Indianapolis Star writer Bob Kravitz take on opening day. Race fans might might be interested.
http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060508/COLUMNISTS01/605080357
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Month of May off to slow start during track's opening day
Opening thoughts on opening day at Indianapolis Motor Speedway: I know The Star is a sponsor of opening day at the track, and I've always believed you don't bite the hand that feeds you or at least pats you on the head, but . . . Sunday was a complete dud.
Where would you rather be on a glorious late-spring day? Sitting on the deck with a beer in hand and a barbecue nearby, or hanging out at the Speedway, watching six cars -- six -- going around the track? For a minute there, I thought I was attending last year's U.S. Grand Prix.
Yeah, it was kind of cool, watching three generations of Andrettis (Marco, Michael and Mario) roll around the track. I was also happy to see that this ride was a lot less exciting than Mario's last trip around the oval, which ended with a hellish crash that sent him airborne like a 747. "At least this time, I brought it home in one piece,'' Mario said. But it wasn't much bang for the buck.
In the future, why not schedule rookie orientation and refresher tests for Friday and make opening day like this Tuesday, when the track will be buzzing with all the competitors, including a certain Hostess Race Diva whose name currently escapes me? OK, now I remember. Danica Patrick. Yes, I have Danicamania, and I don't care who knows it. Although, seeing the advertisement featuring her as a Hostess Race Diva, I don't see her as the kind of person who makes a habit of stuffing herself with Twinkies or Cupcakes. Ho-Ho's may be a different story. Now, if she wins a race this year, will she make the jump from Hostess Race Diva to Hostess Race Vixen? Next guy, or woman, who wins the Indianapolis 500 has to do something more interesting than climbing the fence. Unless it's Helio Castroneves.
There should be a lot of compelling stories this month of May -- the Andrettis, the return of Al Unser Jr., Danica-mania, etc. -- but there won't be a great story unless the Indy Racing League and Champ Car World Series people get together and announce a reunification. There have been rumors in recent months, and some whispers that maybe this month, both sides will announce they are prepared to save the sport from themselves. But I'll believe it when I see IRL boss Tony George and Champ Car chief Kevin Kalkhoven in a deep embrace.
There's going to be a ton of pressure on young Marco Andretti this month, and not just because he happens to bear a famous last name. There are a lot of people in the sport who wonder if he hasn't been rushed along so that he might get a chance to race against his father, Michael, who is returning for this race. He does have experience, having raced Indy Pro Series cars here and having competed in all three IRL races this season.
Bob Kravitz is a columnist for The Indianapolis Star. Call him at (317) 444-6643 or e-mail bob.kravitz@indystar.com.
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