The Month of May

Discussion in 'Sports' started by The Dooz, May 12, 2012.

  1. The Dooz

    The Dooz Super Moderator

    Practice starts today.

    Oh how I love this month. Here's a few reasons why:

    1. 11 rows of 3
    2. Carb Day
    3. Jim Neighbors and "Back Home Again in Indiana"
    4. the campgrounds
    5. a Marlboro/Penske car in Victory Lane
    6. the swig of milk
    7. the Borg Warner trophy
    8. the fly over
    9. rainouts on Pole Day
    10. Bump Day
    11. the Speedway Museum during the rainouts
    12. Night Before the 500 at Indianapolis Raceway Park
    13. the Hoosier Hundred
    14. 'And heessssssssssss on it'
    15. 70 mph in the opposite lane behind a police escort

    Who do you like this year? Lots of compelling stories heading into this year's 500.
     
  2. JayVols

    JayVols Walleye Catchin' Moderator

    Read where Jim Neighbors wasn't going to be in attendance this year, but all will be glad to know, it's not because the is dead.

    I read that he is debunking rumors of his death. Goober Pyle, George Lindsey, passed away this week. Apparently, many folks are mistaking Gomer Pyle with Goober Pyle. Andy Griffith noobs piss me off.

    Dooz, serious question- not a diss. What aspect of Indy Car racing draws you to it? I realize they are flat out flying and appreciate the skill involved in driving at those speeds. Being a history guy, I also appreciate the longevity of the Indy 500. I have tried and tried to get into open wheel racing to no avail. I don't really know why, but it just doesn't appeal to me. Help me out. I want to be a fan.

    Also, a tech question: I know it's tradition to have Carburetion Day, but do the Indy Car engines still use carburetors or are they fuel injected? Fuel Injection Day just doesn't have the same penache.
     
  3. rbroyles

    rbroyles Chieftain

    Indy Cars haven't had carbs for decades. Been fuel injected with many years also having turbochargers.
     
  4. The Dooz

    The Dooz Super Moderator

    They have not used carbs since, I think, the 60s. This year they are turbo charged for the first time in many years.

    For me, I've been going to IMS since before I was old enough to remember. My family has been a part of the Speedway since 1912. It's what we do. I've always grown up with open wheel racing, so it's hard to say what makes me a fan.

    Do you watch F1? I don't know how you can like racing and not like F1. The technology and the driving is incredible. And the scenery in and around the tracks in amazing, especially in Europe. I could watch an entire race from the chopper camera.

    I would go to a race. Oval or road course would be best to start with but I say that because I don't really care for street racing. I hear though street races are quite the party. Birmingham is a neat track and it's close. Or, watch last year's race at Kentucky. That was a great race.

    I would probably pick a driver and team too. I've always been a Penske fan so I like Will Power. But I would go with Sarah Fisher Racining and Josef Newgarden too. I'm a huge fan of hers, and Josef is from Nashville. She's also got Brian Clauson for her second car in the 500.
     
  5. rbroyles

    rbroyles Chieftain

    The last time a car started the race with carburetion as a means of fuel intake was in 1963.

    I don't like street races either, although Long Beach was tolerable.
     
  6. JayVols

    JayVols Walleye Catchin' Moderator

    Thanks. I understand your passion now. I have family traditions that are deeply ingrained as well. I used to follow Al Unser, Jr at bit,but I had no idea what was going on. I haven't watched F1. I will give it a try. I guess part of my issue is that I am really a fan of oval racing. For some reason, road racing never really appealed to me. I realize that there is much more skill involved when you have to turn in both direction. Don't know why it never caught on with me. On the technology issue, I realize the amazing things that tech is able to do. Even though I appreciate the performance, the old style of the drivers turning the wrenches on the motors appeals to me. I think even NASCAR has gotten too high tech. I'm a history guy, so maybe it's just me. I'm an old soul that was born too late. I guess being raised on the local asphalt/dirt tracks, I think of racing as a certain type. I guess that would make me a redneck amongst the greater racing world. I'm ok with that, though as it's what my family did on Saturday nights in the summer. I am trying to gain a measure of sophistication.

    Once again, thanks for the info. I will give your suggestions a try. It may turn out as the Clampetts going to Beverly Hills, but I'll give it a shot. Enjoy the 500 and being with your family. I'll look for you on TV.....
     
  7. The Dooz

    The Dooz Super Moderator

    Lots of compelling stories this year too.

    1. Chevy an Honda fighting over turbo limits.
    2. Sarah Fisher and her two rookies who appear to be quick.
    3. Penske is 4 for 4 in wins.
    4. Can Dario find last years form?
    5. Reubens Barihello and Jean Alesi both attempting to qualify for the first time.
    6. Can Lotus get anything on the track that isn't a total sled.
     
  8. rbroyles

    rbroyles Chieftain

    1. Chevy an Honda fighting over turbo limits. - Hope this doesn't become too big a distarction.
    2. Sarah Fisher and her two rookies who appear to be quick. - I too am a big fan and always pulled for her, and now her drivers. I watched her race midgets at IRL.
    3. Penske is 4 for 4 in wins. As much as I respect "The Captain", I really don't pull for his cars. I love to see an underdog win.
    4. Can Dario find last years form? - Don't see why not, unless he is just not hungry anymore. And if Weldon's death hasn't caused him to not take it to the edge.
    5. Reubens Barihello and Jean Alesi both attempting to qualify for the first time. - I've been a fan of Reubens since his stint at Ferrari, and expect him to do ok, I think Alesi should make it too.
    6. Can Lotus get anything on the track that isn't a total sled. - Doesn't look too good, been a long time since Jimmy Clark and Graham Hill.
     
  9. The Dooz

    The Dooz Super Moderator

    Field is set. Sunday is going to be a fun race.

    1. Can Helio win his 4th?
    2. Newgarden was the fastest Honda by far.
    3. What happened to Ganassi?
    4. Bryan Clauson is an awesome story. A real throwback.
    5. I could run faster than the Lotus cars.
    6. Not the most competitive field top to bottom, but there's lots of cars at the top.

    I'll take James Hinchcliffe.
     
  10. rbroyles

    rbroyles Chieftain

    I certainly wouldn't count Helio out, he knows to finish first, you must first finish. I am going with Will Power.
     
  11. The Dooz

    The Dooz Super Moderator

    Very excited for Carb Day. First time back for the festivities in a couple of years.
     
  12. 615 Vol

    615 Vol Chieftain

    I don't have a driver in Indy Car, think I'll pull for Josef since we're both from Hendersonville. Dollar General is a good fit since their headquarters are next door in Goodlettsville.
     
  13. The Dooz

    The Dooz Super Moderator

    And his boss has a prior relationship with Dollar General. Plus he's a good kid and he's got unlimited talent. If he somehow does the unthinkable on Sunday, the Speedway will explode.
     
  14. rbroyles

    rbroyles Chieftain

    I really wanted TK to win today, he made his move too soon perhaps. Sato had a great chance to win as he was in the best position to do so, but needed to wait till the straight where a pass would be less risky. Have to give it to him though, he sure had the balls to try it twice.
     
  15. utvol0427

    utvol0427 Chieftain

    Great race. My first time going and I anticipate making this an annual trip.
     
  16. rbroyles

    rbroyles Chieftain

    Pics? You too Dooz.
     
  17. utvol0427

    utvol0427 Chieftain

    My camera crapped out shortly before the race, but I got a few. I'll post them later.
     
  18. The Dooz

    The Dooz Super Moderator

    I didn't take that many this year but I'll get around to throwing a few up here.
     

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