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914World.com _ 914World Garage _ Indy 500
Posted by: sjhowitson May 24 2005, 01:59 PM
So who is going to sit and watch the Indy 500 parade? It's a big deal in our family. My parents are from there. We eat, drink and are merry. The longer the race takes the better in my view. 
Posted by: ArtechnikA May 24 2005, 02:10 PM
i used to watch with some interest, but when Indy Race Lite came in with the stock-block NA cars it turned into a real yawner. a couple of years ago i swear they couldn't run 5 green-flag laps all day.
i'll probably start, but when the motors start breaking i'll check out...
Posted by: lapuwali May 24 2005, 02:13 PM
May end up being historic. Danica Patrick has 4th on the grid, the highest placed woman ever. She was turning pole winning times, and is very much a contender to win it. Watching the first woman win a major motor race would be quite something.
Posted by: sjhowitson May 24 2005, 02:30 PM
If history shows us anything. Ms Patrick will find mis- fortune.
Posted by: SGB May 24 2005, 03:24 PM
My interest in cars in general and racing in particular stem from my father taking me to Indy in the 70's on three diffent M-day weekends... In the Mario and Al Sr./ Parnelli Jones and Gordon Johncock days. Man, what memories! 
I kinda lost interest when IRL came along, but they have some great talent and clever engineering again, now that the CART/ IRL feud has expired.
I have realized that Indy isn't just a race, it truely is a "spectacle" (when I saw Pink Floyd- I realized it wasn't just music), and should be enjoyed for the whole thing- like LeMans- now there's a PARTY!- with cars, too.
I've seen Indy Cars, F-1, LeMans, and NASCAR. Guess I gotta see a ralley someday.... 
Posted by: tracks914 May 24 2005, 04:05 PM
I haven't watched in 10 years, ever since the Idiot Racing League was founded. 
But I still watch Champ Cars.
Posted by: lapuwali May 24 2005, 04:16 PM
| QUOTE (SGB @ May 24 2005, 01:24 PM) |
| now that the CART/ IRL feud has expired. |
Has it? Near as I can tell, it's still seething. IRL is going road-racing, but CART (I refuse to call it "Champ Car") just won the rights to keep racing at Long Beach. They're still both doing damage to open-wheel racing in the US. Honestly, I've given up on both. Ovals have never done a thing for me, and CART spends far too much time and energy on crappy street circuits. Neither one is doing a good job with a TV package.
Posted by: Lou W May 24 2005, 04:29 PM
I liked it much better back when Rick Mears, Gordon Johncock, Mario, and Al Sr., etc. were racing. I'll still watch it, but it's not quite the same. 
Indy 500 racing was so cool. Maybe the lack of personality has something to do with it, it's just not real exciting anymore, and thats a shame, the race kinda reminds me more of an IROC race, it was pretty cool when they use to have all those different type engines, body styles, etc.. I hope they can turn it around. I'll probably hear it from some people, but I think NASCAR and the Craftsman Truck series has alot more going for it. I agree with SGB, I think the Ralley racing is a blast to watch. 
Posted by: larryp May 24 2005, 04:52 PM
Indy? Indianapolis?
Oh yeah, they run a Formula 1 race there, right?
Posted by: carreraguy May 24 2005, 05:30 PM
I'm a CART fan thru and thru (they're coming to San Jose in July) but will watch Indy just to see how Danica does. She was on Letterman's show last night (Paul Newman was also) and she came off as somewhat of a cocky smartass, but that may be what it takes to get where she is today!
Posted by: Doug Leggins May 25 2005, 10:08 PM
I'll be at the race sitting high in the stands at the entrance to turn 1. Pretty good seats! My father-in-law has had these seats for years. He's a big time Indy fan! He has attended 50+ Indy 500's maybe even 60. The guy deserves some sort of fan appreciation award.
The race has lost a bit of its appeal, but it is still a great time!
Posted by: nebreitling May 25 2005, 10:35 PM
| QUOTE (lapuwali @ May 24 2005, 12:13 PM) |
| Danica Patrick... |
she's kinda hot.
Posted by: Aaron Cox May 25 2005, 10:45 PM
| QUOTE (nebreitling @ May 25 2005, 09:35 PM) | ||
she's kinda hot. |
for a redneck.....
JK.
ever seen her on tv.....wierd accent/posture/habits
Posted by: nebreitling May 25 2005, 10:50 PM
| QUOTE |
| for a redneck |
can't deny it...
but c'mon...
Attached image(s)
Posted by: Aaron Cox May 25 2005, 10:51 PM
| QUOTE (nebreitling @ May 25 2005, 09:50 PM) | ||
can't deny it... but c'mon... |
is there a hidden message?
dont forget your rubber
Posted by: Porsche Doc May 25 2005, 11:34 PM
I will let you guys know.
I will be there for the first time. Pit strait seats.
I like to see her win, and be part of history.
I also got to go to the Bristol NASCAR race this year for the first time to and sit in a sky box over looking turn three.
That place is electricfing!
I think Indy will be too.
Diversity in racing!
Posted by: MJHanna May 26 2005, 05:42 AM
Well lets see F1 race in the morning, Damn going to miss them both, Running the car on the track Sat and Sunday. Hopefully No rain 
Posted by: Mrs. K May 26 2005, 06:59 AM
| QUOTE (tracks914 @ May 24 2005, 03:05 PM) |
| I haven't watched in 10 years, ever since the Idiot Racing League was founded. :finger: But I still watch Champ Cars. :trophy: |
IRL sucks...CHAMP cars rock! But I still find myself watching Indy....kind of a tradition!
Lisa
Posted by: maf914 May 26 2005, 07:39 AM
I plan to watch the Indy 500. I will fire up the smoker/grill in the morning, during the European F1 Grand Prix and slow cook a few different cuts of meat through the afternoon. I think I'll do a pork butt, a beef brisket, and a chicken. I've collected a couple of barbeque recipes that I want to try and a day of race watching will be good for this.
I look forward to the Indy 500 even if it has lost the excitement of the CART days. The entire CART/IRL fiasco is a downer. Tony George versus the CART owners. What a bunch of egos. Now its Tony and his former-CART boys, who just can't say no to Honda and Toyota dollars. What a joke. Robin Miller always sums it up right in his editorials.
Posted by: ! May 26 2005, 07:55 AM
| QUOTE (sjhowitson @ May 24 2005, 12:30 PM) |
| If history shows us anything. Ms Patrick will find mis- fortune. |
Ahhh...not a gud omen....Patrick, the name of my fvaorite vendor, my asshole brother and a female driver.....losers, all.....
Posted by: AZ914 May 26 2005, 08:37 AM
I was an IndyCar (read old-CART) fanatic.. the IRL thing blew it for me.. I haven't paid much attention over the past few years to either circuit.
BUT.. once the good CART drivers made it over to Indy (and took most of the podiums), I got more interested.
If its a good race, it will be fun to watch..
And Danica is 
hot...
Posted by: tracks914 May 26 2005, 02:53 PM
How can you not like this for a race car driver. I just wish she were in CART. Because of this I might this year.
Attached thumbnail(s)
Posted by: tracks914 May 26 2005, 02:59 PM
Here is a link to some more good pics of her. 2 sites I saw last week have already been shut down so look here before it goes too!http://www.indymotorspeedway.com/danica.htm
Posted by: messix May 26 2005, 03:01 PM
| QUOTE (lapuwali @ May 24 2005, 12:13 PM) |
| May end up being historic. Danica Patrick has 4th on the grid, the highest placed woman ever. She was turning pole winning times, and is very much a contender to win it. Watching the first woman win a major motor race would be quite something. |
hey what about shirley muldowny[spl?] that french woman in ralley from the eighties, angel savuoi, ashley force, many women have won some very big races and chapionships.
maybe just not the [very liberal credit given to the current era] indy 500
Posted by: ! May 26 2005, 03:01 PM
Amazing what a little makeup will do...
Posted by: Lou W May 26 2005, 03:03 PM
Ms Pattrick kinda reminds me of:
Attached image(s)
Posted by: GWN7 May 26 2005, 03:04 PM
I have a friend who will be there. Last year she and her son got to watch the race from the owners box. Next year she might be driving the pace car for the first lap.
Posted by: ! May 26 2005, 03:13 PM
| QUOTE (Lou W @ May 26 2005, 01:03 PM) |
| Ms Pattrick kinda reminds me of: |
Elvira in real life is/was a peaches and cream redhead with itty bitty titties....
Posted by: SLITS May 26 2005, 03:25 PM
IRL = 
Posted by: ArtechnikA May 26 2005, 03:40 PM
| QUOTE ("Z" @ May 26 2005, 05:13 PM) |
| Elvira in real life is/was a peaches and cream redhead with itty bitty titties.... |
IMO, itty-bitty they ain't, although she does get a lot of mileage out of a wonderbra...
http://members.fortunecity.com/noops094/fcnoops_elvira_cassandra_peterson01.html (probably not work-safe where you work ...)
Posted by: ! May 26 2005, 04:04 PM
Oh well....hmmm, she's definitely a red....head...
Posted by: redshift May 26 2005, 04:08 PM
fluff... yuck..
m
Posted by: lapuwali May 26 2005, 04:11 PM
| QUOTE (messix @ May 26 2005, 01:01 PM) | ||
hey what about shirley muldowny[spl?] that french woman in ralley from the eighties, angel savuoi, ashley force, many women have won some very big races and chapionships. maybe just not the [very liberal credit given to the current era] indy 500 |
Well, OK. I wasn't really counting drag racing. You have to admit, it doesn't have anything like the worldwide credibility of the Indy 500, however. Michelle Mouton was the woman rally driver, and she slipped my mind. 4 wins and 229 career points in the top leve of rallying (it wasn't called WRC then) in the early 1980s.
Posted by: andys May 26 2005, 04:49 PM
The Dannica 500?
Sad that they have to put so much emphasis on her to SELL the 500. She is part victim to the media hype, though she is a party to it all. I'll root for her simply because it freshen's-up the 500, and she has legitimate talent....It's only the media over-expectation that bugs me. For ANY rookie to run this well is a huge accomplishement. If she runs the whole race and finishes, she deserves kudo's. Her effort however, shouldn't overshadow anyone elses effort (though it probably will, the media will see to it!). She has great poise on camera (from other hosting gig's), so little wonder she's a media darling.
Andy
Posted by: lapuwali May 26 2005, 05:09 PM
| QUOTE (andys @ May 26 2005, 02:49 PM) |
| The Dannica 500? Sad that they have to put so much emphasis on her to SELL the 500. She is part victim to the media hype, though she is a party to it all. I'll root for her simply because it freshen's-up the 500, and she has legitimate talent....It's only the media over-expectation that bugs me. For ANY rookie to run this well is a huge accomplishement. If she runs the whole race and finishes, she deserves kudo's. Her effort however, shouldn't overshadow anyone elses effort (though it probably will, the media will see to it!). She has great poise on camera (from other hosting gig's), so little wonder she's a media darling. Andy |
Hey, the sport thrives on stars. If she was a male rookie and qualified that well, they pay (nearly) as much attention. These days, if you can't take the media spotlight, it's very hard to operate at the pinnacle of the sport. Lots of teams look specifically for people who are media friendly. Ability to drive the car isn't enough, anymore.
There was quite a kerfuffle when Sarah Fisher entered, and she basically seemed to flame out.
Posted by: grantsfo May 27 2005, 06:22 PM
I think she is looking pretty good on camera. And didnt she get a 4th place start position? Its still the Indy 500 isnt it? She and her team are doing pretty damn well regardless of the fact she is a woman and plays well to the media.
Posted by: ! May 27 2005, 06:34 PM
Wouldn't kicker outta bed fer eatin' crackers... 
Posted by: Mrs. K May 27 2005, 06:39 PM
What about A-aron or Slits???
Would ya kick them out of bed for eatin crackers? 
Posted by: Thorshammer May 27 2005, 10:40 PM
Look,
I know this POA is fine, I'd bang her. BUT SHE CAN DRIVE!
If you saw her qualify, you know what I mean, she almost loses the rear end in turn 2 and gathers it back up and stays on her run. If she does not have that one little problem, she's on the pole. But what everyone has to remember is it is a downforce car, which loses downforce when it starts going sideways. Not to mention its going 217-220 MPH. Most drivers lose it there and never recover. Thats not luck, it's skill and you either have it or you don't. Now I am not refering to myself as a race driver in any way shape or form, however, when you drive a racecar really fast you realize how difficult it is to do what she did. I normally don't think much of female drivers.(theres a reason) but this POA can drive and that's that.
Erik Madsen
Posted by: Mrs. K May 27 2005, 11:03 PM
| QUOTE (Thorshammer @ May 27 2005, 09:40 PM) |
| I normally don't think much of female drivers.(theres a reason) |
"E-ricky...you got some splainin' ta do!"I agree she is a talented driver, no question, but I am just curious about this comment about why you don't think much of female drivers.
Lisa
Posted by: tracks914 May 28 2005, 04:25 PM
Also remember she only weighs 100lbs. That's a big advantage.
But she can still drive!!!!!!!!!!!1
Posted by: aircooledboy May 28 2005, 05:46 PM
Danica, or "Dani" as I call her, grew up 10 miles from here, so if you guys don't stop talking bad about her, I'll have no choice but to come to each of your houses and give you a SERIOUS noogie. 
Just to be clear, I've never met Dani, but her lawyer told me she is very much aware of me. 
Or at least that was what I gathered from what he told the judge when he was getting her an Order of Protection against me. 
I still think she loves me though. 
Posted by: Mrs. K May 28 2005, 08:50 PM
| QUOTE (tracks914 @ May 28 2005, 03:25 PM) |
| Also remember she only weighs 100lbs. That's a big advantage. But she can still drive!!!!!!!!!!!1 |
Unfair advantage my 
!http://aolsvc.news.aol.com/sports/article.adp?id=20050528191509990005&ncid=NWS00010000000001
Robby Gordon is a cry baby! Just doesn't want to get beaten by
a girl!!!!
Lisa
Posted by: xitspd May 28 2005, 08:57 PM
| QUOTE (Mrs. K @ May 28 2005, 06:50 PM) | ||
Unfair advantage my !http://aolsvc.news.aol.com/sports/article.adp?id=20050528191509990005&ncid=NWS00010000000001 Robby Gordon is a cry baby! Just doesn't want to get beaten by a girl!!!! Lisa |
Let the games begin!
Posted by: Lou W May 29 2005, 12:27 AM
Robby Gordon has always been a crybaby
Posted by: Joe Ricard May 29 2005, 06:28 AM
I'll watch it for Danika. Boobs are the only reason I watch TV.
T. V. You know Teener Vision. oh wait that's what's going on in my head all day. If I'm not working on my 914 I dreaming about it. 
Posted by: grantsfo May 29 2005, 08:27 AM
| QUOTE (Mrs. K @ May 28 2005, 06:50 PM) | ||
Unfair advantage my !http://aolsvc.news.aol.com/sports/article.adp?id=20050528191509990005&ncid=NWS00010000000001 Robby Gordon is a cry baby! Just doesn't want to get beaten by a girl!!!! Lisa |
As a big 6'4" 260 lb dude I can see how a 100 lb driver would have an advantage over me in something like a formula V even a faster formula Mazda ...but 200 lb Robby Gordon in a high HP car complaining? Why hasnt he complained about lighter male drivers in the past? ...maybe he has? He just needs to face the facts that big guys just have to drive faster and smarter
I wonder who the heaviest driver in the field is this year? And who the lightest male driver is competing. I bet the spread is close to 75 lbs. Also makes me wonder if any heavy guys have won Indy?
Great story! Adds a little spice to a very boring race.
Posted by: ArtechnikA May 29 2005, 08:39 AM
| QUOTE (grantsfo @ May 29 2005, 10:27 AM) |
| As a big 6'4" 260 lb dude I can see how a 100 lb driver would have an advantage over me in something like a formula V even a faster formula Mazda... ...Also makes me wonder if any heavy guys have won Indy? |
last point first, not for nothing is there a bumper sticker that reminisces about the time "when drivers were fat and tires wre skinny" ...
i think all the top drivers are heavier then they look, sine they're in pretty good physical condition (muscle denser than fat...).
but - 500 mi is a long race, and it's hot in there. even the big guys lose 5-10 lbs water weight over the course of the event. 100 lbs body mass is a big plus at an AX but it could have an adverse effect on endurance performance once dehydration and fatigue set in. i think she'll be pretty well wrung out at the end of the race.
and history has shown that any car that makes the field has a legitimate shot at winning if things go your way.
4th on the grid - i.e. - right behind the polesitter - is not a bad place to be gridded, but more races are lost than won in the first corner of a 500 mi event...
Posted by: Verruckt May 29 2005, 11:35 AM
Is it just me, or does she seem to have some trouble "on green"??? She dropped to 7th off the start, then from a high of 3rd, she instantly dropped another position. She made some good passes gaining ground from the start, in spite of getting shut down 
Interesting so far.
Posted by: rhodyguy May 29 2005, 12:11 PM
i'm waiting for mile 495 to pass. why the media fuss over danica? demographics. that 18-35 y.o. male fan is the draw that needs to come to the race coverage. she's doing well at this point. the woman can drive. derick cope has twin nieces that are starting to move up the nascar ladder. you haven't seen the media spotlight until those 2 blonde sweeties win a bush cup race.
k
Posted by: Thorshammer May 29 2005, 12:17 PM
Mrs K,
After paying a nice compliment to Ms Patrick I did make a negative comment regarding women drivers. In my experience racing I have been run into three times by women racers. In motorcycle racing four times been shoved off the track or hit and stayed up. once it cost me a race win AND a regional championship. So my experience is not good. I have raced with one girl/female/woman (whatever) that could race. She could really ride. So out of 20 woman I have raced against, only one has known whats going on, so as far as percentages go it is piss poor. Am I singling out women racers, yes. But not anymore than I singled out Ms. Patrick for her tremendous abilities. I judge by personal experience, not what is or is not politically correct. Hope you understand why I feel this way.
Erik
Posted by: rhodyguy May 29 2005, 02:28 PM
after qualifying, much was made by some of the male drivers that the race was 500 miles and questioned her ability to last. now the sniveling of robby gordon that she has an unfair avantage due her weight. so her car should carry a weight penalty to level the playing field? 
i've never heard that complaint with regards to jeff gordon or other drivers of smaller stature. it's not as though emmerson fitapaldi was a giant. breck looks like a jockey. if the weight allows for such a distinct advange the beefy boys need to go lean. she had a great race.
k
Posted by: Mrs. K May 29 2005, 02:30 PM
WOW Great race! Way to go Danica! I thought she
was gonna pull it off there for a few minutes with 10 laps to go, but having to conserve fuel at the end of a big race is NOT GOOD! But she proved that she truly is a good driver...got herself out of some tight spots today and finished 4th ( having been back as far as 16th)
Wonder what Robby Gordon will say about her performance
Lisa
Posted by: rhodyguy May 29 2005, 02:34 PM
don't forget the unplanned pit and installation of the new nose piece. make up 8 places in 20 laps.
k
Posted by: Thorshammer May 29 2005, 03:25 PM
But lets also not forget:
Spin your car under yellow and cause 6-7 cars to be out of the race??? Rookie mistake. Usually it happens on the very first start by some rookie who qaulified on the second row, and the whole field is diminished.
But she drove an outstanding race, just wasn't quite up to the task of Dan Weldon, but if you follow IRL racing neither is anyone else right now. I thought she did great! Hopefully, she inspires more of the ladies to get out and learn this sport.
Erik Madsen
Posted by: grantsfo May 29 2005, 03:31 PM
| QUOTE (Mrs. K @ May 29 2005, 12:30 PM) |
| WOW Great race! Way to go Danica! I thought she was gonna pull it off there for a few minutes with 10 laps to go, but having to conserve fuel at the end of a big race is NOT GOOD! But she proved that she truly is a good driver...got herself out of some tight spots today and finished 4th ( having been back as far as 16th) Wonder what Robby Gordon will say about her performance Lisa |
Agreed! She made this a great race. She came back from her mistakes like an old pro. And frankly I thought she had a chance of winning as those laps started counting down. If yellow had come out a little earlier she may have been there. She had the power over some of the lead cars when she ran rich off the green at the end of the race.
Posted by: Verruckt May 29 2005, 04:25 PM
She seemed to really drag ass in the corners on the last few laps, do you think she was on fumes? My guess she was, but there wasn't too much mention of it, what with Michael "camera whore" Andretti in front fo the camera.
Posted by: Brent May 29 2005, 04:41 PM
| QUOTE (Verruckt @ May 29 2005, 03:25 PM) |
| do you think she was on fumes? |
She ran out of gas under the last yellow lap, 199. She was definetly on vapors. I was pulling for her, at last a woman is competetive in an Indy 500. Way to go Danika, and she is cute too.
The cool thing is all the fannies were on their feet until the last yellow.
Best 15 minutes watching a race I ever spent. Seems I didn't miss much either.
Posted by: URY914 May 29 2005, 05:18 PM
I'll buy the issue of Playboy that she is going to be in.
Whata think she won't get offers to do it?
I bet she has aready turned them down, but the offer just doubled.
Paul
Posted by: serge914 May 29 2005, 05:24 PM
I only watched part of the race on ABC. Is it me or she is the only one that the cameramans and commentators cared about ? After his accident they didn't even care to tell us who were the others drivers that she eliminated.
Posted by: grantsfo May 29 2005, 07:18 PM
| QUOTE (serge914 @ May 29 2005, 03:24 PM) |
| I only watched part of the race on ABC. Is it me or she is the only one that the cameramans and commentators cared about ? After his accident they didn't even care to tell us who were the others drivers that she eliminated. |
I dont know, I think given she is the first woman to lead the Indy 500 (history making event for women) and she was leading the race with 16 to go after a series of pretty serious blunders they gave her the coverage she deserved.
I just loved hearing some of those radio calls to her, like "you can draft the pace car" and as she was running full rich with 16 laps to go and they called out "dont look back" makes you realize how green she is and how much raw driving talent she has.
And while she spun the car on yellow with cold tires her recovery and composure to get back in the race was pretty damn impressive. Think about how much pressure she had on her not only being a woman, but a first time driver at Indy.
I bet there were not too many women race fans across the country who were watching those final laps in their seats. I thought my wife was going to have a stroke!
Posted by: DblDog May 29 2005, 10:06 PM
Out all day...just watched the race, the compressed version...it came down to fuel management. It would be nice to see a rookie win, even so she still bruised a few egos.
Posted by: carreraguy May 30 2005, 12:35 AM
Best Indy 500 I've seen a quite a while! I was definitely rooting for Danica; especially after she worked her way back from that rookie pit row stall that set her back to 16th. She definitely proved herself as a racer to be contended with and I think we'll be hearing a lot more about her in the coming months. Her fee for commercial endorsements just got a big boost and you know Rahal/Leeterman is VERY glad they have her under contract for next year!
Posted by: Curvie Roadlover May 30 2005, 08:00 AM
| QUOTE (grantsfo @ May 29 2005, 08:18 PM) | ||
I dont know, I think given she is the first woman to lead the Indy 500 (history making event for women) and she was leading the race with 16 to go after a series of pretty serious blunders they gave her the coverage she deserved. I just loved hearing some of those radio calls to her, like "you can draft the pace car" and as she was running full rich with 16 laps to go and they called out "dont look back" makes you realize how green she is and how much raw driving talent she has. And while she spun the car on yellow with cold tires her recovery and composure to get back in the race was pretty damn impressive. Think about how much pressure she had on her not only being a woman, but a first time driver at Indy. I bet there were not too many women race fans across the country who were watching those final laps in their seats. I thought my wife was going to have a stroke! |
Posted by: ArtechnikA May 30 2005, 08:45 AM
i was very impressed with her condition after the race. she's definitely in great shape.
i mowed the grass yesterday (about an acre...) and i'm still dragging.
but i was 23 -- ahh -- several years ago...
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