| Ferg | 03-24-2006 07:11 PM |
IndyCar, Round One, Homestead
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For those of us who follow all forms of motorsport, the IRL season kicks off this Sunday (on ABC) with the Toyota Indy 300 at Homestead.
Here's reports from the first day of open practice.
[QUOTE]Dixon fastest in first practice
Friday, March 24th 2006, 17:21 GMT
Former champion Scott Dixon provided further evidence of Ganassi's return to form by setting the pace in the first official practice session of the 2006 IRL IndyCar season.
Dixon was just 0.0004 seconds faster than Penske's Sam Hornish Jr around the Homestead oval, with Tony Kanaan the best of the Andretti-Green quartet in third.
The morning practice session saw the first appearance of Hemelgarn's recently signed rookie PJ Chesson. Unsurprisingly, the Indy Pro Series graduate was slowest of all as he focused on acclimatising to his Dallara-Honda.
Eddie Cheever was 12th fastest as he prepared for his first IRL appearance in almost three years.
Friday morning practice results:
Pos Driver Team Chassis Time
1. Scott Dixon Ganassi Dallara 24.8974
2. Sam Hornish Jr Penske Dallara 24.8978
3. Tony Kanaan Andretti-Green Dallara 24.9326
4. Helio Castroneves Penske Dallara 24.9369
5. Bryan Herta Andretti-Green Dallara 24.9964
6. Dario Franchitti Andretti-Green Dallara 25.0205
7. Dan Wheldon Ganassi Dallara 25.0266
8. Buddy Rice Rahal-Letterman Panoz 25.0528
9. Ed Carpenter Vision Dallara 25.0955
10. Vitor Meira Panther Dallara 25.1319
11. Kosuke Matsuura Super Aguri Fernandez Dallara 25.1401
12. Eddie Cheever Jr. Cheever Dallara 25.1524
13. Marco Andretti Andretti-Green Dallara 25.1608
14. Scott Sharp Fernandez Dallara 25.2571
15. Danica Patrick Rahal-Letterman Panoz 25.2689
16. Paul Dana Rahal-Letterman Panoz 25.2752
17. Tomas Scheckter Vision Dallara 25.2819
18. Buddy Lazier Dreyer and Reinbold Dallara 25.3398
19. Felipe Giaffone AJ Foyt Dallara 25.4722
20. P.J. Chesson Hemelgarn Dallara 26.0157[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Ganassi dominate second practice
Friday, March 24th 2006, 20:57 GMT
Chip Ganassi Racing maintained its superiority in the second Friday practice session at Homestead, with reigning champion Dan Wheldon setting the fastest time.
His team-mate Scott Dixon, who had been quickest in the morning, was second, despite losing a little time with a cut tyre. Scott Sharp had a similar problem, amid suggestions that the strong wind at the Miami oval was bringing debris onto the track.
Penske duo Helio Castroneves and Sam Hornish Jr were third and fourth, ahead of Andretti-Green's Tony Kanaan and Bryan Herta.
Vitor Meira put his Panther Racing Dallara-Honda into the wall only a few minutes into the session. The Brazilian was unhurt, but had to sit out of the rest of the afternoon.
Practice two times:
Pos Driver Team Chassis Time
1. Dan Wheldon Ganassi Dallara 24.8004
2. Scott Dixon Ganassi Dallara 24.9046
3. Helio Castroneves Penske Dallara 24.9711
4. Sam Hornish Jr Penske Dallara 24.9999
5. Tony Kanaan Andretti-Green Dallara 25.0591
6. Bryan Herta Andretti-Green Dallara 25.0775
7. Tomas Scheckter Vision Dallara 25.0856
8. Scott Sharp Fernandez Dallara 25.0945
9. Dario Franchitti Andretti-Green Dallara 25.0974
10. Kosuke Matsuura Super Aguri Fernandez Dallara 25.1263
11. Buddy Rice Rahal-Letterman Panoz 25.1455
12. Eddie Cheever Cheever Dallara 25.1459
13. Marco Andretti Andretti-Green Dallara 25.1861
14. Danica Patrick Rahal-Letterman Panoz 25.2000
15. Ed Carpenter Vision Dallara 25.2751
16. Felipe Giaffone Foyt Dallara 25.4099
17. Paul Dana Rahal-Letterman Panoz 25.4405
18. Buddy Lazier Dreyer & Reinbold Dallara 25.4961
19. P.J. Chesson Hemelgarn Dallara 25.5108
20. Vitor Meira Panther Dallara 26.0949[/QUOTE]
:D
Here's reports from the first day of open practice.
[QUOTE]Dixon fastest in first practice
Friday, March 24th 2006, 17:21 GMT
Former champion Scott Dixon provided further evidence of Ganassi's return to form by setting the pace in the first official practice session of the 2006 IRL IndyCar season.
Dixon was just 0.0004 seconds faster than Penske's Sam Hornish Jr around the Homestead oval, with Tony Kanaan the best of the Andretti-Green quartet in third.
The morning practice session saw the first appearance of Hemelgarn's recently signed rookie PJ Chesson. Unsurprisingly, the Indy Pro Series graduate was slowest of all as he focused on acclimatising to his Dallara-Honda.
Eddie Cheever was 12th fastest as he prepared for his first IRL appearance in almost three years.
Friday morning practice results:
Pos Driver Team Chassis Time
1. Scott Dixon Ganassi Dallara 24.8974
2. Sam Hornish Jr Penske Dallara 24.8978
3. Tony Kanaan Andretti-Green Dallara 24.9326
4. Helio Castroneves Penske Dallara 24.9369
5. Bryan Herta Andretti-Green Dallara 24.9964
6. Dario Franchitti Andretti-Green Dallara 25.0205
7. Dan Wheldon Ganassi Dallara 25.0266
8. Buddy Rice Rahal-Letterman Panoz 25.0528
9. Ed Carpenter Vision Dallara 25.0955
10. Vitor Meira Panther Dallara 25.1319
11. Kosuke Matsuura Super Aguri Fernandez Dallara 25.1401
12. Eddie Cheever Jr. Cheever Dallara 25.1524
13. Marco Andretti Andretti-Green Dallara 25.1608
14. Scott Sharp Fernandez Dallara 25.2571
15. Danica Patrick Rahal-Letterman Panoz 25.2689
16. Paul Dana Rahal-Letterman Panoz 25.2752
17. Tomas Scheckter Vision Dallara 25.2819
18. Buddy Lazier Dreyer and Reinbold Dallara 25.3398
19. Felipe Giaffone AJ Foyt Dallara 25.4722
20. P.J. Chesson Hemelgarn Dallara 26.0157[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Ganassi dominate second practice
Friday, March 24th 2006, 20:57 GMT
Chip Ganassi Racing maintained its superiority in the second Friday practice session at Homestead, with reigning champion Dan Wheldon setting the fastest time.
His team-mate Scott Dixon, who had been quickest in the morning, was second, despite losing a little time with a cut tyre. Scott Sharp had a similar problem, amid suggestions that the strong wind at the Miami oval was bringing debris onto the track.
Penske duo Helio Castroneves and Sam Hornish Jr were third and fourth, ahead of Andretti-Green's Tony Kanaan and Bryan Herta.
Vitor Meira put his Panther Racing Dallara-Honda into the wall only a few minutes into the session. The Brazilian was unhurt, but had to sit out of the rest of the afternoon.
Practice two times:
Pos Driver Team Chassis Time
1. Dan Wheldon Ganassi Dallara 24.8004
2. Scott Dixon Ganassi Dallara 24.9046
3. Helio Castroneves Penske Dallara 24.9711
4. Sam Hornish Jr Penske Dallara 24.9999
5. Tony Kanaan Andretti-Green Dallara 25.0591
6. Bryan Herta Andretti-Green Dallara 25.0775
7. Tomas Scheckter Vision Dallara 25.0856
8. Scott Sharp Fernandez Dallara 25.0945
9. Dario Franchitti Andretti-Green Dallara 25.0974
10. Kosuke Matsuura Super Aguri Fernandez Dallara 25.1263
11. Buddy Rice Rahal-Letterman Panoz 25.1455
12. Eddie Cheever Cheever Dallara 25.1459
13. Marco Andretti Andretti-Green Dallara 25.1861
14. Danica Patrick Rahal-Letterman Panoz 25.2000
15. Ed Carpenter Vision Dallara 25.2751
16. Felipe Giaffone Foyt Dallara 25.4099
17. Paul Dana Rahal-Letterman Panoz 25.4405
18. Buddy Lazier Dreyer & Reinbold Dallara 25.4961
19. P.J. Chesson Hemelgarn Dallara 25.5108
20. Vitor Meira Panther Dallara 26.0949[/QUOTE]
:D
| Ferg | 03-24-2006 10:05 PM |
More news from Florida.
[QUOTE]Ganassi off to a strong start
By Jeff Olson Saturday, March 25th 2006, 02:43 GMT
Target Chip Ganassi Racing's pre-season revival continued Friday when drivers Dan Wheldon and Scott Dixon topped the speed chart during the first day of preparation for Sunday's season opening Toyota Indy 300 at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Wheldon was clocked at 24.8004 seconds - 215.561 mph - around the 1.5-mile oval in the No. 10 TCGR Honda/Dallara during the afternoon session, topping Dixon's lap of 214.721 mph in the No. 9 TCGR Honda/Dallara during the morning session.
"I just want to go out and show Andretti Green Racing that I can win as many races with another team as I did with them," said Wheldon, the 2005 IRL IndyCar series champ who left Andretti Green Racing during the off-season.
Other top laps in preparation for Saturday's qualifying included Sam Hornish Jr., who was clocked at 214.718 mph in the No. 6 Marlboro Team Penske Honda/Dallara; Tony Kanaan, who recorded a lap of 214.418 mph in the No. 11 AGR Honda/Dallara; and Helio Castroneves, who went 214.381 mph in the No. 3 Penske Honda/Dallara.
The only incident of the day occurred early in the afternoon session, when Vitor Meira's car struck the wall in Turn 4. Meira was not injured, but the left rear of the No. 4 Panther Racing Honda/Dallara was badly damaged. The Panther crew was preparing a second car Friday evening.
Drivers said they were pleased with the first race-related practice session under the IRL's new era with Honda as its sole engine supplier. The new detuned Honda, in conjunction with the removal of traction control, has created a starkly different feel, drivers said.
"I'd much rather have the Honda I had at Fontana when I clinched the championship last year," Wheldon said. "The wing angle has changed the way the cars handle considerably. That's where you've got the separation, to some extent.
"Before, we were very comfortably flat-out around here. Even if the car was somewhat bad, you could still get around the place flat, just not as quick as the quickest guys."
The changes are expected to bring close racing, as was witnessed during Friday's practice sessions. For a time during the second session, Wheldon and former teammate Tony Kanaan dueled wing-to-wing
"It feels pretty good; I can't complain," Dixon said. "The main difference is that everybody is equal. The teams and drivers can sort out the rest.
"It's a big change for the series and the competition. The racing is going to be huge Sunday. It's going to be very close."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Ganassi off to a strong start
By Jeff Olson Saturday, March 25th 2006, 02:43 GMT
Target Chip Ganassi Racing's pre-season revival continued Friday when drivers Dan Wheldon and Scott Dixon topped the speed chart during the first day of preparation for Sunday's season opening Toyota Indy 300 at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Wheldon was clocked at 24.8004 seconds - 215.561 mph - around the 1.5-mile oval in the No. 10 TCGR Honda/Dallara during the afternoon session, topping Dixon's lap of 214.721 mph in the No. 9 TCGR Honda/Dallara during the morning session.
"I just want to go out and show Andretti Green Racing that I can win as many races with another team as I did with them," said Wheldon, the 2005 IRL IndyCar series champ who left Andretti Green Racing during the off-season.
Other top laps in preparation for Saturday's qualifying included Sam Hornish Jr., who was clocked at 214.718 mph in the No. 6 Marlboro Team Penske Honda/Dallara; Tony Kanaan, who recorded a lap of 214.418 mph in the No. 11 AGR Honda/Dallara; and Helio Castroneves, who went 214.381 mph in the No. 3 Penske Honda/Dallara.
The only incident of the day occurred early in the afternoon session, when Vitor Meira's car struck the wall in Turn 4. Meira was not injured, but the left rear of the No. 4 Panther Racing Honda/Dallara was badly damaged. The Panther crew was preparing a second car Friday evening.
Drivers said they were pleased with the first race-related practice session under the IRL's new era with Honda as its sole engine supplier. The new detuned Honda, in conjunction with the removal of traction control, has created a starkly different feel, drivers said.
"I'd much rather have the Honda I had at Fontana when I clinched the championship last year," Wheldon said. "The wing angle has changed the way the cars handle considerably. That's where you've got the separation, to some extent.
"Before, we were very comfortably flat-out around here. Even if the car was somewhat bad, you could still get around the place flat, just not as quick as the quickest guys."
The changes are expected to bring close racing, as was witnessed during Friday's practice sessions. For a time during the second session, Wheldon and former teammate Tony Kanaan dueled wing-to-wing
"It feels pretty good; I can't complain," Dixon said. "The main difference is that everybody is equal. The teams and drivers can sort out the rest.
"It's a big change for the series and the competition. The racing is going to be huge Sunday. It's going to be very close."[/QUOTE]
| fastwrx | 03-24-2006 11:26 PM |
I'll be there! It will be my son's first race (he's 4-1/2)
Mike
Mike
| StuBeck | 03-25-2006 09:26 AM |
I just hope there aren't any big accidents. This is the biggest thing I hate about the IRL (other then them rev limiting all the engines so it doesn't require real skill) is that every year it seems like a driver almost dies or does in fact die and nothing is done to improve safety. I won't be watching.
| Ferg | 03-25-2006 10:00 AM |
You're loss Stu.
The IRL hasn't had any fatal accidents in quite some time, and they've worked very hard to improve the safety of the cars since the series started. That being said, open wheeled cars on running three wide on ovals is always going to be extremely dangerous.
As for the "doesn't require real skill" comment....you know better than that.
The IRL hasn't had any fatal accidents in quite some time, and they've worked very hard to improve the safety of the cars since the series started. That being said, open wheeled cars on running three wide on ovals is always going to be extremely dangerous.
As for the "doesn't require real skill" comment....you know better than that.
| Ferg | 03-25-2006 11:53 AM |
Penske on top before qualifying
[QUOTE]Penske pair top final practice
Saturday, March 25th 2006, 16:44 GMT
Team Penske moved to the top of the speed charts in the final practice session at Homestead.
Helio Castroneves lapped in 24.5736 seconds in the final moments of the session, pushing his team-mate Sam Hornish Jr down to second.
Ganassi's Scott Dixon was third, but Dan Wheldon was only ninth after running out of fuel. Fernandez Racing's Scott Sharp had the same problem right at the end of practice.
Rahal-Letterman Racing's now unique Panoz chassis seemed to be off the pace on Friday, but the team bounced back this morning, with all three cars in the top five at one point.
Tomas Scheckter and Dario Franchitti's late improvements knocked the Rahal trio down to sixth, seventh and eighth.
Panther Racing prepared their back-up car for Vitor Meira this morning after the Brazilian's crash in second practice. He was 19th quickest.
Although Ganassi and Penske have held the advantage in both testing and practice, it is possible that this afternoon's qualifying session will show a different picture. With the cars running one at a time in qualifying, they will no longer be able to boost their speed by slipstreaming rivals.
Practice three times from Homestead:
Pos Driver Team Chassis Time
1. Helio Castroneves Penske Dallara 24.5736
2. Sam Hornish Jr Penske Dallara 24.5859
3. Scott Dixon Ganassi Dallara 24.7264
4. Tomas Scheckter Vision Dallara 24.7431
5. Dario Franchitti Andretti-Green Dallara 24.7694
6. Buddy Rice Rahal-Letterman Panoz 24.8157
7. Danica Patrick Rahal-Letterman Panoz 24.8742
8. Paul Dana Rahal-Letterman Panoz 24.8886
9. Dan Wheldon Ganassi Dallara 24.8891
10. Eddie Cheever Jr Cheever Dallara 24.9090
11. Tony Kanaan Andretti-Green Dallara 24.9152
12. Kosuke Matsuura Fernandez Dallara 24.9392
13. Marco Andretti Andretti-Green Dallara 24.9475
14. Bryan Herta Andretti-Green Dallara 24.9485
15. Scott Sharp Fernandez Dallara 24.9550
16. Ed Carpenter Vision Dallara 24.9873
17. Felipe Giaffone Foyt Dallara 24.9912
18. Buddy Lazier Dreyer & Reinbold Dallara 25.0987
19. Vitor Meira Panther Dallara 25.1801
20. PJ Chesson Hemelgarn Dallara 25.2938[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Penske pair top final practice
Saturday, March 25th 2006, 16:44 GMT
Team Penske moved to the top of the speed charts in the final practice session at Homestead.
Helio Castroneves lapped in 24.5736 seconds in the final moments of the session, pushing his team-mate Sam Hornish Jr down to second.
Ganassi's Scott Dixon was third, but Dan Wheldon was only ninth after running out of fuel. Fernandez Racing's Scott Sharp had the same problem right at the end of practice.
Rahal-Letterman Racing's now unique Panoz chassis seemed to be off the pace on Friday, but the team bounced back this morning, with all three cars in the top five at one point.
Tomas Scheckter and Dario Franchitti's late improvements knocked the Rahal trio down to sixth, seventh and eighth.
Panther Racing prepared their back-up car for Vitor Meira this morning after the Brazilian's crash in second practice. He was 19th quickest.
Although Ganassi and Penske have held the advantage in both testing and practice, it is possible that this afternoon's qualifying session will show a different picture. With the cars running one at a time in qualifying, they will no longer be able to boost their speed by slipstreaming rivals.
Practice three times from Homestead:
Pos Driver Team Chassis Time
1. Helio Castroneves Penske Dallara 24.5736
2. Sam Hornish Jr Penske Dallara 24.5859
3. Scott Dixon Ganassi Dallara 24.7264
4. Tomas Scheckter Vision Dallara 24.7431
5. Dario Franchitti Andretti-Green Dallara 24.7694
6. Buddy Rice Rahal-Letterman Panoz 24.8157
7. Danica Patrick Rahal-Letterman Panoz 24.8742
8. Paul Dana Rahal-Letterman Panoz 24.8886
9. Dan Wheldon Ganassi Dallara 24.8891
10. Eddie Cheever Jr Cheever Dallara 24.9090
11. Tony Kanaan Andretti-Green Dallara 24.9152
12. Kosuke Matsuura Fernandez Dallara 24.9392
13. Marco Andretti Andretti-Green Dallara 24.9475
14. Bryan Herta Andretti-Green Dallara 24.9485
15. Scott Sharp Fernandez Dallara 24.9550
16. Ed Carpenter Vision Dallara 24.9873
17. Felipe Giaffone Foyt Dallara 24.9912
18. Buddy Lazier Dreyer & Reinbold Dallara 25.0987
19. Vitor Meira Panther Dallara 25.1801
20. PJ Chesson Hemelgarn Dallara 25.2938[/QUOTE]
| M. Hurst | 03-25-2006 12:59 PM |
For those who want a 1-weekend OD on motorports, come watch the Rally Cars at STPR in Wellsboro PA June 3, then drive (<70 miles?) up to Watkins Glen Sunday morning June 4 to see the Indy Cars.
| schaklos | 03-25-2006 03:06 PM |
Sounds like a cheap, fun weekend...67.8 miles from my campsite for STPR to the Glen...
Tickets for the Glen: $39 for Sun Gen. Admission
Tickets for STPR: who needs tickets? (just stay behind the tape!)
Tickets for the Glen: $39 for Sun Gen. Admission
Tickets for STPR: who needs tickets? (just stay behind the tape!)
| artkevin | 03-25-2006 03:14 PM |
[QUOTE=Ferg]You're loss Stu.
The IRL hasn't had any fatal accidents in quite some time, and they've worked very hard to improve the safety of the cars since the series started. That being said, open wheeled cars on running three wide on ovals is always going to be extremely dangerous.
As for the "doesn't require real skill" comment....you know better than that.[/QUOTE]
Didn't a young kid die two or three years ago testing for Penkse or Ginassi at the Brickyard?
The IRL hasn't had any fatal accidents in quite some time, and they've worked very hard to improve the safety of the cars since the series started. That being said, open wheeled cars on running three wide on ovals is always going to be extremely dangerous.
As for the "doesn't require real skill" comment....you know better than that.[/QUOTE]
Didn't a young kid die two or three years ago testing for Penkse or Ginassi at the Brickyard?
| Ferg | 03-25-2006 03:20 PM |
Yeah, Scott Brayton died during practice at Indy back in 1996.
I can't recall if there's been one since then, but that's the one that immediately comes to mind.
I can't recall if there's been one since then, but that's the one that immediately comes to mind.
| artkevin | 03-25-2006 03:26 PM |
The one that I am thinking of was right after Mario Andretti tired one of Michael's cars at the Brickyard and ended up taking a flight at about 220mph. The kid (I think he was 20 or so) flipped the car and hit his head on one of the stands at pretty much full speed. I will have to look for it. I remember Dave Despain having a segment on it on Wind Tunnel.
edit:
I found this Ferg and you are right. The one thing I am talking about happened in a open practice day so that might explain why its not there. I'll keep looking.
[url]http://www2.foxsports.com/obits/earnhardt/driver_deaths.sml[/url]
edit:
I found this Ferg and you are right. The one thing I am talking about happened in a open practice day so that might explain why its not there. I'll keep looking.
[url]http://www2.foxsports.com/obits/earnhardt/driver_deaths.sml[/url]
| Ferg | 03-25-2006 03:30 PM |
Duh, you're right Kevin, it's Tony Renna in 2003 during a tire test at Indy.
| artkevin | 03-25-2006 03:52 PM |
Ding ding ding. Thanks Ferg. That was driving me nuts.
| Ferg | 03-25-2006 03:54 PM |
Me too Kevin, me too.
Qualifying from Homestead.
[QUOTE]Hornish leads all-Penske front row
Saturday, March 25th 2006, 20:44 GMT
Sam Hornish Jr will start on pole position for the opening round of the IRL IndyCar Series, with his team-mate Helio Castroneves completing an all-Penske front row.
In a session where the entire field was covered by 0.8 seconds, Hornish was over 0.2 seconds quicker than the fastest non-Penske.
"I didn't think we were going to be able to run as fast as we did," said Hornish. "I'm really proud of my Team Penske crew, they've done a great job for me and they've really hung in there these past couple of years."
"It's a great team effort," Castroneves added. "Sam and I have been working really hard together. He took a few more chances than me and it paid off for him."
Danica Patrick emerged as best of the rest in third place for Rahal-Letterman Racing, ahead of former champions Scott Dixon and Tony Kanaan.
Last year's champion (and Homestead winner) Dan Wheldon was eighth quickest, but like most of the field he was not too concerned about his qualifying position.
"It was a little slower than we would have liked, but we've been working on trying to get a good race car and I think we have," said Wheldon.
Qualifying times from Homestead:
Pos Driver Team Chassis Time
1. Sam Hornish Jr Penske Dallara 24.4625
2. Helio Castroneves Penske Dallara 24.5131
3. Danica Patrick Rahal-Letterman Panoz 24.6589
4. Scott Dixon Ganassi Dallara 24.6622
5. Tony Kanaan Andretti-Green Dallara 24.7296
6. Buddy Rice Rahal-Letterman Panoz 24.7600
7. Dario Franchitti Andretti-Green Dallara 24.7664
8. Dan Wheldon Ganassi Dallara 24.7725
9. Paul Dana Rahal-Letterman Panoz 24.7967
10. Felipe Giaffone Foyt Dallara 24.8117
11. Bryan Herta Andretti-Green Dallara 24.8192
12. Tomas Scheckter Vision Dallara 24.8337
13. Ed Carpenter Vision Dallara 24.8399
14. Kosuke Matsuura Fernandez Dallara 24.8432
15. Scott Sharp Fernandez Dallara 24.8896
16. Eddie Cheever Cheever Dallara 24.9690
17. Marco Andretti Andretti-Green Dallara 24.9813
18. Buddy Lazier Dreyer & Reinbold Dallara 24.9878
19. Vitor Meira Panther Dallara 24.9892
20. P.J. Chesson Hemelgarn Dallara 25.2025
[/QUOTE]
Qualifying from Homestead.
[QUOTE]Hornish leads all-Penske front row
Saturday, March 25th 2006, 20:44 GMT
Sam Hornish Jr will start on pole position for the opening round of the IRL IndyCar Series, with his team-mate Helio Castroneves completing an all-Penske front row.
In a session where the entire field was covered by 0.8 seconds, Hornish was over 0.2 seconds quicker than the fastest non-Penske.
"I didn't think we were going to be able to run as fast as we did," said Hornish. "I'm really proud of my Team Penske crew, they've done a great job for me and they've really hung in there these past couple of years."
"It's a great team effort," Castroneves added. "Sam and I have been working really hard together. He took a few more chances than me and it paid off for him."
Danica Patrick emerged as best of the rest in third place for Rahal-Letterman Racing, ahead of former champions Scott Dixon and Tony Kanaan.
Last year's champion (and Homestead winner) Dan Wheldon was eighth quickest, but like most of the field he was not too concerned about his qualifying position.
"It was a little slower than we would have liked, but we've been working on trying to get a good race car and I think we have," said Wheldon.
Qualifying times from Homestead:
Pos Driver Team Chassis Time
1. Sam Hornish Jr Penske Dallara 24.4625
2. Helio Castroneves Penske Dallara 24.5131
3. Danica Patrick Rahal-Letterman Panoz 24.6589
4. Scott Dixon Ganassi Dallara 24.6622
5. Tony Kanaan Andretti-Green Dallara 24.7296
6. Buddy Rice Rahal-Letterman Panoz 24.7600
7. Dario Franchitti Andretti-Green Dallara 24.7664
8. Dan Wheldon Ganassi Dallara 24.7725
9. Paul Dana Rahal-Letterman Panoz 24.7967
10. Felipe Giaffone Foyt Dallara 24.8117
11. Bryan Herta Andretti-Green Dallara 24.8192
12. Tomas Scheckter Vision Dallara 24.8337
13. Ed Carpenter Vision Dallara 24.8399
14. Kosuke Matsuura Fernandez Dallara 24.8432
15. Scott Sharp Fernandez Dallara 24.8896
16. Eddie Cheever Cheever Dallara 24.9690
17. Marco Andretti Andretti-Green Dallara 24.9813
18. Buddy Lazier Dreyer & Reinbold Dallara 24.9878
19. Vitor Meira Panther Dallara 24.9892
20. P.J. Chesson Hemelgarn Dallara 25.2025
[/QUOTE]
| artkevin | 03-25-2006 04:04 PM |
Danica in 3rd. Hmm. I hope she can win one this year.
| Ferg | 03-25-2006 04:10 PM |
I hope so too. :D
I have a feeling there's going to be more bitching and moaning about her weight adavantage this year now that there's engine parity.
I have a feeling there's going to be more bitching and moaning about her weight adavantage this year now that there's engine parity.
| artkevin | 03-25-2006 05:26 PM |
Thats IRL problem not her's. They need to change the rules to be like pretty much every other series that makes sense and have the weight be based on car & driver.
| StuBeck | 03-25-2006 06:00 PM |
[QUOTE=Ferg]You're loss Stu.
The IRL hasn't had any fatal accidents in quite some time, and they've worked very hard to improve the safety of the cars since the series started. That being said, open wheeled cars on running three wide on ovals is always going to be extremely dangerous.
As for the "doesn't require real skill" comment....you know better than that.[/QUOTE]
They had a fatal accident at the end of 04 when Tony Renna flew into the stands at Indy. What I meant by not requiring real skill is that they are on the rev limiter the entire time, much like NASCAR at talladega or Daytona. If you just put the throttle down and wait till the end to draft pass that is not requiring real skill in my book. It still requires skill, but not similar to a nascar race where you actually have to brake every 15 seconds. Danica Patrick actually said at the Daytona 24 hours she was happy to be driving a "real race car" again...before realizing what she said and going back on her comments a little.
I am happy the series is running road courses, but since the rest seems to be rev-limited ovals designed for 4 wide racing it is just asking for extremely dangerous accidents.
The IRL hasn't had any fatal accidents in quite some time, and they've worked very hard to improve the safety of the cars since the series started. That being said, open wheeled cars on running three wide on ovals is always going to be extremely dangerous.
As for the "doesn't require real skill" comment....you know better than that.[/QUOTE]
They had a fatal accident at the end of 04 when Tony Renna flew into the stands at Indy. What I meant by not requiring real skill is that they are on the rev limiter the entire time, much like NASCAR at talladega or Daytona. If you just put the throttle down and wait till the end to draft pass that is not requiring real skill in my book. It still requires skill, but not similar to a nascar race where you actually have to brake every 15 seconds. Danica Patrick actually said at the Daytona 24 hours she was happy to be driving a "real race car" again...before realizing what she said and going back on her comments a little.
I am happy the series is running road courses, but since the rest seems to be rev-limited ovals designed for 4 wide racing it is just asking for extremely dangerous accidents.
| StuBeck | 03-25-2006 06:02 PM |
[QUOTE=Ferg]I hope so too. :D
I have a feeling there's going to be more bitching and moaning about her weight adavantage this year now that there's engine parity.[/QUOTE]
That was Robby Gordon stating his opinion about it, so in other words, it doesn't matter since he runs NASCAR now that he finally realized being a fatass doesn't work in open wheeled cars.
I have a feeling there's going to be more bitching and moaning about her weight adavantage this year now that there's engine parity.[/QUOTE]
That was Robby Gordon stating his opinion about it, so in other words, it doesn't matter since he runs NASCAR now that he finally realized being a fatass doesn't work in open wheeled cars.
| Ferg | 03-26-2006 12:59 PM |
Ah Jesus...
[QUOTE]Dana killed in practice accident
Sunday, March 26th 2006, 17:56 GMT
IRL IndyCar Series driver Paul Dana has been killed in a practice accident at Homestead-Miami Speedway, IRL officials have confirmed.
The rookie driver hit the rear of Ed Carpenter's crashed car at full speed during the Sunday morning warm-up.
Carpenter had spun into the wall and come to a stand on the inside of the race track, where his Dallara was collected at high speed by Dana's Panoz.
Both drivers were airlifted to hospital,where Dana was declared dead.
Carpenter was reported to be awake and alert but no further information was released about his condition.
[/QUOTE]
:(
[QUOTE]Dana killed in practice accident
Sunday, March 26th 2006, 17:56 GMT
IRL IndyCar Series driver Paul Dana has been killed in a practice accident at Homestead-Miami Speedway, IRL officials have confirmed.
The rookie driver hit the rear of Ed Carpenter's crashed car at full speed during the Sunday morning warm-up.
Carpenter had spun into the wall and come to a stand on the inside of the race track, where his Dallara was collected at high speed by Dana's Panoz.
Both drivers were airlifted to hospital,where Dana was declared dead.
Carpenter was reported to be awake and alert but no further information was released about his condition.
[/QUOTE]
:(
| ptclaus98 | 03-26-2006 01:12 PM |
Wow, some foreshadowing posts above.
| psg | 03-26-2006 01:22 PM |
I don't understand why any sane driver would participate in this series. We've seen it happen to too many IRL drivers--too many horrific accidents in these restricted horsepower, high downforce oval cars, running full throttle 100% of the time.
My condolences to the family and friends of Paul Dana.
My condolences to the family and friends of Paul Dana.
| Ferg | 03-26-2006 01:35 PM |
Let's please not let this thread turn into a debate about safety in racing.
There's been two fatalities this weekend in top level motorsport, and out of respect of those killed, save the opinions for another time and thread.
My thoughts and prayers are with Paul Dana, Jorg Bastuck, their family and friends, and everyone who risks their lives week in and week out to provide us with such a wonderful and silly thing as automobile racing.
There's been two fatalities this weekend in top level motorsport, and out of respect of those killed, save the opinions for another time and thread.
My thoughts and prayers are with Paul Dana, Jorg Bastuck, their family and friends, and everyone who risks their lives week in and week out to provide us with such a wonderful and silly thing as automobile racing.
| Ferg | 03-26-2006 01:41 PM |
Homestead race still on.
[QUOTE]Homestead race will go ahead
Sunday, March 26th 2006, 18:20 GMT
Officials have confirmed that the opening round of the IRL IndyCar Series will run as scheduled this afternoon despite the death of Paul Dana in a warm-up accident.
Bobby Rahal, Dana's team owner, has withdrawn his remaining two cars from the race.
"Obviously, this is a very black day for us," Rahal told ESPN. "This is a great tragedy."
Dana had competed in a handful of IRL races for Hemelgarn last season before injuring his back in an Indianapolis 500 practice accident.
The 30-year-old returned this year and brought his Ethanol backing to Rahal-Letterman Racing.
He was killed in practice this morning after hitting Ed Carpenter's crashed car at full speed.
Both drivers were airlifted to hospital, where Dana was declared dead.
Carpenter was reported to be awake and alert.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Homestead race will go ahead
Sunday, March 26th 2006, 18:20 GMT
Officials have confirmed that the opening round of the IRL IndyCar Series will run as scheduled this afternoon despite the death of Paul Dana in a warm-up accident.
Bobby Rahal, Dana's team owner, has withdrawn his remaining two cars from the race.
"Obviously, this is a very black day for us," Rahal told ESPN. "This is a great tragedy."
Dana had competed in a handful of IRL races for Hemelgarn last season before injuring his back in an Indianapolis 500 practice accident.
The 30-year-old returned this year and brought his Ethanol backing to Rahal-Letterman Racing.
He was killed in practice this morning after hitting Ed Carpenter's crashed car at full speed.
Both drivers were airlifted to hospital, where Dana was declared dead.
Carpenter was reported to be awake and alert.[/QUOTE]
| artkevin | 03-26-2006 01:46 PM |
A sad day. RIP.
| StuBeck | 03-26-2006 01:52 PM |
Very sad day :(
| Ferg | 03-26-2006 01:52 PM |
[QUOTE]Paul Dana 1975-2006
By Biranit Goren Sunday, March 26th 2006, 18:54 GMT
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/57768855/original.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/57838220/original.jpg[/IMG]
Paul Dana was killed today in the final practice session for the IRL IndyCar race at Homestead-Miami. He was thirty years old.
Born in St. Louis, Dana held a varied career in motor racing, which included working as a mechanic, a driving instructor and a motorsport journalist for Autoweek and Sports Illustrated.
Dana graduated in 1996 with a degree in journalism from the Northwestern University of Illinois. He then made his driving debut in the Skip Barber Formula Dodge series, where he won six races in 1998.
Moving residence to Indianapolis, Dana rose through the ranks, joining Champ Car team Forsythe Racing in Formula Ford 2000 in 2001, with a best finish of third place at Watkins Glen.
In 2003, Dana moved up to IRL feeder category the Infiniti Pro Series, finishing ninth in the points standings for that year. The year later, racing for Hemelgarn-Johnson Motorsports, Dana finished series runner-up, having taken a win at the 1-mile Milwaukee oval.
Dana made his IndyCar series debut in Homestead-Miami last year, driving the #91 Ethanol Hemelgarn Racing car.
But his IndyCar career was cut short after an accident during practice for the 2005 Indianapolis 500, where he fractured two vertebrae and was sidelined for the rest of the season.
The 2006 season promised to be Dana's big break, joining the Rahal-Letterman team as teammate to Buddy Rice and Danica Patrick.
"It was amazing to make it to the IndyCar Series," Dana said recently, "truly a dream come true."
On Sunday, Dana's #17 Honda/Panoz hit the crashed car of Ed Carpenter in high speed. He was taken to hospital in critical condition and pronounced dead shortly after. He is survived by wife Tonya.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Dana's death 'black day' for IRL
By Jeff Olson Sunday, March 26th 2006, 18:47 GMT
Paul Dana died of multiple injuries on Sunday following a crash during a pre-race practice session for the Toyota Indy 300 at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
IRL president and chief operating officer Brian Barnhart made the announcement at 12:45 p.m. local time.
Dana's Rahal-Letterman Panoz-Honda crashed into Ed Carpenter's Vision Racing Dallara-Honda on the second lap of the final practice session before the IRL IndyCar Series season opener.
Bobby Rahal, co-owner of Rahal Letterman Racing, said Dana�s two teammates would not compete in Sunday�s race, which will be held as planned. The cars of Danica Patrick and Buddy Rice were duly parked.
"This is a very black day for us," Rahal said. "On behalf of our team, David (Letterman) and our sponsors and associates, our prayers and sympathies go out to Paul, his wife, Tonya, and the whole Dana family.
"This is a great tragedy. As a result, and in honor of him, we will not be competing with cars 16 and 17."
Dana�s Panoz slammed into Carpenter�s Dallara after Carpenter�s car had spun to a stop in turn two. The yellow flag had been out for several seconds, and several cars had slowed and passed Carpenter�s spinning car, before Dana�s car hitit at speed.
Both Rahal and Barnhart said there were no communication issues regarding the crash.
"There was no problem with the communication," Rahal said. "The spotter made clear the incident.
"From what I could see, there was a car on the outside that Paul was passing or had just passed.
"It would be conjecture and probably be very irresponsible for me to dissect why it happened, but there was no problem with the communication."
Both drivers were airlifted to Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami.
Carpenter, who reportedly was knocked unconscious at impact, was reported to be awake and alert and was listed in stable condition.
Barnhart said caution lights were on, the flag was out and the radio call had been made - and responded to - before Dana's car crashed into Carpenter's.
Video replays showed only a brief puff of tire smoke from Dana's car before impact, the only indication that he had attempted to slow before the crash.
"This was the first time this weekend that we�d had all 20 cars on the track at the same time," Barnhart said. "Ed had his problem in turn two initially. The yellow lights were called immediately and all systems functioned properly.
"It�s just a busy time out there with a lot of cars and a lot of traffic."
Barnhart said he spoke with officials of International Speedway Corporation, which owns the track, and with track president Curtis Gray before deciding to continue with Sunday's race as scheduled at 3:45 p.m. local time.
"We're all in agreement that the race will go on as scheduled today, on time," Barnhart said.
The crash was the first fatal incident in the IRL since Tony Renna was killed in October 2003 during a test session at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.[/QUOTE]
I feel compelled to watch the race. I don't know why, but not watching it would feel disrespectful.
Weird.
By Biranit Goren Sunday, March 26th 2006, 18:54 GMT
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/57768855/original.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/57838220/original.jpg[/IMG]
Paul Dana was killed today in the final practice session for the IRL IndyCar race at Homestead-Miami. He was thirty years old.
Born in St. Louis, Dana held a varied career in motor racing, which included working as a mechanic, a driving instructor and a motorsport journalist for Autoweek and Sports Illustrated.
Dana graduated in 1996 with a degree in journalism from the Northwestern University of Illinois. He then made his driving debut in the Skip Barber Formula Dodge series, where he won six races in 1998.
Moving residence to Indianapolis, Dana rose through the ranks, joining Champ Car team Forsythe Racing in Formula Ford 2000 in 2001, with a best finish of third place at Watkins Glen.
In 2003, Dana moved up to IRL feeder category the Infiniti Pro Series, finishing ninth in the points standings for that year. The year later, racing for Hemelgarn-Johnson Motorsports, Dana finished series runner-up, having taken a win at the 1-mile Milwaukee oval.
Dana made his IndyCar series debut in Homestead-Miami last year, driving the #91 Ethanol Hemelgarn Racing car.
But his IndyCar career was cut short after an accident during practice for the 2005 Indianapolis 500, where he fractured two vertebrae and was sidelined for the rest of the season.
The 2006 season promised to be Dana's big break, joining the Rahal-Letterman team as teammate to Buddy Rice and Danica Patrick.
"It was amazing to make it to the IndyCar Series," Dana said recently, "truly a dream come true."
On Sunday, Dana's #17 Honda/Panoz hit the crashed car of Ed Carpenter in high speed. He was taken to hospital in critical condition and pronounced dead shortly after. He is survived by wife Tonya.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Dana's death 'black day' for IRL
By Jeff Olson Sunday, March 26th 2006, 18:47 GMT
Paul Dana died of multiple injuries on Sunday following a crash during a pre-race practice session for the Toyota Indy 300 at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
IRL president and chief operating officer Brian Barnhart made the announcement at 12:45 p.m. local time.
Dana's Rahal-Letterman Panoz-Honda crashed into Ed Carpenter's Vision Racing Dallara-Honda on the second lap of the final practice session before the IRL IndyCar Series season opener.
Bobby Rahal, co-owner of Rahal Letterman Racing, said Dana�s two teammates would not compete in Sunday�s race, which will be held as planned. The cars of Danica Patrick and Buddy Rice were duly parked.
"This is a very black day for us," Rahal said. "On behalf of our team, David (Letterman) and our sponsors and associates, our prayers and sympathies go out to Paul, his wife, Tonya, and the whole Dana family.
"This is a great tragedy. As a result, and in honor of him, we will not be competing with cars 16 and 17."
Dana�s Panoz slammed into Carpenter�s Dallara after Carpenter�s car had spun to a stop in turn two. The yellow flag had been out for several seconds, and several cars had slowed and passed Carpenter�s spinning car, before Dana�s car hitit at speed.
Both Rahal and Barnhart said there were no communication issues regarding the crash.
"There was no problem with the communication," Rahal said. "The spotter made clear the incident.
"From what I could see, there was a car on the outside that Paul was passing or had just passed.
"It would be conjecture and probably be very irresponsible for me to dissect why it happened, but there was no problem with the communication."
Both drivers were airlifted to Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami.
Carpenter, who reportedly was knocked unconscious at impact, was reported to be awake and alert and was listed in stable condition.
Barnhart said caution lights were on, the flag was out and the radio call had been made - and responded to - before Dana's car crashed into Carpenter's.
Video replays showed only a brief puff of tire smoke from Dana's car before impact, the only indication that he had attempted to slow before the crash.
"This was the first time this weekend that we�d had all 20 cars on the track at the same time," Barnhart said. "Ed had his problem in turn two initially. The yellow lights were called immediately and all systems functioned properly.
"It�s just a busy time out there with a lot of cars and a lot of traffic."
Barnhart said he spoke with officials of International Speedway Corporation, which owns the track, and with track president Curtis Gray before deciding to continue with Sunday's race as scheduled at 3:45 p.m. local time.
"We're all in agreement that the race will go on as scheduled today, on time," Barnhart said.
The crash was the first fatal incident in the IRL since Tony Renna was killed in October 2003 during a test session at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.[/QUOTE]
I feel compelled to watch the race. I don't know why, but not watching it would feel disrespectful.
Weird.
| racerjon1 | 03-26-2006 02:39 PM |
I was planning on watching, and I will still watch.. I just am not going to be feeling very well.
This incident sounds a lot like a crash in one of the stock car series a couple of years ago where there was a crash, and then after yellows/flags and radio calls had been made the driver who origionally crashed was hit by a car at speed.
Jon K
This incident sounds a lot like a crash in one of the stock car series a couple of years ago where there was a crash, and then after yellows/flags and radio calls had been made the driver who origionally crashed was hit by a car at speed.
Jon K
| StuBeck | 03-26-2006 02:48 PM |
If you planned to watch, still do so, anything else would be disrespectful IMO.
| doghauler | 03-26-2006 02:52 PM |
:(
It's a sad reminder that even with advances in safety, severe accidents are still a tragic part of racing.
It's a sad reminder that even with advances in safety, severe accidents are still a tragic part of racing.
| The Tree | 03-26-2006 03:32 PM |
Wow, I just watched the crash....amazing I literally got goosebumps and cringed when they collided....so sad that such a promising young driver has passed.
:(
I'm still gonna watch the race as well.
that moment of silence was deafening.....not a peep, not a crowd noise....nothing...very touching.
:(
I'm still gonna watch the race as well.
that moment of silence was deafening.....not a peep, not a crowd noise....nothing...very touching.
| GarySheehan | 03-26-2006 04:12 PM |
Paul Dana was a really good guy. I first met him at the Bridgestone Racing School in Shannonville, Ontario. He was one of my mechanics while I was participating in the racing series. Fun to be around, worked his ass of and aspired to race top level formula cars.
Once he got himself into a car, his career took off. I'm sure his great personality complimented his skills behind the wheel to help rocket his career all the way up to IRL.
I spoke to him last before the 25 Hours of Thunderhill. He was looking for a ride to get as much seat time as possible prior to the 2006 season, as he was just fully recovered from a very bad crash in 2005. We couldn't fit him into our team, but I believe Marshall got him in touch with one of the Miata teams, which he drove for.
He was a good guy that will be missed by a lot of people. Congratulations to him for setting big dreams, reaching them, and leaving while he was doing what he loved.
Gary
Sheehan Motor Racing
[url]www.teamSMR.com[/url]
Once he got himself into a car, his career took off. I'm sure his great personality complimented his skills behind the wheel to help rocket his career all the way up to IRL.
I spoke to him last before the 25 Hours of Thunderhill. He was looking for a ride to get as much seat time as possible prior to the 2006 season, as he was just fully recovered from a very bad crash in 2005. We couldn't fit him into our team, but I believe Marshall got him in touch with one of the Miata teams, which he drove for.
He was a good guy that will be missed by a lot of people. Congratulations to him for setting big dreams, reaching them, and leaving while he was doing what he loved.
Gary
Sheehan Motor Racing
[url]www.teamSMR.com[/url]
| GarySheehan | 03-26-2006 04:22 PM |
The jerkoffs on Fox can't even pull their heads out of their asses to put up a picture of Paul. :(
Gary
Sheehan Motor Racing
[url]www.teamSMR.com[/url]
Gary
Sheehan Motor Racing
[url]www.teamSMR.com[/url]
| solo2wrx | 03-26-2006 04:51 PM |
It is a sad weekend in motorsports. Paul and Jorg RIP. :(
| Bonzo | 03-26-2006 05:10 PM |
:(
...
...
| artkevin | 03-26-2006 05:49 PM |
Dan Wheldon is a class act. I was impressed hugely by his drive but more by his reaction to an amazing race. Just got out of the car and the 1st words out of his mouth were in respect to Dana even though the reporter asked about the race.
Wheldon has earned a little bit more respect from me.
Wheldon has earned a little bit more respect from me.
| The Tree | 03-26-2006 06:19 PM |
what a great finish, I was flipping back and forth between NASCAR, the NCAA and the indy race, I watched the full final 10 laps, and was scanning the rest a lot.
that finish was great, amazing race even though it was a tradgedy at the begining of the day.
Can't wait til the next one :banana:
that finish was great, amazing race even though it was a tradgedy at the begining of the day.
Can't wait til the next one :banana:
| fastwrx | 03-26-2006 11:45 PM |
I got there at about 11.30 am. Didn't hear about it when I got there. Watched the IndyPro race... Still didn't know about it. I didn't recognize the name when the chaplain asked for a moment of silence, and I didn't know it had JUST happened. Finally, when they announced the line-up of drivers, I noticed Patrick and Rice weren't there, so I asked a guy in front of me about it. That's when I found out. Sure changed my mental state. Very sad. It was my son's (4-1/2 years old) first race.
Mike
Mike
| Homemade WRX | 03-27-2006 12:31 AM |
sad weekend for motorsports indeed...
| AndrewSS | 03-27-2006 12:53 AM |
horrible news, I feel for his family and friends, its very tragic, I suppose atleast he was doing what he loved.
| mike270 | 03-27-2006 01:20 AM |
[QUOTE=artkevin]Dan Wheldon is a class act. I was impressed hugely by his drive but more by his reaction to an amazing race. Just got out of the car and the 1st words out of his mouth were in respect to Dana even though the reporter asked about the race.
Wheldon has earned a little bit more respect from me.[/QUOTE]
I agree 100%. I think he did a great job of putting the race in perspective. Big thumbs up to Dan.
RIP Paul :(
Wheldon has earned a little bit more respect from me.[/QUOTE]
I agree 100%. I think he did a great job of putting the race in perspective. Big thumbs up to Dan.
RIP Paul :(
| Bonzo | 03-27-2006 09:09 AM |
[QUOTE=artkevin]Dan Wheldon is a class act. I was impressed hugely by his drive but more by his reaction to an amazing race. Just got out of the car and the 1st words out of his mouth were in respect to Dana even though the reporter asked about the race.
Wheldon has earned a little bit more respect from me.[/QUOTE]
yes Wheldon is a class act. Too bad his car owner did'nt share of that class as he came up high fiving etc as Dan just kinda looked at him like.... :huh:
Wheldon has earned a little bit more respect from me.[/QUOTE]
yes Wheldon is a class act. Too bad his car owner did'nt share of that class as he came up high fiving etc as Dan just kinda looked at him like.... :huh:
| Ferg | 03-27-2006 06:10 PM |
[QUOTE=artkevin]Dan Wheldon is a class act. [/QUOTE]
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/57838221/medium.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]http://www.pbase.com/image/57838221/medium.jpg[/IMG]
| Ferg | 03-28-2006 09:52 AM |
Sorry about that, just trying to lighten the mood a little.
I saw that picture and figured everyone could use a laugh after Sunday.
News and fallout from Homestead.
[QUOTE]Rahal to run two cars in St. Pete
Tuesday, March 28th 2006, 12:17 GMT
Rahal-Letterman Racing will run as a two-car team in this weekend's St. Petersburg race, according to IRL IndyCar Series president and chief operating officer Brian Barnhart.
The team withdrew Danica Patrick and Buddy Rice from the Homestead season opener after their teammate Paul Dana was killed in an accident during the Sunday morning warm-up.
Barnhart was responding to questions regarding the likely size of the St. Petersburg starting field.
"Rahal Letterman Racing has already withdrawn the #17 car, but I know we'll be as full as we can be based on the availability of equipment," he said. "But I don't know what everyone's plans are.
"If Danica and Buddy run, which Bobby Rahal told me they would, then we'll have 18, and I consider that a full field."
Much of the mainstream media coverage of the Dana tragedy has focused on Patrick's reaction.
Barnhart found it necessary to defend Bobby Rahal's decision to withdraw Rice and Patrick from Sunday's race.
"I understand that Buddy and Danica are two of our most popular drivers," he said.
"I'm sure people want to see them, but they need to have respect for the race team due to the circumstances that happened Sunday morning."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]IRL boss says Dana had hit debris
Tuesday, March 28th 2006, 13:21 GMT
IRL IndyCar Series president Brian Barnhart has confirmed that Paul Dana struck debris from Ed Carpenter's crash just before hitting the car itself.
Television replays suggested that Dana had already sustained damage from running over an unidentified object approximately 30 yards before the fatal impact with Carpenter's Dallara.
"We're still not sure what happened, and we haven't been able to determine what that was that (Dana) hit," Barnhart told the Indianapolis Star.
"My guess it was something from Ed's left rear (corner), given the size of it."
Although this initial contact may have affected Dana's ability to avoid Carpenter's car, it occurred several seconds after the caution lights and the warning from Dana's spotter.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Drivers speak about Dana tragedy
By Jeff Olson Monday, March 27th 2006, 02:32 GMT
Drivers found themselves in a strange juxtaposition Sunday - mourning a fellow driver killed in a racing accident while strapping themselves in to race cars and preparing to risk their lives.
Paul Dana, a 30-year-old rookie who went from racing journalist to race-car driver, died of multiple injuries sustained in a crash Sunday morning during the final practice session before the IRL IndyCar Series season opener at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Drivers learned of Dana's death three hours before they returned to their cars to start the race.
Afterward, they spoke of their approach to the danger of racing, the tragedy of losing a fellow competitor, and their philosophy regarding the risk of death.
"I would say it's destiny," said Helio Castroneves after finishing second in Sunday's Toyota Indy 300. "I wouldn't say it's fate; I'd say it's destiny. You're not the one to write that. It's the guy upstairs. If it's your time, it's your time. Yes, it's hard, but at the same time we need to know how to deal with it. It's not the first time that it's happened, and unfortunately I don't think it will be the last time."
For many drivers, Dana's death conjured memories of previous fatal accidents in open-wheel racing. Greg Moore, who was killed during a CART race at Califronia Speedway in 1999, was close to several current IRL drivers, including Dario Franchitti.
"I'm still in shock about the whole thing," Franchitti said of Dana's death after finishing fourth Sunday. "I didn't know Paul very well, but I've been through this before. I just feel for his family. It's such a tragedy."
IRL officials considered the possibility of postponing or canceling the race, but decided to go on with the show after consulting with track president Curtis Gray and officials of International Speedway Corp., which owns and operates the track.
"We all feel bad about it," said Sam Hornish Jr., who led 187 of the 200 laps Sunday before finishing third behind Dan Wheldon and Helio Castroneves. "We don't want to see anybody get hurt. It's a tough situation to be in, but the decision to race was made even before we knew the severity of the accident. We all saw it on TV and knew it was bad, but none of us knew the extent of it until the decision had already been made. We all knew what we needed to do was go out there and race."
The accident shook Rahal Letterman Racing (RLR), which hired Dana during the off-season to drive its No. 17 Honda/Panoz. Dana was instrumental in convincing the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council to put the Ethanol brand on an IRL car - a move that eventually led to ethanol becoming the league-mandated fuel. RLR drivers Danica Patrick and Buddy Rice sat out the race.
"Paul Dana's passing is a terrible tragedy," talk-show host and team co-owner David Letterman said in a statement. "I want to express my condolences to his family and friends. We were all proud to have him on our team and are deeply saddened by his tragic passing at such a young age."
A graduate of the school of journalism at Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill., Dana wrote about racing for several publications, including AutoWeek and Sports Illustrated, in 1997 and 1998 before pursuing a career as a racer. He raced in the Skip Barber Formula Dodge Series in 1998 and 1999, then moved on to Formula Fords and U.S. Formula 3.
In 2003 and 2004, he raced with the IRL Infiniti Pro Series. Last year, after putting together the Ethanol sponsorship, he competed in three IndyCar Series races with Hemelgarn Racing before a bad crash in practice at Indianapolis last year left him with serious back injuries.
Whether his competitors knew Dana or not, he was on their minds before, during and after the race.
"I did think about him during the race," Felipe Giaffone said. "I do believe that when your time is up, that is it. God has a plan for everyone, and there's nothing you can do about it. God bless his family during this terrible time."[/QUOTE]
I saw that picture and figured everyone could use a laugh after Sunday.
News and fallout from Homestead.
[QUOTE]Rahal to run two cars in St. Pete
Tuesday, March 28th 2006, 12:17 GMT
Rahal-Letterman Racing will run as a two-car team in this weekend's St. Petersburg race, according to IRL IndyCar Series president and chief operating officer Brian Barnhart.
The team withdrew Danica Patrick and Buddy Rice from the Homestead season opener after their teammate Paul Dana was killed in an accident during the Sunday morning warm-up.
Barnhart was responding to questions regarding the likely size of the St. Petersburg starting field.
"Rahal Letterman Racing has already withdrawn the #17 car, but I know we'll be as full as we can be based on the availability of equipment," he said. "But I don't know what everyone's plans are.
"If Danica and Buddy run, which Bobby Rahal told me they would, then we'll have 18, and I consider that a full field."
Much of the mainstream media coverage of the Dana tragedy has focused on Patrick's reaction.
Barnhart found it necessary to defend Bobby Rahal's decision to withdraw Rice and Patrick from Sunday's race.
"I understand that Buddy and Danica are two of our most popular drivers," he said.
"I'm sure people want to see them, but they need to have respect for the race team due to the circumstances that happened Sunday morning."[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]IRL boss says Dana had hit debris
Tuesday, March 28th 2006, 13:21 GMT
IRL IndyCar Series president Brian Barnhart has confirmed that Paul Dana struck debris from Ed Carpenter's crash just before hitting the car itself.
Television replays suggested that Dana had already sustained damage from running over an unidentified object approximately 30 yards before the fatal impact with Carpenter's Dallara.
"We're still not sure what happened, and we haven't been able to determine what that was that (Dana) hit," Barnhart told the Indianapolis Star.
"My guess it was something from Ed's left rear (corner), given the size of it."
Although this initial contact may have affected Dana's ability to avoid Carpenter's car, it occurred several seconds after the caution lights and the warning from Dana's spotter.[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE]Drivers speak about Dana tragedy
By Jeff Olson Monday, March 27th 2006, 02:32 GMT
Drivers found themselves in a strange juxtaposition Sunday - mourning a fellow driver killed in a racing accident while strapping themselves in to race cars and preparing to risk their lives.
Paul Dana, a 30-year-old rookie who went from racing journalist to race-car driver, died of multiple injuries sustained in a crash Sunday morning during the final practice session before the IRL IndyCar Series season opener at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Drivers learned of Dana's death three hours before they returned to their cars to start the race.
Afterward, they spoke of their approach to the danger of racing, the tragedy of losing a fellow competitor, and their philosophy regarding the risk of death.
"I would say it's destiny," said Helio Castroneves after finishing second in Sunday's Toyota Indy 300. "I wouldn't say it's fate; I'd say it's destiny. You're not the one to write that. It's the guy upstairs. If it's your time, it's your time. Yes, it's hard, but at the same time we need to know how to deal with it. It's not the first time that it's happened, and unfortunately I don't think it will be the last time."
For many drivers, Dana's death conjured memories of previous fatal accidents in open-wheel racing. Greg Moore, who was killed during a CART race at Califronia Speedway in 1999, was close to several current IRL drivers, including Dario Franchitti.
"I'm still in shock about the whole thing," Franchitti said of Dana's death after finishing fourth Sunday. "I didn't know Paul very well, but I've been through this before. I just feel for his family. It's such a tragedy."
IRL officials considered the possibility of postponing or canceling the race, but decided to go on with the show after consulting with track president Curtis Gray and officials of International Speedway Corp., which owns and operates the track.
"We all feel bad about it," said Sam Hornish Jr., who led 187 of the 200 laps Sunday before finishing third behind Dan Wheldon and Helio Castroneves. "We don't want to see anybody get hurt. It's a tough situation to be in, but the decision to race was made even before we knew the severity of the accident. We all saw it on TV and knew it was bad, but none of us knew the extent of it until the decision had already been made. We all knew what we needed to do was go out there and race."
The accident shook Rahal Letterman Racing (RLR), which hired Dana during the off-season to drive its No. 17 Honda/Panoz. Dana was instrumental in convincing the Ethanol Promotion and Information Council to put the Ethanol brand on an IRL car - a move that eventually led to ethanol becoming the league-mandated fuel. RLR drivers Danica Patrick and Buddy Rice sat out the race.
"Paul Dana's passing is a terrible tragedy," talk-show host and team co-owner David Letterman said in a statement. "I want to express my condolences to his family and friends. We were all proud to have him on our team and are deeply saddened by his tragic passing at such a young age."
A graduate of the school of journalism at Northwestern University in Evanston, Ill., Dana wrote about racing for several publications, including AutoWeek and Sports Illustrated, in 1997 and 1998 before pursuing a career as a racer. He raced in the Skip Barber Formula Dodge Series in 1998 and 1999, then moved on to Formula Fords and U.S. Formula 3.
In 2003 and 2004, he raced with the IRL Infiniti Pro Series. Last year, after putting together the Ethanol sponsorship, he competed in three IndyCar Series races with Hemelgarn Racing before a bad crash in practice at Indianapolis last year left him with serious back injuries.
Whether his competitors knew Dana or not, he was on their minds before, during and after the race.
"I did think about him during the race," Felipe Giaffone said. "I do believe that when your time is up, that is it. God has a plan for everyone, and there's nothing you can do about it. God bless his family during this terrible time."[/QUOTE]
| artkevin | 03-28-2006 10:54 AM |
Why would Barnhart have to defend the choice to pull Rice and Patrick? Who questioned that? Their teammante died a few hours before the green flag. You've got to be pretty heartless to quesiton that IMHO.
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