Night: "Fans needed to know what was going on with few passes"

The 2007 IndyCar champion, and present point leader, Target Chip Ganassi driver Dario Franchitti, took a little time to fly over to the Binghamton Regional Airport in "Fat Albert"--the US Marine Corps C-130 that provides logistical support for the US Navy Aerial Demonstration Team--the "Blue Angels". Dario, teammate Scott Dixon, EJ Viso, Hideki Mutoh and Mike Conway, along with some journalists flew the Hercules C-130T from the Elmira Corning Airport to Binghamton to meet with some local journalists and talk about this weekend's racing at Watkins Glen International road course. Dario clarified his remarks on the podium last Saturday night at Richmond.

He said the remarks were't intended to call out IRL President Brian Barnhart or Technical Director Les MacTaggart. "They are on the case (working on the changes that will go into effect for the ovals starting at Kentucky)." I wanted to make sure the fans knew what was going on."

Franchitti says that who ever wins up at Watkins Glen this Sunday will have to have a near perfect--if not perfect-- race to win.

As for his teammate--Scott Dixon--the defending series champion can break Sam Hornish's record if he wins on Sunday (that would be 20 wins in IndyCars).

The Greater Binghamton Airshow (July 4-5) will also have the US Army's Parachute Team--the Golden Knights--performing as well. A Harrier jet was practicing vertical takeoffs and landings while the C-130 was parked on the ramp, and almost in unison, every cell phone camera was snapping pictures when the Harrier jet operated vertically.

Got an e-mail from H. A. Humpy Wheeler with some comments on the Jeremy Mayfield situation, the departure of Anton H. "Tony " George from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Indy Racing League helms, and what the two major racing series--NASCAR's Sprint Cup and the IndyCar series--need to do to make it through the rough economy. We'll share some of that throughout the weekend.

Point of Personal Privilege: The men and women who wear the uniform of this country and go in harm's way to stand between us and our enemies are perhaps not direct descendants of those who signed the Declaration of Independence--they carry on the tradition of bravery and sacrifice and self reliance that began on July 4, 1776, when the Declaration was signed. Please remember that when you see the colors fly this weekend.