msrpk.com blog

Happy 2010

I'm writing this from my office, after closing out the financial books on 2009. On a weekend where the action includes TV turf wars between FOX and Time Warner Cable, the reinstatement of the original Kentucky Speedway v NASCAR antitrust suit (because some of the original owners are thickheaded) and still some unanswered questions on the economic health of auto racing, I'm looking ahead to 2010.

Daytona Speedweeks will be interesting because of the ARCA debut of one Danica Patrick.

Izod's series sponsorship of the IndyCar Series will certainly get a close look to see what, if any effect it may have in the general population.

The American LeMans Series is trying to maintain its presence in this economy--hard to do when the prototypes (the most incredibly complex racing machines anywhere) have to combine classes, and the series loses some venues.

The only series which seems to have legs is the NHRA Full Throttle Drag Racing Series. They've found a niche and are super serving it for their sponsors and marketing partners. Even with 1,000 feet in the nitro Top Fuel and Funny Car classes, the racing has been entertaining and compelling.

Michael Schumacher makes his return from retirement not to the Prancing Horses of Maranello (Ferrari) but the Petronas Mercedes Formula One Team. The reported American Grand Prix entry fronted by Peter Windsor made lots of noise about trying to sign an American driver. Windsor will likely sign a European F1 veteran for the Charlotte, NC based squad--the short list of American born open wheel drivers who can play in that sandbox is all but non existent--most of them are pursuing a NASCAR career, or are getting the requisite seasoning in IndyCar or perhaps Grand Am.

That, plus doings at the Speedway Motorsports Inc. Charlotte/Lowe's Media Tour, will keep us busy for January, along with our Twitter contest. You may get the details from this link: http://msrpk.com/contest.html

I'm scheduled to attend the North American International Auto Show January 11-12 as of right now.

I am going to adjust how I use the blog to help get information, perspective and images to you this year. You may have seen my Twitter feed (MSRnet) from races, which will now replace blog posts during events, and when events break. I'll use the blog posts to help provide perspective and explain complex concepts that might need more than 140 characters or a one minute segment on "Race-Talk". I will also produce special podcasts for breaking news/events.

For the rest of New Year's Day, I'll finish up with a New Year's Day tradition that is reported to being good luck to those who eat it. Not black eyed peas, but pork and sauerkraut, for all of us with Eastern European roots. I'll share my bachelor's special (all but foolproof, you can't screw this up)with you here:

Ol' Bachelor Man's Pork + Sauerkraut in the Crockpot

1 can sliced potatoes

1 can of sauerkraut, rinsed

1 3/8" thick slice of medium to large onion, diced

pinch of whole caraway seeds

one or two boneless pork chops sliced

1 12 ounce bottle of beer

Combine ingredients in a crockpot. Start the cooking on high for one to two hours. Turn the crockpot down to low heat. Leave it covered on low until you're ready to eat. Makes 3-4 normal servings.

Hope you enjoy 2010, and my recipe.