New Design and a "Thank You"

Well, obviously if you're reading this post, you've seen the new site design. I think it adds a lot to the site, I hope you all like it as well. Thanks to my top secret designer - big fan. As we continue to grow our membership, we will continue to make improvements to the site and add more and more functionality and content.

I also wanted to thank one of our very own, xorpheous, for putting together a banner for IndyCar Garage - check it out in the "photos" section of the site... looks awesome! It's so great seeing everyone interact on the site and keep our fellow members up to date on the series news...and to think, the season hasn't even started yet.

Can't wait for Saturday!

Bring on the sponsors!

IndyCar officials and Peak Performance Products representatives announced today that Peak Motor Oil will be the official sponsor of the pole award at each race in the 2008 season. Although some of these types of sponsorships existed in years past, it almost means a little more this year. These are the types of sponsors that will help the series grow and attract and retain the best drivers. Ok, bring on the season already!

Personal Blogs...Start one on your page!

I just saw a thread started on Talkback that got me thinking about IndyCar Garage. I want to encourage everyone that is a member of the site to use the blog feature on your personal page. For some, it will be a great entry into the world of blogging. It's not hard at all and it's a really great way to start discussions about the sport that everyone here is so passionate about. It's also a great way to continue to have our community bring great coverage of the IndyCar Series.

For an example of what/how to blog on this site, check out TopKartGirl's page. She's got a blog that is up to date and usually offers some insight that she has on the IndyCar Series, or, just a general post about what's on her mind. It will give you an idea on what a blog looks like on this site as well as what people can see, comments they can make, etc.

For newcomers to the site, it's a great way to get to know the existing members quickly and get involved in the site. Anyway, that's just my two cents...if you do start one, shoot me a message on the site and let me know so I can check it out.

Ok, now I'm really interested...

So, as of a few days ago, Forsythe Racing was not going to make the transition to the IndyCar Series. Now, there appears to be a strategic partnership between Forsythe and Conquest Racing. Conquest, as we all know, has confirmed that Franck Perera will drive one of their cars this season. Their other driver has yet to be named...

Could it be PT? He's still under contract with Forsythe Racing so that would make sense. What's interesting (and I'm not really suggesting anything by saying this) but Forsythe Racing also has ties to former open wheel racers - A.J. Allmendinger, Patrick Carpentier and Jacques Villeneuve who are currently (struggling) NASCAR drivers. Could be some interesting developments in the next few days.

Texas Motor Speedway: The Challenge

So, have you seen this story? I know it's NASCAR, but this is just too ridiculous not to talk about on any race-related site.

Eddie Gossage, President of Texas Motor Speedway, has stated that he will give $15,000 to any NASCAR Cup driver who throws his helmet on the track during competition from now until April 6th. Wait....what?

The reasoning behind offering this ridiculous reward is that NASCAR "needs to bring some drama back into the series." What's next? Hitting each other with metal chairs after the race? Maybe Hulkamania? The worst (and most hilarious) part of this, is that there are people who AGREE with this....

(Excerpt from SportingNews.com)
Speedway Motorsports Inc. Chairman and CEO Bruton Smith, told of the reward, noted that "a lot of good things come out of Texas that are extremely clever. We need drama. We don't have enough drama anymore. We need somebody to get out of the car and slap somebody."
http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=367655

Wait a minute, you agree with throwing your helmet at another driver ON THE TRACK, DURING A RACE?

NASCAR, go ahead and add some drama....I hope the IRL keeps its drama on the actual race.

Will Paul Tracy have a seat?

A post in the forum section of the site regarding Paul Tracy's future in the IndyCar series had quite a bit of response from other members. Clearly, it's a hot topic. I think the reaction of the members (19 replies already) shows just why Paul Tracy should have a seat in the series...somewhere. That kind of knee jerk reaction shows the connection that PT has with open wheel racing and the kind of following Tracy generates.

He was one of the most accomplished drivers in the Champ Car series and it's most recognizable driver. Bottom line...he brings eyes to the series. People will talk about him and the series on and off the track -- that's a good thing. The IRL has only reached that kind of following with Danica (modeling/advertising) and Helio (dancing). I know some aren't big fans of him, but at least they have some kind of connection to him -- love/hate.

So, this begs the question...where will he find a seat? Vision would seem a likely place - Tony has already invested quite a bit of money to make this merger work and to not have the most popular driver in the CC make the switch, could devalue the move. Another rumor is that Ganassi has toyed with the idea of fielding a third car - it's also one of the few teams that can afford Tracy, who has said that he wants $1 million/year.