It was great to see Helio Castroneves win at Indianapolis, but I was disappointed in the race that saw few meaningful passes. What I was most disappointed in, however, was seeing Indy Racing League officials attempt to prevent Castroneves from climbing from his car to traverse the fence. Especially with a series that is fighting to grow and find an audience, all sincere forms of emotional expression should be encouraged - not discouraged. It was equally sad to see the same officials dragging Helio forcibly from the embrace of his parents and sister to Victory Lane. People like emotion. People want emotion. Here is a significant win for the most popular driver in Indycar racing - and the celebration should have reflected the extreme emotion of the moment - not prevented because of the television time-buy or the sponsored tradition of the drinking of the milk. The milk can wait: let the winner, his team and his family enjoy the win.
What does it say about the relative strength of the two series when two Target-sponsored cars are leading the biggest single race of the year, only to cut to a commercial including Target's NASCAR-sponsored racecar?... Paul Tracy provided the most cubic inches of bravery (or sheer craziness) to make most of the scary, incredible passes of the race day.
How I Spent My Holiday Weekend: Yes, the blisters are healing quite fine, thank you. The 24 Hours of Victory Lane. The 600 only seemed like it lasted 24 hours, while others really did race twice around the clock.
