Wow, where do we start this week’s wrap-up? It was quite a week, I tell ya.
And, since I have the world’s earliest flight out of Knoxville, TN, I won’t have time to link each and every winner from the weekend, but I will do my best to link each series site in the news and notes below. Remember to email me with any comments or suggestions on how to make this column/blog better: CrashG@SpeedFreaks.TV
Let’s start with two wheel… the Supercross series raced at the Hoosier Dome (OK, RCA Dome for those of you not originally from Indy) and even though Chad Reed nabbed the holeshot in the main, James Bubba Stewart raced from the back to the front and took the lead for good on lap 14 of 20. It was James’ 8th win on the season. In the Lites class, Suzuki’s Ryan Dungey won his 2nd of ’07.
The MotoGP boys raced in Jerez, Spain… and with his fan club decked out in skittle costumes (don’t ask me, folks… I’m just printing what I was told), Valentino Rossi gave them an underarm bowl en route to his first victory in a while. This was quite an historic win for Valentino, too. ‘The Doctor’, as he is affectionately known, is now the first rider to win races on a 500cc, 990cc and 800cc machines at the highest level of the sport. NICE!
And speaking of historic wins… did anyone watch the debut of the Car of Tomorrow in Bristol? NASCAR made their seven year sketch come true when the green flag flew in Bristol and 43 cars decked out in front splitters and removable rear wings raced for the first time. Tony Stewart, one of the more vocal drivers against the COT, was clearly the dominant car as he led more than half the race, but in the end it was the bridesmaid from the Busch Series race, Kyle Busch (er, ‘Shrub’ as fans call him), who pulled it all together for the debut win. It was win #600 for Chevy, win #200 for the Hendrick team and obviously the first ever for the Car of Tomorrow. History was indeed made.
So much for that COT being a POS… it was just fine in Bristol, folks! Give me one GOOD reason why it was bad! Seriously, tell me really what was different in the racing? Not much at all! Yes the cars are a little bit more delicate and when wrecked, tend to break apart more. So what? Drivers adapt, that is what they are hired to do. We’ll watch the progression of these new templates as they proceed next to Martinsville. I think they are better for the sport in the long run and that is what really matters. You?
* Feel free to join our debate at MyRacer.com
The Busch series was won by back-flippin’ Carl Edwards… stay tuned for more on the pit lane controversy… was it open or closed, NASCAR? Check out SceneDaily.com and NASCAR.com for the updates.
And how about Motocross legend (and new daddy) Ricky Carmichael’s debut in the Super Late Model series in Florida… let’s just say, welcome to the world of 4-wheel racing, Ricky! Under the watchful eye of NASCAR star Mark Martin, Carmichael finished third in his heat race, but unfortunately was caught up in other driver’s debris in the main feature, which sent him into the wall on lap 7 due to a right front flat tire. You’ll get’em next time, RC!
Your ARCA winner at the USA Int’l Speedway was James Buescher. Lucas Oil pilot Bobby Gerhart was treated and released following a crash in the Saturday night race. Fortunately he suffered a bruised ankle and mild concussion only.
And don’t forget Freaks that starting NOW, those Dale Earnhardt Jr. signature series #8 Sharpies are available nationwide… go stock up before they run out!!
Onto Open Wheel, Milka Duno finally made her announcement that she will indeed be racing the IndyCar series this year, beginning the end of April. So yes, 3 women will attempt to qualify for this year’s Indy 500! Danny Wheldon dominated all other IndyCars Saturday night down in southern Florida… I mean seriously, NO one could keep up with his Target machine, at least not for 179 out of the 200 laps! Teammate Scott Dixon took home 2nd for the Ganassi squad.
In the Pro Series, it was Alex Lloyd who captured the flag. A serious multi car accident occurred on lap 47, resulting in Ganassi driver Pablo Perez being rushed to the hospital… the medical update on Perez, according to the most recent press release as of my writing this column, is that he underwent surgery on both of his legs Sunday afternoon and is listed in stable condition, progressing as expected. Keep him in your prayers, please.
Also racing in Homestead was the Grand Am Series… and taking their first Prototype win was Freak Friend Bill Auberlen and co-driver Matthew Alhadeff. In the GT class, it was Nick Ham and Sylvain Tremblay.
Team Malaysia took the A1GP win in Mexico, their 3rd win of the season, with F1 pilot Alex Yoong at the wheel
The IHRA drag racing series raced in San Antonio this weekend… your winners were Lucas Oil driver Bruce Litton (Top Fuel), Dale Creasy Jr. (Funny Car)… and for more, check out IHRA.com
And in case you have just not yet heard, NHRA Funny Car pilot/ John Force Racing driver Eric Medlen passed away on Friday. Eric succumbed to his injuries sustained in a practice crash Monday in Gainesville. We miss you so much… Godspeed Eric.
For last week's One Stop Shop, Click HERE
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