Target Chip Ganassi Racing’s (TCGR) Scott Dixon started from pole, led 58 of 228 laps and claimed his third win of the season at Texas Motor Speedway Saturday night. The race ended under caution after Marco Andretti and Ryan Hunter-Reay made contact while battling behind Dixon for second place with five laps remaining. Dixon was a contender from the drop of the green flag in the No.9 Target car, running in the top-three for the majority of the event. Flawless pit work again was the theme for the Target team as Dixon was able to stay out front and survive eight caution periods for 52 laps. The turning point of the race came when he passed Andretti on lap 222 – just before Andretti and Hunter-Reay tangled and brought the race to its conclusion under the yellow flag.
Results from Texas
1. Scott Dixon, No.9 Target Honda Dallara 2. Helio Castroneves, No.3 Honda Dallara 3. Ryan Briscoe, No.6 Honda Dallara 4. Dan Wheldon, No.10 Target Honda Dallara
Terry Blount of ESPN thinks...the IndyCar Series needs to take a hint from NASCAR on this one and think about a green-white-checkered overtime finish.
"I was thinking about that," said Helio Castroneves, who finished second. "I definitely had the car to make something happen. But we can't compare ourselves to what NASCAR does. It would be a mess."
If ever a driver was due for luck, it was Ryan Briscoe. Over the last two weeks, he hasn't hesitated cashing in. After an early season of bad breaks, culminating at the Indianapolis 500 with his now infamous contact with Danica Patrick while exiting the pits (which knocked them both out of the race), Briscoe was in desperate need of something positive to happen. His racing fate changed June 1 at The Milwaukee Mile when he won his first-ever IndyCar Series race. Briscoe finishes third in Fort Worth.
Dixon's teammate Dan Wheldon rebounded from a practice accident in the No.10 Polaroid car, made up seven positions on a sore ankle and finished fourth. Wheldon’s weekend started with a practice crash on Friday which sent him into the turn four wall and eliminated the No.10 team’s primary car. The team rallied to prepare the backup car for qualifying and Wheldon came from the infield care center to qualify the car 11th. Wheldon had moved up to fourth by just lap 11 but had to restart near the rear of the field after Briscoe stopped in his pit stall under yellow. Briscoe would serve a penalty for the incident and Wheldon managed to rebound up through the field to finish fourth.
The news this past week that Jamie McMurray is job hunting probably does not come as a great surprise to many. Though McMurray has denied such speculation, critics have had him with one foot out the door of his Roush Fenway ride ever since the beginning of 2008. Currently 22nd in the Cup standings with just two Top 10 finishes, the 31-year-old Joplin, Missouri native simply has never lived up to the hype that surrounded him in 2005 as a player in perhaps the silliest of Silly Seasons in NASCAR history. His hiring was the culmination of a series of moves that led to power plays, contract squabbles, and some unrealistically high expectations — none of which may ever be fully realized.
The events of that 2005 Silly Season were really something to behold. First came the news that McMurray had reached agreement to drive for Roush — even though he was still under contract with Chip Ganassi Racing through 2006. It was looked at as a positive change for McMurray, who, after missing out on the Chase for two straight years, reached an agreement with a team that put all five of its cars in the title hunt — making them the premier organization in Cup at the time. But Ganassi, clearly not pleased with the prospects of losing McMurray, chose to initially refuse to allow his top driver to opt out of his contract, a decision that would delay a move to Roush until the beginning of 2007. The news created a firestorm of opinions surrounding the appropriateness of McMurray negotiating with another team owner when he had well over a year remaining on his agreement with Ganassi; and in return, Ganassi’s defiant refusal to simply allow McMurray to move over to the Roush camp to replace the then-retiring Mark Martin generated considerable debate, as well.
Shortly thereafter, in perhaps an even more surprising turn of events, NASCAR’s defending champion Kurt Busch announced that he was jumping the Roush ship to replace the legendary Rusty Wallace in the almost equally legendary No. 2 Miller Lite Dodge. Like McMurray, Busch requested his release from Roush for the 2006 season; but just like Ganassi, Roush refused to allow his championship caliber driver to bolt the team early. It was a cruel twist of irony that threatened to shut down both deals; however, in the end both McMurray and Busch were granted their requests to move to new teams. The owners fully capitulated — albeit after some backroom deals were made — and McMurray was permitted to move to Roush at the conclusion of the 2005 season, with Jack Roush responding in kind and allowing Kurt Busch to defect a year early to Penske.
By the time the release was given, McMurray’s original plans of replacing a retiring Mark Martin had derailed; instead, he essentially replaced Busch, working with the same team but with a new car number — the No. 26 instead of Busch’s No. 97. Martin, who had originally agreed to stay another year when it was thought that McMurray would be held to his contract with Ganassi, later agreed to stick around to help old friend Jack Roush out of his dilemma as to how to fill the void left by the unexpected exodus of Busch.
As the year began, Jamie McMurray came to Roush amid a lot of hullabaloo; but with great expectations, as well. Rumored to have been lured away from Ganassi with one of the most lucrative contract offers in NASCAR history — reported at $20 million plus performance bonuses — it appeared that Jamie McMurray had arrived at just the right time to realize his full potential. And considering the successful team he had just landed at — a team that had just won the 2004 Cup championship — he seemed a sure bet to become a major player in NASCAR for years to come.
Following in Martin’s footsteps was going to be a tall order, and it’s one you can bet that Jack Roush and his management team fully considered when deciding on a driver best suited to fill that role. Roush certainly knows race car drivers, having his share of success in picking them, and Jamie McMurray seemed to possess all the necessary qualities he desired. Not only did Roush believe the man was talented enough to strap into the seat of his No. 6 Ford, but McMurray also appeared a success in the boardrooms, a trait that’s equally as important in today’s NASCAR. And like Martin, Jamie McMurray is a nice guy, too; he is seemingly always in control of his emotions, both on and off the track. Young and handsome, Jack Roush believed that he would have a driver that he could not possibly go wrong on.
It certainly is both puzzling and hard to figure how even the best drivers have found the right combination to rise to the top of their profession sometimes. It all seems so easy, as if everything just aligns properly. A driver at the top of his game pairs with a crew chief that seems almost to be able to read his mind; holes open when wrecks seem unavoidable; a consistently winning driver’s car performs as if it is bulletproof.
But these are not a set of circumstances that have graced Jamie McMurray with any regularity during his tenure at Roush-Fenway. In fact, it is quite the opposite. And even when McMurray was given the ultimate authority to shape his program — bringing on Larry Carter as crew chief and revamping the No. 26 team from top to bottom — it did nothing to change what were ultimately disappointing and inconsistent results.
In the end, barring a miracle, Jack Roush will release McMurray before the end of his contract. Even if it’s not until 2009, he surely cannot resign him with the performance — or lack thereof — that the two have experienced for more than two years. And when it happens, the move won’t be personal … just business.
Chip Ganassi Racing's Scott Dixon won the 2008 Indianapolis 500 on Sunday (May 25th) capping a month-long demonstration of speed that eventually overwhelmed every challenger. Dixon's win was a career first for him at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, in his sixth '500' start.
"The whole month has been good," said Dixon. " A lot of people have worked hard on these cars to make them fast. It's hard work and the team has been unstoppable because of it. There were so many yellows (eight) it was hard to get a rhythm. Toward the end I didn't think anyone could pass me. The team did a fantastic job."
Dixon owns the lead in the IndyCar championship chase with a fifteen point cushion over Helio Castroneves. Dixon has 191 points, Castroneves 176 and Dan Wheldon is third, with 153 points
Team Penske's Helio Castroneves came back from serious damage to his car to finish fourth Sunday. Castroneves struck debris from a crash early in the race, but his crew repaired the No. 3 Team Penske Honda/Dallara and got him back in the race.
"Fourth place is definitely not what we expected," Castroneves said. "We tried everything we could. We had a little issue with the debris. I was trying to avoid a slow car; I slammed on the brakes instead of hitting him. I pulled away and a piece of the debris hit my front wing, so we had to stop to change that. Let me tell you, wow, what a team."
The first half of the Greatest Spectacle in Racing saw Target Chip Ganassi racing (CCGR)teammates, Dixon and Dan Wheldon alternating between first and second place. Wheldon spent time in the pits fixing handling issues with the No.10 Target machine throughout the last 100 laps after leading 30 circuits in the first half of the race.
Juan Montoya knocked down another hurdle in his quest to successfully transition from open wheel to NASCAR this weekend on the road course in Mexico. Unfortunately, with just eight laps remaining he knocked out his teammate Scott Pruett in the process. The heightened drama at the finish was just a capper on a day that saw Montoya dominate early then later struggle with fuel problems. But, the Columbia-born driver rallied and claimed his first career NASCAR win by taking the checkered flag in the Telcel Motorola 200.
"It was a great day. It's big. We got this one out of the way now the next one we need to win on an oval. That's where we need to be good," he said.
Of his contact with Pruett Montoya added,"I felt really bad. Both of us needed a really good finish. He stayed wide, I went for the inside. When I was there he just turned. I feel really sorry for it."
Sunday's event in Mexico was the seventh series start for both Pruett and Montoya. While Pruett got the pole on the 2.518-mile road course, Montoya got the win. He can now add his new hardware next to seven Formula One trophies, a CART title and an Indianapolis 500 trophy.
Montoya started third on Sunday but by lap three took the lead from Pruett. On lap 44 the Chip Ganassi Racing teammates hit pitroad for what was to be their final pitstops of the day. Laps later, Montoya’s crew chief Brad Parrott radioed to his driver that there was a problem during the stop and that the No. 42 Dodge that he was piloting would have to make yet another trip down pitroad. Under the previous stop the crew was only able to get about eight gallons of fuel into the car. At the time, Parrott suspected a connecting tube broke loose.
On lap 52 Montoya was anticipating one more lap before making his stop but the first yellow flag of the day fell, giving him the break that he needed. Pitting under yellow flag conditions, Montoya’s No. 42 Havoline team spent over 30 seconds on pitroad fixing the fuel issue and putting fresh tires on their machine. Montoya took the restart in the 19th position.
With new tires Montoya, the Colombian star who jumped from Formula One to NASCAR late last season, was able to quickly move through the field. A series of textbook perfect passes found him marching to the front. By lap 70 of the scheduled 80 he was able to pass road racing ace Boris Said for the second position. Then he committed the big sin.
Two laps later, trouble for team Ganassi. Montoya showed the aggression that caused such a stir in his Formula 1 career. Or was it impatience? Whatever it was, entering turn one, Montoya dove deep to the inside in an attempt to get the favored line and instead got into the right rear quarter panel of Pruett’s machine, spinning his teammate out and very nearly wrecking himself in the process. However, while Pruett spun, Montoya continued with minor left front fender damage taking the lead 72nd lap. Montoya then held off Denny Hamlin to win the Telcel-Motorola 200 on Sunday for his first NASCAR Busch Series victory.
"I'm very sorry with what happened to Scott," the Colombian-born Montoya said. "I was there. I thought he saw me. I had nowhere to go. I thought, 'Oh, my god.' I tried to back off but it was too late."
Scott Pruett got out of his car and stumbled for words. With less than nine laps left, he’d seen his chances for victory go up in smoke South of the Border, and the creator of said “smoke” was none other than his own teammate.
Pruett was angry with the former Formula One star after the race. "There's 15 laps to go, he's faster, we'll work it out," Pruett said. "Better to have two cars at the front than to even take a chance. He just tapped my corner and spun me. It wasn't even close to having the line or not having the line.
"It was just getting in over his head, getting anxious, and making a bad mistake. Of all the people to take you out -- your teammate,'' Pruett said. "That was just lowdown, nasty, dirty driving.'' That was G-Rated compared to the swear words he used later to describe how politely Montoya left him hanging.
Hamlin, right behind the two Chip Ganassi Racing drivers at the time, said it was a tough call. “I wouldn’t call it dirty driving, but it was a bit aggressive,” Hamlin said. “Juan had the fastest car and he would have taken the lead sooner or later." Hamlin said it was a little too much aggression at that time of the race. "He was overzealous.”
Montoya, the 2000 Indianapolis 500 winner, said he would apologize to Pruett once he could talk to him, while his owner tried to toe the line. "I probably need to take a good look at that before I make a comment," team owner Ganassi said. “I’m really glad we won, but really upset that we took out a teammate,” said Parrott.
One month ago Montoya and Pruitt were smiling, happy teammates who shared the winning car at the Rolex 24 but today it was a much different story. I’m betting it was a fun ride home on the Ganassi team jet.
“I think everyone in NASCAR has been really good to me and the fans have been amazing. First off, I’m just really happy to be part of NASCAR. I’m enjoying myself a lot and enjoying the racing,” Montoya said.
Well, Scott can agonize over it all he wants, but that bad driving was rewarded with a trophy in Victory Lane. Montoya could apologize till the cows come home, and his crew can cry themselves a river (Parrott was so emotional he looked like he was about to bawl after the contact), but the bottom line is the win-at-all-costs mentality Montoya represents left him shining in the spotlight. Of course, in the winners’ circle the driver uttered all the usual apologies you get out of a scenario like the one that was caused; I didn’t mean to do it, I feel bad that it happened, and I wish things could have turned out differently. Well, you can draw your own conclusions, but one look at Montoya facing a crowd that seemed ready to charge the track and form a giant mosh pit in the man’s honor and it hardly seemed he was apologetic. Perhaps ecstatic and relieved were more appropriate words to use for those defining moments in which Montoya basked in the glory of his own popularity.
“I’ve never met a driver that puts so much pressure on himself like he does,” said Ganassi’s minority owner Felix Sabates of his driver on ESPN’s NASCAR Countdown. “He’s so competitive. Yesterday, he missed the pole by just a fraction and he was very upset after that. Threw his glove down on the ground. I like that; I like to see someone with a fire in him. He wants to win, he doesn’t want to lose.”
That’s not a surprise, for after years of success in every level of motorsports he’s competed in, Montoya’s developed both the attitude and understanding that he’s the best. It’s the ego most superstars possess in order to advance themselves to the next level; some keep it under wraps, others like Montoya wear it like a proud badge, but rest assured, all the top athletes need to have it to make sure they stay head over heels on top of everyone else. Defying expectations quicker than Al Gore could get applauded at the Oscars last week, Montoya has taken a laundry list of goals and gone full speed ahead as if he’d skipped from kindergarten straight to high school graduation.
Race competitively in NASCAR’s version of baseball AAA, the Busch Series, with minimal experience in stock cars? Check. Lead laps extensively in a race as a rookie in Nextel Cup? Check (Montoya paced the field for much of his Gatorade Duel 150 at Daytona). Win a race in one of NASCAR’s top three series? Check, effective Sunday afternoon.
"Pruett admitted Montoya had the fresher tires and faster car and would have been able to get by before it was all over."
Maybe he should have admitted it in turn one and given Montoya more room. You see what's missing from all the analyses I have cut and pasted in this post from the sources noted below is that Montoya is an F1 racer. F1 is a gentleman's sport. If someone has the inside, you give them room.
NASCAR fans will have a hard time understanding this, but that is where Montoya is coming from. That is why Schumacher hated Montoya. Montoya would not bow down to Schumacher. Montoya would make contact in F1 where most drivers fear contact.
Some questioned whether or not Montoya would mix it up in NASCAR. I had no doubt and now he has shown it.
Now we will see how much class NASCAR fans have. Get ready. I can see the double standard coming.
In the sport that revered Dale Earnhart, NASCAR nation will be all over Montoya. Dale was "The Intimidator." And more were for him than against him. But Montoya will not be seen that way. Why?
Race. NASCAR fans couldn't stand Yankees. Then they got used to Alan Kulwicki, Jimmy Spencer and Matt Kenseth. NASCAR fans still hate Californians. They are getting used to Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson and Kevin Harvick. NASCAR fans can't stand open wheel Drivers. Tony Stewart finally won many over.
But where is the core? In the Dale Jr. camp. Hey this isn't a bash on either Dale, its just facts. Both Dales have shown class. But both Dales are good old North Carolinians, southerners, good ole boys.
Now here is the clincher. NASCAR isn't ready for a Columbian. That's a shame. Because my former favorite F1 driver is one hell of a racer and was undoubtedly the best driver on the track today. But it is going to be really tough wearing Jackie Robinson's shoes into the NASCAR arena from this point on.
Most Interesting Blog, June 16, 2008 (unofficially ) and six other occasions (probably if they still did this). Lisa awarded him Best "breaking news" blogger March 31, 2008. Blog of The Day, Christmas Day, 2007. edhardiman wrote, "Falco's tribute to Rocket Richard reminds us all the stars of today stand on the shoulders of giants..." October 23, 2007. Three Golden Swirrly p00p Awards (Hockey, NASCAR and Use of Graphics), FlyingPig, July 18, 2007. 2007 Memorial Day Weekend Trifecta sponsored by williamwilman . Featured on WFORacingFans April, 2007. "Stylin'" award, Dusty, February 07. "One of ten new bloggers to watch" Dudski, January 2007.
