Motoring Madness and Mayhem

Daytona:  I watched the 400 after-the-fact via Tivo, and even though I knew the outcome, I must admit to sitting transfixed with jaw clenched and muscles tensed while watching. There is no question the bumpy surface combined with rough, ragged and aggressive driving created a final 25 laps which were fraught with peril and danger at every moment. Unreal, nail-biting stuff to be sure, and enhanced by Kyle Petty and Wally Dallenbach in the booth. Those two are really starting to gel as the TNT segment of the calendar ends Saturday night. 

Will anyone call-out Goodyear for the too-frequent blowouts week after week? As a spec tire maker for the series, there is no excuse.

Silverstone:  Lewis Hamilton won his home race by demolishing the field for victory in the British Grand Prix. The series now has a three-way tie for the lead in world title points at the halfway stage - with fourth place only two points behind. As much mayhem which took place at Daytona, there was an equal amount in the pouring rain at Silverstone in the Formula One race. Without traction control, watching these drivers race in the rain is seeing spectacular virtuosity. The weather conditions mean a dizzying array of team strategies as they can choose dry, intermediate of full wet tires. The virtuosity went away mid-race as torrential downpours created a unending array of off-track excursions and spins. The Speed-TV announcing staff - Bob Varsha, Steve Matchett, David Hobbs (announcing from a studio here in the States) with Peter Windsor on site - remains unmatched among motorsports commentators for smarts, humor and sheer entertainment as they tried to make sense of the constantly changing standings and weather conditions.

If you missed it, Bernie Eccelstone announced the British Grand Prix will move to Donnington Park, a shabby lil' circuit, in 2010, leaving Silverstone without a spot on the calendar. A NASCAR equivalent would be taking a race away from a historic track like Darlington (Silverstone hosted the very first modern Grand Prix race in 1948 - the same year they also held the first road race at Watkins Glen, NY.) and moving it to the tattered remains of North Wilkesboro. Like Lowe's Motor Speedway here in Charlotte, Silverstone is surrounded by many of the top teams within a short distance. While Silverstone is not the most modern or fancy facility, it has a marvelous track which produces exciting racing. Built as a WW2 RAF air base, it features a wide array of road courses as well as a fun indoor karting center and an off-road rally course. Oh, and by the way, it sells out every year.

Watkins Glen:  Congratulations to Ryan Hunter-Reay, a good kid who drove a smooth, error-free race for his third (first IRL) major open-wheel race victory to wear the garlands at the Glen. It seemed more cars crashed, spun or made major errors during the yellow flags than at full speed. But, the full field with the two series together makes for much more entertaining racing,

How funny was it to see Helio Castroneves running to the fence to borrow tools from some fans to try to repair a broken throttle cable during qualifying? Almost a reverse scenario from the drunken fan lumbering to Matt Kenseth's car during a red flag at the Glen.

Fun TV: If you're a car buff or just enjoy fun comedic TV, the new season of TOP GEAR begins next week on BBC America. Three funny co-hosts and vehicles from exotic 200-mph supercars to vintage junkers... I recommend you check it out. As the Brits say, it's bloody brilliant. Here's one segment: motorhome racing! Coming soon to a track near you. (Thanks to Kelley for the link.)