Around The Racing World

Formula 1 is in the midst of a firestorm, and no doubt the crux of the matter being argued is liability, someone should be made to pay, they all agree, just not "me". I'm sure the USGP lawsuits will come forth, and should reports of a boycott of the French GP prove accurate, more litigation outside this most litigious land we live in, will ensnarl the principles of F1. Those associated with Michelin, and those who are not!..
Bernie Ecclestone made his views known in a report of a post-Indy500 phone call to none other than Danica Patrick herself. Bernie congratulated her on her outcome, and remarked that she should wear white, just as all kitchen appliances do. The headline read, 'Patrick Angry Over Remarks'-or something.(!!) Man, what a comment from the head of worldwide FIA operations. Kinda had Islamic-connotations as well. Maybe that was just me.
Champ Car kicked ass, but did anyone see the helicopter crash???? It was reported, a mere 1/4 mile from a populated grandstand, a helicopter crash landed on the westernmost tarmack of Burke Lakefront Airport Saturday during the Atlantics race. Paul Tracy runs strong here, and true to form, inherited the lead for good as off-pit sequence cars succumbed to fuel need. AJ Allmendinger had a hard hit in practice, but came back and made a podium finish. It was a hot day and they all looked very hot on the podium.
Conversely, the IRL's Indy Car race at Richmond provided some excellent, and cool, night racing if speed and precision are your cup of tea. Far outclassing the field, Penske's two Toyota/Lola cars driven by Sam Hornish Jr, and Helio Castroneves drove as if it was their home track. Well, it is their home track and even though Penske is the only team with Toyota power being competitive, the Hondas never made a strong bid for the lead. It was a split second mistake that kept Hornish from winning from pole, instead he had to climb from a mangled, wall-impacted car. His team mate never flinched, he just disappeared into the Virginia night. I was glad to see the ceremonial fence climb. Good to see good-guy Helio Castroneves back on top of the podium.
Home town favorites Foyt Racing had mixed results. They finished last, but they did finish. I hope they continue to grow, and get better at getting handling, cause that's all they got. Foyt is one of the Toyota teams on the outside. Without the massive R&D of a Penske, the 'stock' Toyota power plant is several steps behind Honda this year. According to AJ Sr, Toyota comes out with upgrades mid-season, and they're looking forward to this. Anthony is improving on track and in the pits, and the team is fighting through a lot of adversity. From the top, however, no one on the team has lost his focus on the big picture, and that's good. AJ is still a force to be reckoned with.
And finally, I saw a story on an American F1 hopeful, he's 14. His family allowed him to move to Italy, and if I'm not mistaken, he's competing in the premier league of European Karting on Auto circuits. Now, THAT'S cool. I'm sure ladder series' entry forms have already been filed. Good Luck, Yank. I'll find out your name and publish it in future letters, (I think it's Edwards...)

Good night and good racing!