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This is the Statt Mann Baby. It’s time to Scatt a little bit.

I continue to be amazed at how the landscape in motor racing is changing. New names are battling their way into the spotlight in several series. And old names are battling their way into new spots on the grid.

The largest change, of course, is owner/driver Ed Carpenter winning the coveted Pole Position for next weekend’s Indy 500. A couple years ago he was finding it hard to get to events period. His team has always battled for funds.

Now he’ll lead the field to the Green Flag in The Greatest Spectacle in Racing. And he’ll do it next to IndyCar rookie Carlos Munoz who will be in the middle of the Front Row.  And on the outside of row 1: Marco Andretti. He’s an IndyCar veteran but he’s never started an Indy 500 this far forward.

Not only do we have new drivers but we have new series showing up in the American racing spotlight. The Australian V8 Supercars brought their wild form of curb jumping excitement to Circuit of the Americas this weekend.

Four-time champion Jamie Whincup dominated the weekend. He leads the points going for this third straight title with more than 22 wins in the last two seasons.

Get to know him. He’s a pretty cool guy who likes simple things like family, personal watercraft and personal time with both.

I guess we could say that’s new for a racing superstar, isn’t it?

Peace.