One Call, Two Different Perspectives
Before we completely turn the page on the 104th Running of the Indianapolis 500, it seemed like a good idea to revisit it one more time on our combined videoblog Two Sites Unite with my good friend Paul Dalbey, of Fieldof33.com and get his perspective. Be careful what you wish for, because you just might get it.
Besides the fact that Takuma Sato is now a two-time winner of the Indianapolis 500, the two main storylines coming out of this race were finishing under the yellow and Alexander Rossi’s penalty.
Paul and I completely agree on one of the topics, and completely disagree on the other – the call against Rossi. He argues his point by using geometric logic, while I come from a completely different standpoint – using plain common sense.
We shortened this one from our last couple of videos, mainly because it was approaching my bedtime on Monday night and I was very tired. Still, we went about thirty-six minutes – but it was a lively discussion. So if you have time this morning, pour a cup of coffee and listen to us as you do whatever it is you do to start your day. If not, save it until lunchtime. I think we both bring up interesting discussions, and you can decide who’s right (and who’s wrong) for yourself. There is a pole question below the video, in case you’re interested in expressing your opinion.
George Phillips
Oilpressure 
August 26, 2020 at 6:33 am
I don’t really think he should have been penalized but also, I am not sure the rule is clear enough. They should release to the slow lane and move up where possible, is that the rule though?
One thing that terrified me was the idea that at the end of the Indy 500 we could see a blocking call enforced. Honestly I think that may have even turned me off from this sport I love, had the race been decided on that. Of course, I already feel that the people who make that call favor Dixon often, I haven’t gotten over the spin in qualifying at St Pete not being called last year. I don’t trust Papis and Luyendyk to not make a call for their buddy. That would have been terrible to see. Sorry probably unpopular to say but that’s how I feel.
Overall I hate seeing rules determine races especially at Indy. Can you imagine the 82, 89 or 92 finishes being broken up by BS blocking calls?
August 26, 2020 at 2:17 pm
I think the poll question is worded incorrectly.
Should Rossi have been penalized ? No !
Should the Andretti Autosports team been penalized ? Yes !
August 27, 2020 at 12:05 pm
That is a good point, Chris. I don’t know the rules well enough, but did it have to be that bad of a penalty? Just saying…
August 27, 2020 at 12:41 pm
Actually, I was surprised they sent him to the back of the pack, behind all the lapped cars, instead of last car on the lead lap. Maybe Race Control was sending a message to all of the other teams to be more careful. I think we got lucky, it could have taken two or maybe three cars or even blocked pit lane. That would have been a total disaster.
August 27, 2020 at 7:15 pm
The penalty was issued based upon what actually occurred.
The penalty – right or wrong – was not based upon what ifs……………
August 26, 2020 at 3:26 pm
Great discussion as always, fellows.
I’ve flip-flopped a bit and now feel that Rossi should have been penalized in some way, though I certainly agree that the penalty issued was awful punitive. Something like a 5-7 position penalty on the restart would have been appropriate, though I know that is not something with precedent or with allowance in the rulebook.
Awkward as they may be, driver intros are important to the drives, teams, and sponsors. It is the one time that casual fans are guaranteed to see every driver without a helmet on and to see every sponsor on their firesuits.