Thoughts and Predictions

So, it's, oh, 41 hrs. until the green flag flies for the 93rd Indianapolis 500. Let's answer some questions:

Who has any chance of winning? Helio, Briscoe, Franchitti, Dixon, Power, Kanaan, Ma. Andretti, Moraes (!), Wheldon (based on Carb Day), Rahal, and, maybe, PT. Based on speed, I'll throw Townsend Bell in as a super darkhorse.

Wh.. Where's Danica? I dunno, probably in Indy getting ready for Sunday. Ohhhh, you meant on my list. Look, rain at the right time could throw this thing wide open, so I shouldn't 100% keep her off my list. Assuming weather isn't THE factor, she's shown NO race speed, and really, all of AGR looks lost.

What kind of race will we see? See, the spec nature (Dallara-Honda) of the series means parity. Good in theory, but it's tough to pass people. Also, the Dallara's aerodynamics suck, making it difficult to stay close to anyone.

Who wins? The man/woman who finishes 500 miles the quickest. Oh fine, I'll go with, after changing my mind this week, Helio Castroneves for the 3rd time.

Outside of the winner, driver to watch? Definitely Moraes. The kid is incredibly fast and very much "on the edge." His high line could be genius, or suicide.

Better ratings: Indy 500 or Coca-Snooza 600? Sadly, the 600. And it won't be close.

In Which I Cautiously Praise ICS Thinking

It's shockingly rare that I can say this, but the IRL might be showing some innovative thinking. Though just an idea at this point, Cleveland (my home track) might return in 2010 as... an oval and road event. Wow! If they can logistically do this, I see zero downside here.

Also, an interesting note from TF on the media appearances for 5/18. As "NDFIVEFAN" points out, No Danica. Sure, that'll change during the week, but it's good that "DanicaMania" MIGHT be wearing off. The Series has needed to move beyond just marketing one gimmick for yrs. If they're learning this, well, better late than never.