The IZOD IndyCar Series had their season opener this past weekend at the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. I have traditionally been drawn to NASCAR, and it is by far my choice of racing to watch, but over the last few years I have been giving open wheel disciplines of racing more of a chance. I have been rewarded with some great races. Then came Vegas. What was supposed to be the grand finale of the 2011 IndyCar season turned into anything but grand. The race was stopped after 15 laps. Dan Wheldon was killed in a scary 13-16 car pile up. I have been watching racing for years, both on TV and as an official at a local short track, and I have seen some wild things. But when that wreck happened, there was no cheer for the pile-up, no hooting and hollering. Anyone who watched that crash knew something bad had happened.
As the TV coverage began we knew everyone had heavy hearts. They were picking the scab off of a wound that wouldn't go away. Most other times when a driver is lost, it seems the best way for the other drivers to "move on" is to get back in the race car. Las Vegas was the season finale, and also 5 months ago. These drivers had a lot of time to think about what had happened, and you could see it on their faces. There were a few short and very touching tributes to Dan. I had the TSN coverage on, I had heard the ABC version was alot more emotional and longer. Also the final two turns of the St. Petersburg street course were named "Dan Wheldon Way" in his honour. Dan made St. Petersburg home when he wasn't in his homeland of England
The race itself was alright. Mostly a parade through the tight street course, though a late pass for the lead did spice things up. It also led to one of the most touching tributes to Dan Wheldon of the day aswell. Helio Castroneves made that late race pass and won the race, his first in 20 starts after a winless 2011. On his victory lap he stopped at "Dan Wheldon Way", hopped out of his Shell Pennzoil Team Penske Chevrolet and climbed the fence for the crowd, Dan Wheldon style. On his way down he patted the "Dan Wheldon Way" sign and leaned against the barrier obviously, even through the helmet, overcome by emotion. That emotion continued into victory lane where he hugged Dan's sister Holly Wheldon who presented him the trophy for winning the race. Tears were flowing and Helio had many looks skyward in Dans honour. Even not have been following IndyCar that closely you could see a sense of healing for all those involved. Honestly, the best tribute is to win a race, and dedicate it in Dand honour. Way to go Helio.
NASCAR's Nationwide and SprintCup series went to boring speedway this weekend. Hence the large IndyCar piece of this pie. Ya there was 3 and 4 and for brief moments 5 wide racing as to be expected but only for a few laps until the cars got strung out. I'm a real racing fan, don't get me wrong, but after the Bristol boring 500 and the Fontana Boring 200something I am SO ready to see the Camping World Trucks and Sprint Cup Series go to the "ole paper clip" and get back to the "boys-have-at-er" "rubbin-is-racing" style for a week. One thing to note about Sundays SprintCup series race is Tony Stewarts new nickname. "Slide Jobbing Smoke" Well, ok its my new nickname for him. Did anyone else see NASCAR on FOX's side by side view of Smoke slide jobbing Kevin Harvick, and Denny Hamlin IDENTICALLY through turn 3 and exiting turn 4? For those who may not know, Slide Job; The act of driving ones car SO hard into a corner, that through corner exit you SLIDE up in front of the person in the high lane (usually going faster) causing them to either a)lift the throttle b)brake or Kevin Harvicks option c) shove you so hard into the corner you almost hit the wall. Anyway, it seemed the only time I saw Tony pass a car on Sunday was via this "Slide Job". But it worked for him. The rain shortened race ended with Tony in front.
I learned through my first blog that people want to hear more of my opinion. Ok there it is. Untill next week Smitty OUT!
P.S. The comment portion has been giving me problems, you can @ me on Twitter @Smitty_1333. Or E-Mail me at smitty_1333@hotmail.com. Thanks
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