Race Day in Texas
It’s Race Day at Texas Motor Speedway! It is not quite as cool as yesterday, but then again – we didn’t get here before dawn either. We arrived at 8:00 am for an 11:00 green flag. Unfortunately, we were able to drive right in. The scuttlebutt is that this is not going to be a very large crowd today. In fact, the feeling is that this may be a record low attendance for this race. The early start on Palm Sunday may have something to do with that. We’ll see in about three hours. The schedule has been moved up in case of rain. “Gentlemen, Start Your Engines” will now take place at 11:01 CDT.
At least there was some buzz in the paddock. When I walked by, mechanics were scurrying about making last minute tweaks to their cars. The busiest garage I saw was the Arrow McLaren garage. You would think they were not happy with their cars, even though all three will occupy the first five spots on the grid today. Although I picked Scott McLaughlin to win, I would not be surprised to see a papaya orange car in Victory Lane this afternoon.
Another driver I’m keeping an eye on is Takuma Sato. He just seems very focused this weekend. I would not be surprised to see him win either.
No matter who wins, one tradition here at Texas has been abandoned. Nathan Brown of The Indianapolis Star reported on Thursday that the winner will not be shooting the six-shooters after donning the cowboy hat. I guess it is feared that this sends the wrong message. Personally, I see nothing wrong with continuing the tradition, but what do I know?
Paul and I went to Cooper’s Old Time Pit BBQ last night. I felt Fred Flintstone with the giant beef rib I had. That, along with delicious brisket and polish sausage, made me need a wheel-barrow to get myself back to my car in the parking lot. I’m not sure where we are going tonight, but I suspect it may be Tex-Mex.
Yesterday during the NASCAR Truck race, Paul and I went to the IndyCar Merchandise tent outside of Turn Four to get a few things. We had arranged to meet long-time reader and commenter “Billy the Skink”. He showed up just as we were browsing the merchandise. I haven’s seen him since the race at NOLA in 2015, so I had Paul take a photo.
The weather forecast has improved somewhat since yesterday afternoon. It sounds like we will get the race in, but by the time the storms arrive – they are going to be pretty severe.
That will do it for now. I’m going to go roam the paddock and then get in place in the pits to watch the race, although it sounds like there will be plenty of room in the stands. I will be back here this afternoon for a race re-cap, then I will have my usual Random Thoughts on Monday. Enjoy the race!
George Phillips
Oilpressure 
April 2, 2023 at 10:10 am
Yesterday, I saw twice that Sato is guaranteed only Texas and Indy with Ganassi. I thought earlier repprting was that he would run all five ovals. George, could you try to get a clarification today.
Enjoy the race, it looks like it could be a very good one.
April 2, 2023 at 2:04 pm
Good to meet Billy the Skink!
April 3, 2023 at 8:17 am
Always good to see you, George. It had been too long.
I’m already working on convincing the wife on taking a trip to Indy next year. Fingers crossed.