It’s the Day of the IndyCar GP
It is a little before 2:00 as I type, but we have actually been on the grounds of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway since about 10:00. Once we got here, instead of typing up a post, we dropped off our stuff and went straight to the main gift shop in the museum. We bought the obligatory program, this year’s Christmas ornament and Susan bought a T-shirt for her son. We then went trackside for the Morning Warmup and then went and ate lunch. We are just now back in the Media Center as the Indy Lights race is going on.
You’ll have to excuse me for refraining from the usual “It’s Race Day at IMS”. That sounds like false enthusiasm. While it’s true that today is Race Day for the IndyCar GP and it’s at IMS – we all know that Race Day at IMS conjures up only one image – and this isn’t it. I am not trying to be negative, but it’s a fact that this race is easy to overlook – mainly because it has been fairly underwhelming in years past.
While trying to not sound so negative – the crowd here does not look good. Walking around the grounds this morning, there was no buzz. I’m sure yesterday’s cold temps and today’s forecast of rain have both combined to keep people away today.
That’s a shame because I think that today’s race may be the best IndyCar race they have had on the IMS road course. It looks as if the Penske and Chevy dominance will be over after today, based on what we’ve seen here this weekend. With six teams represented in the first four rows, I really have no idea what to expect this afternoon. But I now expect the unexpected, which is something this event needs.
I think it’s safe to say that my pick of Alexander Rossi is probably not going to win this race. My revised prediction has been narrowed down to between Scott Dixon and Colton Herta – experience versus youth. I think Herta will have a good race, but I’m old so I’ll give the nod to experience. Scott Dixon will be on the top step of the podium when the race is over.
I’ll be back for a quick update after the race. In the meantime, follow us on Twitter for photos and videos. Follow me at @Oilpressureblog and Susan at @MrsOilpressure. Please check back later.
George Phillips
Oilpressure 
May 13, 2019 at 6:27 am
I thought the crowd was pretty good, especially considering the weather. The buzz was maybe a bit muted but the campgrounds were packed, the viewing mounds were packed, and there was always a decent crowd milling around Pagoda Plaza.