Not going to the track today so will give a little bit of an update while I can if any cares. Honda looks like the engine package to beat this month at the tracks so far, with toyota not far behind and once again chevy looks like it is behind the 8 ball. Penske has not flexed his muscle so far but expect him to do so late Friday or during the practice session on Saturday before qualifying. Fastest lap so far was set early today by Tony Kanaan 222+. Track conditions are not anywhere near where they normally are this time of the month as we are seeing above normal temps here in Indy during may so far. Nearly 10+ degrees which makes a big difference on these cars. Satruday it is expected to be in the low 70's which should see and increase in speed but how much is a mystery to most in the garage area. Some predict a 225 pole speed but I just can't see it. Chevy and Toyota have qualifying packages coming for saturday but I think it maybe a little to late in the game for some. This is not nascar. These guys need time to adapt to changes at this track or it will be a nice smack into the wall.
In case anyone cares the IRL adopted new changes this year to engine size and aero packages, In order to slow the cars down. If these changes where not made we may have seen the track record broke with speed in excess of 238+ this month. The main problem I see here will be the aero package. Downforce has been removed and so drivers are talking about how the car does not stick like it use to and that it want's to drift in the turns which is not good here. I see no problems when alone on the track but come race day we may see several wrecks. We shall see as the month goes along.
Lot of talk about the field not be full with 33 cars. I think we shall see a full field come next weekend with some surprises as to who will be driving. They have enough cars to fill it, the probelm is sponsorship and getting the crews together. It would be sad if this tradition did not continue but the race will go on no matter what.
I live my whole month of may at this track in the garage area or in the stands. I use to be able to get in the pits but with most of the oldtimers gone it is harder to make connections here. It is more of a business now then a sport. May is not the same for sure nor will it ever be like it was 20 years ago. Those where the days for sure.
As far as betting goes for this event I would stay away from hornish and any chevy engine driver unless the new packages make a difference. I had the winner last year with Deferran and I will stay in the Penske camp again this year with Helio Castro Neves at +600. This guy reminds me so much of Rick Mears. His passion and respect for the Speedway. The way he saves his car during the race. He has mastered this track some that few have done. He will be going for his 3rd victory in 4 years something never done here before. But I see him doing it again and climbing the fence. Also will play on Franchitti at +1200 and the field at +2000. The field gives me 12 spots if it is full and like I said before I think we will see some some surprises to get a ride and they will have a very good oppurtunity to win this race.
Will update more if people are interested.
In case anyone cares the IRL adopted new changes this year to engine size and aero packages, In order to slow the cars down. If these changes where not made we may have seen the track record broke with speed in excess of 238+ this month. The main problem I see here will be the aero package. Downforce has been removed and so drivers are talking about how the car does not stick like it use to and that it want's to drift in the turns which is not good here. I see no problems when alone on the track but come race day we may see several wrecks. We shall see as the month goes along.
Lot of talk about the field not be full with 33 cars. I think we shall see a full field come next weekend with some surprises as to who will be driving. They have enough cars to fill it, the probelm is sponsorship and getting the crews together. It would be sad if this tradition did not continue but the race will go on no matter what.
I live my whole month of may at this track in the garage area or in the stands. I use to be able to get in the pits but with most of the oldtimers gone it is harder to make connections here. It is more of a business now then a sport. May is not the same for sure nor will it ever be like it was 20 years ago. Those where the days for sure.
As far as betting goes for this event I would stay away from hornish and any chevy engine driver unless the new packages make a difference. I had the winner last year with Deferran and I will stay in the Penske camp again this year with Helio Castro Neves at +600. This guy reminds me so much of Rick Mears. His passion and respect for the Speedway. The way he saves his car during the race. He has mastered this track some that few have done. He will be going for his 3rd victory in 4 years something never done here before. But I see him doing it again and climbing the fence. Also will play on Franchitti at +1200 and the field at +2000. The field gives me 12 spots if it is full and like I said before I think we will see some some surprises to get a ride and they will have a very good oppurtunity to win this race.
Will update more if people are interested.
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