Part three this week, K to O. Jason and Adrian share some great memories of people behind this year, and next, and a little in race action.
K - Katherine Legge & Grace Autosport
Announced during the lead up to the Indy 500, a new team will take to the field for the 100th running of the Indy 500, Grace Autosport. A team made up entirely of females, from the racer, Katherine Legge, Owner, Beth Paretta, all the mechanics and staff.
L - Love, Love is All You Need
They say that behind every good man is a great NHRA drag racer... or something like that. At least that's the case of Graham Rahal who tied the knot with girlfriend Courtney Force this season, a season in which hands down, Rahal drove better than he has ever done in his career. Whether motivated by a desire to impress his new bride or by a desire not to be labelled as the slowest driver in the relationship, the son of 'stache came within shouting distance of becoming Indycar champion. Clearly love has done young Rahal good.
M - is for 'MERICA
"More American drivers doing better. That's what the series needs." is what people, mostly Robin Miller, have been saying for years now. Well, at Iowa this year, the dreams of a Nation were realised when not only did an American go to victory circle but also took spots 2, 3 and 4. The significance of this moment can't really be stated enough as fans and journalists alike were all talking about the stellar performance of the homegrown drivers and rightly so. For a series built on American drivers racing on American ovals, seeing the young Yanks take, not just the top 4 positions but 6 of the top 7, at a race in America's heartland warmed the cockles of the hearts even if you're not American.
N - Next Generation
Given the close competitive racing in the Indy lights this season the future looks bright for Indycar with some drivers coming to the twilight of their years behind an Indycar. In Indy Lights, we saw a new car with a rookie champion, Spencer Pigot (USA). In Pro Mazda, Santiago Urrutia (Uruguay) and in USF2000 Nico Jamin (France). All three drivers will be moving up the ladder, with Pigot landing at least a three race deal including the 100th Indy 500.
O - On-Boards
Not only does the racing kick some serious butt on the track, but the spectacle can amaze off it too. How Marshall Pruett manages to cut so much action down into 15 minutes is beyond me. Take Fontana from this year, (above), over 3,000 on track passes, tight, fast racing, few swear words, but as this video will demonstrate, the drivers have balls...
Iowa is well worth checking out too, mainly for Karam and Carpenter having a few moments of... gesticulation
Iowa is well worth checking out too, mainly for Karam and Carpenter having a few moments of... gesticulation