Who watched the IndyCar crash fest from Texas? It's the Talledega of IndyCar. We're lucky that race in not called the Kenny Brack Memorial or something like that.
Watched it, thought I was watching NASCAR EVERYTHING is bigger in Texas. Most of the drivers were pretty aggressive from the start and stayed that way the whole race. Kept me on edge of my seat the whole time.
Nicely summed up by Robin Miller: Indycar Racing News | Racer.com - IndyCar video: Texas recap with Robin Miller
Yeah it was crazy...I'm starting to enjoy Indycar more than F1 now that I know the drivers a little more. The 220+mph speeds are insane as are the crashes...F1 can't remotely compare to that with their parade laps.
That was probably the most insane race I've ever watched in my life. The last 100 laps I was on the edge of my seat, heart pounding the whole time. Absolutely nerve-wracking and I'm not sure in a good way.
winner won $30k?!?! I really wish IndyCar would stop going to TMS. move the date to COTA if you want a presence in Texas.
There's some politics to it apparently, here is Robin Miller's take from a year ago. "Mark Miles said two years ago that IndyCar was seriously looking into COTA but didn't want to step on Gossage's toes or turf. My thoughts at the time - and right now - are that Texas Motor Speedway doesn't draw enough people anymore to have any leverage, so IndyCar needs to explore a doubleheader with sports cars in Austin. And COTA might even put on a better show than the last few at Texas."
I don't think F1 wants Indycar at COTA either, but if/when that contract goes away I think there's an opening. how many people were at TMS last night? maybe 20k?
Outside of the Indianapolis 500, I think and hope, that ovals will eventually be off the calendar. Negatives outweigh the positives when you see stuff like that, the only one that benefits is Dallara.
Watched to about half way. There were a few incidents (Rossi, Hinch in the pits with Hello and Sato and then Helio again) but couldn't keep my eyes open any longer. Once again, they stated that the race started at 8:00PM. That was the broadcast start. We had to wait through forty five minutes of pre-race and commercials before they gave the command to fire engines. I don't get it. Come on the air, tell us who's on pole, give us a course description and green flag the damn race already. No one gives a flip about NASCAResque pre-race hype. Pre-race shouldn't need to be more than ten minutes. From what I saw of the incidents, Indy Car is lucky (again) no one was seriously hurt. Just like Las Vegas, that Texas track is way too fast for those cars. Wasn't it back around 2000-2001 that CART (Champ Car) tried to race there and the drivers complained about getting dizzy from the speeds and they had to cancel the race? BHW
I watched the second half of the race and it was without a doubt the most exciting oval race I have seen in quite some time; maybe since last years TMS IndyCar race. TMS makes for a very exciting race with these cars, although it is very dangerous for the drivers. It's a shame that the race doesn't draw a larger live crowd. I too would love to see IndyCar run at COTA but I wouldn't want to see them drop TMS from the schedule just to allow for a COTA race. BTW, did Sato really think he could execute a pass in the grass? Crazy!
I was there. Best IndyCar racing at the track in a long time. Side by side all the way around for laps on end. I have to say, though, that the Stadium Super Trucks before and after the IndyCar race were much more spectacular.
I think the high-speed ovals should be taken off the calendar, as opposed to the flatter ovals like Phoenix, Milwaukee, New Hampshire and Homestead, where you won't get pack racing.
I love Milwaukee and I can't figure out why it isn't more popular with the fans. It's such a driver-oriented track. Plus the fans can see the entire circuit from most any grandstand seat.
I agree. I like the short ovals, they put on a great and unique show. But for some reason they just don't attract a crowd.
You don't really think they race for prize money, do you? It's all for sponsorship dollars. 'Win this year, demand more next year (or end of contracts)....
Bourdais speaks out about Texas debacle... https://www.motorsport.com/indycar/news/injured-bourdais-happy-to-not-be-part-of-bull****-texas-race-918349/ BHW
I heard PT say he held the one lap record at 236! And something about being real men. More banking back then also.