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Kyle's Indycar Look Back:Richmond
Written by Kyle, on 29-06-2009 02:53
Kyle’s Indycar Look Back: Richmond
By Kyle Lavigne
Last week in Iowa, we saw one of the better ovals over the last two seasons. This past week in Richmond, we saw one of the worst. On a track that has always been tough to pass on, no one was able to pass anyone on Saturday night. No passes for the lead came on the track, and some of the only passes were when the leaders came up behind lapped cars; but even that only happened a few times.
The series came under fire for, possibly, too close of racing and too much side-by-side racing in the past, largely due to several incidents in which cars were sent flying through the air after contact. The side-by-side racing is fun, but the flying cars weren’t. We haven’t really seen that this year, but the racing has suffered. The series is looking at solutions, and has time to find one between now and Kentucky, the next oval race (which is in August). I’ve said many times that a reincarnated version of the Hanford Device might help, but my lack of technical savvy may be holding back my ideas for a solution. Regardless, the lack of passing has been a big issue all year, and needs to be fixed. The IRL garnered fame from 2000 to 2002 for offering the closest (and most exciting) racing in all of motorsport. Where did they go wrong?
For the second straight week, we’ll see the Indycar Series on a short oval. Also, for the second straight week, we’ll be seeing a slightly thin field; once again, only 20 cars are on the grid (compared to 26 on last year’s grid). While it is alarming to see the grid so small this time around, it’s nothing that’s unexpected, given the economics of the country and the series. I don’t doubt that the field will grow again (and, if rumors are true, by about three teams and five or six cars) for next year. Until then, let’s make do with what we have. And what we have is the potential for a nice little battle royal on a ¾ mile oval.
While it may be a little too tight for open wheel racing, Richmond has always seen a nice little show because of its tight confines and the presence of traffic. Of course, having cars in such close proximity does bring wrecks into the picture (see last year). While I hope this year’s race is not the crash-fest that last year’s was, there is no doubt that the short bull-ring is going to give a few drivers headaches before the race is over.
Iowa and Silverstone are up for review on this weeks Champodcast. Sebastian Vettel has a dominate day for Red Bull at the British Grand Prix, well Jensen Button has his worst performance of the year with a 6th. We also look in at Iowa, which saw a small field of 20 start the race, but plenty of accidents to follow. A tough day for a lot, but a great day for Dario Franchitti, and Ryan Briscoe comes up short yet again. We also discuss the recent news in Formula 1 about the potential split of the series and the Teams, and our thoughts on what might happen. You can contact us at
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images from http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/ and http://www.indycar.com
Podcast number 8 for season 3. We review the F1 race at Silverstone, which saw Sebastian Vettel on top. Also we look in at Iowa where Dario Franchitti wins. We finish off talking about the potential Split in F1.
