Year 8(?) of Pook's genius plan to save CART

Ahhhh, memories. Remember when the possibility of CART becoming a top feeder to F1 was just a dream? Only brave interweb warriors like Mark "No really, a race in China!" Cipolloni boldly predicted the truth. TGeorge never stood a chance!

Remember this when you hear those Prancing Horses in CART this year.

Mark C. and Chris Pook: Genius beyond worldly (well, our world, anyhow) understanding!

Genuine surprise

Really, this is a multi-pronged surprise. According to Robin Miller, Justin Wilson is the newest Dale Coyne Racing driver. Beyond that shocker, which I scoffed at days ago, there's this:

"I met Bill (Pappas) yesterday and Dale seems very intent on being competitive so I intend to make the most it." Coyne admitted some new sponsor opportunities were on the horizon but soundedlike he was prepared to spend his own money to get to the front.

If you follow the sport, you know that DCR is the king of shoestring, ridebuyer-financed operations. If he's really going for it, then the sport will truly benefit. Good for all involved

Vigilance

I think it's vital for liberals to challenge Obama when needed.

To wit, two disturbing decisions. The Bagram decision is indefensible. Try these 4 men, please.

Random Notes/Thoughts

First off, ICS silly-season. We can now, finally, confirm Robert Doornbos for N/H/L. Many of us had begun to question whether this was real or not, given multiple delays in the announcement. Thankfully, it is real. Interestingly, as I'll elaborate on shortly, Milka Duno might NOT be in at N/H/L. That's not necessarily a bad thing.


More info/specualtion is courtesy of a post at TrackForum. That's the 2nd place where I've read the Duno rumor. As for the rest, look, I'm sure some of it is optimism on Cavin's part. I hope RHR really does end up at HVM and that Rubicon ends up running, but really, I'm not counting on stuff like that. The Rahal stuff reads like wishful thinking, no? Oh, and DRR a 3-car team? Uh, no. But I really hope PT somehow, someway gets that KV ride.

I watched in a combination of bemusement and horror this Rick Santelli rant. Bemusement b/c as a trader, this is not exactly Main Street USA. Horror b/c I fear too many folks will buy into it.

I must say I find the grassroots conservative opposition/protest, noted HERE, interesting. On the one hand, it IS very American. Folks peacefully expressing their political views is healthy. On the other hand, it's one month in, and we're seeing protests?

One story we can rightfully dismiss

With his outstanding 3rd place run in the Daytona 500, I think (hope?) that THIS story is now moot. I'll put it this way, it would be a travesty if he does not run the whole year.

Another note: AJ got a ton of heat from former Champ Car fans, who accused him of being a traifor to the sport that "made him," in pursuit of money. They mocked everytime he missed a show (which, let's be clear, was a frequent occurrence thru the 1st 1/2 of '08) and assumed he'd never amount to anything in NASCAR. Long-term, maybe they're right. For this week, though, silence, and nothing more

Why, Mr. President?

Why did you needlessly protect the indefensible? Why did you, in this act anyway, break faith with those who value the Constitution? Maybe you have a reason, sir, but I'd like to hear it.

Oh yeah, why did Tim Geithner speak and say nothing?

Things that impressed me

Pres. Obama: He's no George Bush. That's certain. See what happens when you attempt to treat people like humans.

Claire McCaskill has a genuine Twitter.

Lebron James.