The three amigos of IRL racing blogdom are back and representing on Michigan, the points race and who may become a victim of the 2008 silly season. Plunge in, if you dare.
pressdog (10:37:44 AM): Welcome dudes, let’s get this thing green-green-green. First issue: Michigan. Who wins?
MyNameIsIRL (10:39:16 AM): I said something a few weeks back so I'll hold to it: I think Danica's best chance to win this year is at MIS.
MyNameIsIRL (10:39:38 AM): Maybe it's the weight advantage or confidence or whatever, but Superspeedways are her thang right now.
MyNameIsIRL (10:40:49 AM): She could have won at Indy (although the Penske cars were strong late) and she was driving well late last year at MIS in the RLR pig she drove.
MyNameIsIRL (10:41:19 AM): I think if you have to talk about her winning you have to ask when she can beat her teammates, and this is one track she can drive as well as them.
MyNameIsIRL (10:41:40 AM): Plus, Natalie Gulbis finally won an LPGA event so maybe this kind of thing will be contagious.
MyNameIsIRL (10:41:47 AM): Just sayin.
Money CJ (10:42:04 AM): Yes, I think Princess Sparkle Pony just might do it this weekend.
pressdog (10:42:15 AM): LOL!
pressdog (10:43:15 AM): Part of me wants Danica to win just so we can stop hearing about she's going to win any time soon and how she really really really really really wants to win.
Money CJ (10:43:36 AM): I want her to win.
pressdog (10:43:53 AM): If you give her the best cars on the track for long enough and she's bound to win one.
Money CJ (10:43:54 AM): I think it'll be very cool and I think she is at a point where she really deserves it.
Money CJ (10:44:10 AM): I can’t believe I just said that.
pressdog (10:44:16 AM): Neither can I.
MyNameIsIRL (10:44:18 AM): well, a lot of drivers "deserve it"
Money CJ (10:44:29 AM): But she's been driving extremely well.
Money CJ (10:44:42 AM): Vitor deserves it, but has been driving like shit....
Money CJ (10:44:47 AM): Know what I mean?
pressdog (10:44:59 AM): So is it Michigan or never for Danica? Maybe Chicagoland?
Money CJ (10:45:11 AM): I don’t say Michigan or never....
pressdog (10:45:23 AM): For 2007, anyway.
MyNameIsIRL (10:45:33 AM): I think any superspeedway, but Michigan is long enough that it plays to her strength of consistency.
Money CJ (10:45:42 AM): Agree w/ that.
pressdog (10:45:45 AM): Good point. I'll give you that one.
pressdog (10:45:49 AM): Grudgingly.
MyNameIsIRL (10:45:51 AM): Gee, thanks
MyNameIsIRL (10:46:05 AM): Arguing is much more fun for the readers, though.
pressdog (10:46:16 AM): OK, next issue: Quality of racing this year? Grade it.
pressdog (10:46:19 AM): Money?
Money CJ (10:46:40 AM): It's an amazing year--really, truly unpredictable. That's a good thing.
pressdog (10:47:02 AM): So, A? B? C? D? or F?
Money CJ (10:47:02 AM): I say B+
pressdog (10:47:08 AM): Jeffy?
MyNameIsIRL (10:47:15 AM): I'd say a C.
pressdog (10:47:21 AM): Why is that?
Money CJ (10:47:21 AM): Why??
MyNameIsIRL (10:47:40 AM): Well, the good news is there have been more than 4 cars racing for wins.
MyNameIsIRL (10:48:08 AM): The competition level has been much closer except for the two drivers running away with the championship contest.
MyNameIsIRL (10:48:27 AM): But the races -- especially recently -- haven't had much passing for the lead.
MyNameIsIRL (10:48:42 AM): The side-by-side racing seems to be vanishing, and that's bad.
Money CJ (10:49:10 AM): Jeff, I think we're likely to still see a lot of drama in what remains of the season...
MyNameIsIRL (10:49:34 AM): Drama yes, but he asked about the Quality of Racing.
Money CJ (10:49:35 AM): I think we're going to see Wheldon get his groove back....
pressdog (10:49:43 AM): I gotta go with a C as well.
MyNameIsIRL (10:49:59 AM): The Drama has been an A this year -- lots of fun subplots
pressdog (10:50:13 AM): Because the ovals are playing like street races. Short filling, passing in the pits. No passes for the lead on the track.
Money CJ (10:50:24 AM): Fair point.
pressdog (10:50:37 AM): Napville was a debacle. One groove. Wake me when it's over. Get half a lane high and you're in the wall.
MyNameIsIRL (10:51:05 AM): Exactly -- even Texas turned into a one-groove track. Freaking TEXAS!
pressdog (10:51:29 AM): Iowa was a festival of carbon fiber. Texas and Iowa and Nashville. Hold the low line, you win.
MyNameIsIRL (10:51:55 AM): What good is going four-wide when you can't get around anyone?
MyNameIsIRL (10:52:29 AM): The racing now is Dixon-style "put your nose in their gearbox and freak them into a wreck" racing.
pressdog (10:52:38 AM): OK, next issue. What the hell happened to Penske?
Money CJ (10:53:05 AM): Sam needs to get his head in the game. Helio needs an exorcism or something.
pressdog (10:53:19 AM): Seriously. Agree on both counts. Helio is way snake bit.
MyNameIsIRL (10:53:20 AM): I think Helio has shaken the demons, but before we pile on remember: he's won half of the poles this year
Money CJ (10:53:20 AM): But ya know--
Money CJ (10:53:45 AM): you gotta give it to the guy. I absolutely LOVED Jeff's link to Helio's test at Belle Isle.
Money CJ (10:53:58 AM): That dude is simply incapable of being bummed.
MyNameIsIRL (10:54:15 AM): If I had to bet one race left I'd say Helio will win at Detroit.
pressdog (10:54:16 AM): His bronze at Mid-Ohio was a good first step to a rebound.
Money CJ (10:54:20 AM): Yeah, Jeff--but it means nothing if you don’t finish the race!
MyNameIsIRL (10:54:28 AM): True
Money CJ (10:54:37 AM): Dumb ass
MyNameIsIRL (10:54:45 AM): Some of those wrecks weren't his fault
MyNameIsIRL (10:54:56 AM): Milwaukee and Texas weren't his fault
pressdog (10:55:02 AM): I don't get Penske's implosion this year. Very un-Penske like.
pressdog (10:55:07 AM): Implosion is a relative term, of course. Many teams would actually take Penske's season in a heartbeat.
Money CJ (10:55:19 AM): How do you all think Roger's feeling at this point?
MyNameIsIRL (10:55:29 AM): Does Roger actually feel?
Money CJ (10:55:36 AM): Hah!
MyNameIsIRL (10:55:37 AM): I think he's a robot, personally
pressdog (10:55:55 AM): I've never seen Penske bleed or eat. Jussayin.
Money CJ (10:56:06 AM): Good point.
MyNameIsIRL (10:56:07 AM): There ya go.
Money CJ (10:56:17 AM): ...or blink!
pressdog (10:56:21 AM): Maybe his batteries are low.
MyNameIsIRL (10:56:47 AM): So no, we have no idea what happened.
pressdog (10:57:03 AM): Next issue: Did the off week kick your ass too?
MyNameIsIRL (10:57:17 AM): Oh man - can I have a moment here?
Money CJ (10:57:18 AM): I'm certainly a little out of whack....
MyNameIsIRL (10:57:46 AM): I tried watching the Brickyard, and from the get go they announce "Competition Yellows a laps 15 and 40"
MyNameIsIRL (10:57:57 AM): Dude - scheduled yellow flags!
pressdog (10:58:11 AM): That's so wrong for so many reasons.
pressdog (10:58:39 AM): The teams like the weekend off, but after so many race weekends in a row the fans are like little crack heads -- a week off has us all in the fetal position.
Money CJ (10:58:53 AM): Good gawd. Were any of our guys on hand (for the Brickyard 400)?
pressdog (10:59:06 AM): At least I had Champ Car to stave off the gran mal shakes.
pressdog (10:59:20 AM): On hand at the Brickyard 400? God Gawd no.
MyNameIsIRL (10:59:31 AM): I tried watching the Champ Car race but they all shred their nose cones like visor wraps in that series.
MyNameIsIRL (10:59:59 AM): But before the Dog steps in, Champ Car is more "entertaining" this year than in years past.
MyNameIsIRL (11:00:10 AM): ...because it's a total circus instead of a parade.
pressdog (11:00:14 AM): I have a theory that the nose cone maker is a cousin of series boss Kevin Kalkhoven and this is his way of getting a piece of the action, $16,000 at a time.
MyNameIsIRL (11:00:30 AM): You know, that would make sense. Help pay the series bills an all.
MyNameIsIRL (11:00:54 AM): Money, what did you do this weekend?
Money CJ (11:01:10 AM): Well....uhm....I drank beer....
Money CJ (11:01:15 AM): and....
pressdog (11:01:20 AM): that's a given...
Money CJ (11:01:23 AM): drank beer.
pressdog (11:01:34 AM): Got hammered and lost his crackberry.
MyNameIsIRL (11:01:45 AM): Yes, but now he has a Schwerve
Money CJ (11:01:52 AM): That was traumatic indeed...but I just got a new one so s'all good.
Money CJ (11:02:02 AM): That's right. It's got a trackball.
Money CJ (11:02:09 AM): and I have a woody
pressdog (11:02:13 AM): Next issue: Dario or Iceman for the points championship?
pressdog (11:02:28 AM): Money?
Money CJ (11:02:48 AM): If Stereo goes all the way I will be very surprised....and VERY much in awe.
pressdog (11:03:03 AM): Jeffy?
MyNameIsIRL (11:03:29 AM): I don't know. I really don't. Total coin flip.
MyNameIsIRL (11:03:46 AM): Dixon has been unreal. Three in a row - that's rare.
MyNameIsIRL (11:04:08 AM): It's like he and Wheldon switched cars
pressdog (11:04:14 AM): Gotta go with the ICEMAN. He'll lose at Michigan and then kick ass at Belle Isle and/or Snorenoma and Chicagoland.
Money CJ (11:04:33 AM): Sounds about right.
pressdog (11:04:51 AM): I'll be at Chicagoland and I'm sure he'll want to get his photo taken with me and the trophy.
MyNameIsIRL (11:05:02 AM): Say Hi to Emma for us
pressdog (11:05:04 AM): I'll say yo yo yo to Emma -- and then be tackled by Security Chief Charles.
Money CJ (11:05:01 AM): Forgive me, but has he ever taken a championship?
pressdog (11:05:06 AM): 2003.
MyNameIsIRL (11:05:08 AM): Yes - 2003.
Money CJ (11:05:13 AM): Ah.
MyNameIsIRL (11:05:27 AM): the first year Ganassi came over to the IRL.
Money CJ (11:05:28 AM): I love that guy (Ganassi).
Money CJ (11:05:34 AM): He's a Mack.
pressdog (11:05:56 AM): Ganassi. Chippy. We're close.
MyNameIsIRL (11:06:04 AM): u tight
pressdog (11:06:07 AM): Except for the fact that he doesn't know me.
MyNameIsIRL (11:06:26 AM): You keep stalking him and he'll remember you.
pressdog (11:06:45 AM): But I met him once. And he spelled my name right on the restraining order.
Money CJ (11:06:55 AM): I just spit beer.
pressdog (11:07:26 AM): I am tight with his PR czarina, P.Cap. She's styling and profiling at every venue.
pressdog (11:07:35 AM): Asses are kicked. Names taken.
MyNameIsIRL (11:07:50 AM): I think I saw her for a split second in the "Racing Incorporated" series last year.
Money CJ (11:07:55 AM): She is very cool.
pressdog (11:08:08 AM): Yes, she was giving Cavin the word for about four seconds of air time.
Money CJ (11:08:11 AM): She hooked me up with a quote from Danny when it was announced that Jamie Little was off to NASCAR
MyNameIsIRL (11:08:15 AM): Hey, I have a question for Money that has nothing to do with the IRL.
pressdog (11:08:21 AM): Should I leave the room?
MyNameIsIRL (11:08:37 AM): do you need to, Dog?
pressdog (11:08:41 AM): if this is private...
MyNameIsIRL (11:08:51AM): OK, I've seen the tremendous video of you taking hot laps at Indy ..
MyNameIsIRL (11:09:10 AM): Money - who in the world was asking for your autograph at IMS?
pressdog (11:09:22 AM): Who wasn't asking for it?
Money CJ (11:09:51 AM): Dude, it happens everywhere I go.
Money CJ (11:09:54 AM): hahaha
Money CJ (11:10:12 AM): Nah, the videographer (Brian Nentrup--totally awesome) set that up.
Money CJ (11:10:32 AM): But I LOVED the fact that that kid was wearing the sacred #88 -- Big Marv, YO YO.
Money CJ (11:10:40 AM): GO COLTS!
MyNameIsIRL (11:11:10 AM): What? It was set up? My view of the world has totally shifted.
Money CJ (11:11:15 AM): awwwww
pressdog (11:11:26 AM): You mean it was a DECEPTION? On the Internet? SHOCKING.
MyNameIsIRL (11:11:43 AM): Nothing makes sense to me anymore.
MyNameIsIRL (11:12:15 AM): Next thing you know they’ll be saying NBA games are fixed.
pressdog (11:12:18 AM): Next to last issue (which is the same as the first issue, sorry): Who wins at Michigan?
MyNameIsIRL (11:12:58 AM): You'll have to wait for the Cheat Sheet for my pick.
pressdog (11:13:08 AM): Punk. I say WHELDON.
pressdog (11:13:13 AM): Focus the rage, Dan.
Money CJ (11:13:20 AM): Man that would be sweeeeet.
Money CJ (11:13:25 AM): C'mon DAN.
MyNameIsIRL (11:13:44 AM): I don't think he has any rage left. He's out of the points and had a dud run at Indy. Worst season in years for Thunda Dan.
Money CJ (11:14:16 AM): He'll bounce back. Probably just caught up with a bad case of "Chick."
pressdog (11:14:03 AM): Agreed. Maybe Me So Hornish.
MyNameIsIRL (11:14:17 AM): Did you just say what I think you said?
pressdog (11:14:28 AM): Love you long time.
Money CJ (11:14:37 AM): Me So Hornish! OMG!!
MyNameIsIRL (11:14:39 AM): Excuse me, I need a bucket
Money CJ (11:14:42 AM): Genius!
pressdog (11:14:48 AM): LOL
pressdog (11:14:50 AM): LOL
MyNameIsIRL (11:15:08 AM): Sam Sr. is going to kick your ass
pressdog (11:15:22 AM): Oh shit. Charles the ICS security chief will protect me, I hope.
pressdog (11:15:47 AM): Jeff is going to pick DANICA. He's saving it for HIS SITE.
Money CJ (11:15:53 AM): Homo.
MyNameIsIRL (11:16:33 AM): No comment.
pressdog (11:16:45 AM): I think Sarah and Buddy are going to finish 1, 2...
pressdog (11:16:53 AM): Then the pod people will come and eat everyone in the crowd.
Money CJ (11:17:29 AM): HAHAHAHA
pressdog (11:17:30 AM): Last issue: Who is on the bubble this year re: losing his or her ride. Besides Danica.
MyNameIsIRL (11:17:48 AM): Danica - riiiiiight
Money CJ (11:17:56 AM): Well, Kosuke....of course.
Money CJ (11:18:02 AM): (sadly)
Money CJ (11:18:29 AM): Milka is gone (and hopefully CITGO).
MyNameIsIRL (11:18:33 AM): Unless he does something freaky like winning, Kosuke is gone daddy gone at the end of the year.
Money CJ (11:18:39 AM): And p-dog, I hate to say it, but...
MyNameIsIRL (11:18:50 AM): uh-oh
pressdog (11:18:56 AM): I know what's coming ...
Money CJ (11:18:56 AM): Not sure your girl Sarah is going to be do-able in '08 for D&R.
Money CJ (11:19:21 AM): Hey, I am just as disappointed as you are in that.
Money CJ (11:19:26 AM): I love her madly.
Money CJ (11:19:36 AM): It's just....not.
pressdog (11:19:38 AM): Yeah, I hear ya. I can understand that. She should, ah, at least finish on the lead lap at some point. Maybe she can get out of that team and into another.
Money CJ (11:19:57 AM): You mean a team that 'really wants to win?'
pressdog (11:20:03 AM): She's never run on any other team, so it's hard to say.
MyNameIsIRL (11:20:10 AM): *banging head against desk*
pressdog (11:20:10 AM): Or a team with more than $52, total.
MyNameIsIRL (11:20:37 AM): Dude, she has an A-A-honk-honk-M-C-O sponsorship.
MyNameIsIRL (11:20:46 AM): It isn't a problem of cash.
pressdog (11:20:48 AM): She might want to shop that around a little.
Money CJ (11:20:54 AM): Sure!
pressdog (11:21:08 AM): You know how much the AAMCO sponsorship is worth? I sure don't.
MyNameIsIRL (11:21:28 AM): Either her engineers aren't as good as everyone else's, or she isn't as good at determining what needs to be done to get the car up to speed
Money CJ (11:21:31 AM): I would imagine they are getting a lot of bang for a relatively small buck
MyNameIsIRL (11:21:44 AM): She's a good driver, but the car just isn't fast
pressdog (11:21:55 AM): Or it could be her engineer is a ya-ya.
MyNameIsIRL (11:22:00 AM): She's a VERY good driver, but the car is DEADFULLY slower.
pressdog (11:22:23 AM): It also could be that her pit crew specializes in 15-second stops.
MyNameIsIRL (11:22:30 AM): OK, not like Milka-slow, but slower.
pressdog (11:23:14 AM): We'll see. I have a feeling something nutty will happen on the Sarah front in the off season. I just hope that doesn't mean she's done.
MyNameIsIRL (11:23:35 AM): Here's a question: Anyone think Quattro is gone in '08?
pressdog (11:23:54 AM): Hmmm. Good question. I'd put him in the iffy camp.
MyNameIsIRL (11:23:58 AM): He hasn't been much better that Sarah or Kosuke
MyNameIsIRL (11:24:49 AM): Here's another question: anyone think Manning leaves Foyt and goes to a better team?
pressdog (11:25:06 AM): Like where? Vision?
MyNameIsIRL (11:25:11 AM): Danger Mouse is ON FIRE.
pressdog (11:25:13 AM): DRR? That's not a better team.
MyNameIsIRL (11:25:22 AM): I don't know - wherever he gets the best car or the most cash.
pressdog (11:25:34 AM): I'm sure a guy is always willing to move up.
MyNameIsIRL (11:25:39 AM): Let's say Dario jumps from AGR?
MyNameIsIRL (11:26:00 AM): How about if Chip gets a third car?
pressdog (11:26:03 AM): Imagine the hockey scrum for the seat that Dario leaving would set off, or Hornish going fenders on us.
MyNameIsIRL (11:26:09 AM): Might be some bitterness there, though.
pressdog (11:26:40 AM): White flag coming out. Anything else?
pressdog (11:26:49 AM): Money?
MyNameIsIRL (11:26:56 AM): Money may have passed out.
MyNameIsIRL (11:27:00 AM): Drinking really early today.
pressdog (11:27:21 AM): Probably signing more autographs.
Money CJ (11:27:26 AM): Ha!
Money CJ (11:27:38 AM): Hey, I agree re Danger Mouse, BTW.
pressdog (11:27:38 AM): Last thoughts on who may stay or go, Money?
pressdog (11:27:58 AM): Turn 4. Checkers are out.
Money CJ (11:28:00 AM): Nah, I've said my peace
Money CJ (11:28:06 AM): Rawk on boys.
MyNameIsIRL (11:28:31 AM): Thank you all for your patronage. Buy a Pressdog shirt today.
MyNameIsIRL (11:28:41 AM): I'm wearing one RIGHT NOW.
pressdog (11:28:41 AM): Seriously.
MyNameIsIRL (11:28:47 AM): Seriously, I am.
pressdog (11:28:53 AM): I'll be glad to sign them for you.
MyNameIsIRL (11:28:55 AM): Out.
pressdog (11:28:59 AM): See ya on the other side.
pressdog (11:29:02 AM): GO SARAH!
Money CJ (11:29:20 AM) has left the room.
I have a rookie question: where did you get tix for Chicagoland? Ebay?
Stupid Chicagoland Speedway Web site seems to only sell season passes including all their events. No thanks.
Posted by: Chris in Chicago | July 30, 2007 at 04:56 PM
Yeah, Chicagoland is a season-ticket-only track. I scored mine on ebay. Usually get them for around $25-ish a piece (about half face value), of not less. You might want to click on my stub hub banner (lower left side of my site) and try them. If you use my banner and buy, I'll get a piece of the action. I highly recommend the Chicagoland track. Very fan friendly. Not a bad seat in the house.
Posted by: pressdog | July 30, 2007 at 05:06 PM
"Me So Hornish"=pressdog's money line of the year so far. Unreal.
Posted by: Johnny | July 31, 2007 at 08:46 AM
did the Dawg honestly just say "click on my stub hub?" :o
Posted by: Dale Nixon | July 31, 2007 at 02:56 PM