A "Smashing" start to the '09 season

Literally. Congrats to Ryan Briscoe & Team Penske. It was a wreck-fest at times (apparently watched by no one on VERSUS*), but it was still an interesting, entertaining race. Maybe THIS and RHR's 2nd (!) helped.

*That said, the coverage was 10,000% better than ABC/ESPN.

So it begins

The IndyCar season, that is, at St. Petersburg, FL. With 22 cars.

This is down, of course, from last year's non-Indy 500 range of 25-28. Furthermore, names like Buddy Rice, PT, Bruno Junquiera, and Oriol Servia are MIA.

Still, given the recession, 22 cars (23 at Long Beach) is NOT awful. So, the predictions:

Series champ: My heart says young Rahal. N/H/L is more familiar with the cars, and he is too. But he's still 20. Instead, I'm picking... Ryan Briscoe. Post-Indy, Ryan found his groove in IndyCar. Expect that to continue.

Indy: We'll know more in 5 weeks, but my hunch? Briscoe again.

Most out-of-their-depth: Stanton Barrett. Just watch him.

Enjoy the season!

The Most Destructive Man In American History

Richard B. Cheney. That's the only conclusion one gathers from reading that opinion from Sully and THIS.

I pray history does not sugar-coat this era.

It all looks so familiar...

Over the years, I've been a big fan of Robin Miller and his work (going back to his time at the Indy Star). During a period full of nothing but laughable spin from everywhere, Miller cut through the bullshit from both sides. Yes, he ended up being quite negative much of the time, but guess what, there was little to praise.

With that said, I bring you Robin's 3/4 Mailbag. Look familiar? How about the 2/17 edition? Or the 2/11 version? You could practically cut & paste every week. It's the same thoughts.

It's not that I disagree, but jeebus, we get it already! Write something new already.

And furthermore, sorry, there's a contradiction between wanting USACers and a 50/50 oval/road split. If you hit everything juuuuuuuusssssssst right, maybe you can create a car that accomodates both. But I doubt it.

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.