Race fans got a grim reminder this past weekend that we follow a very dangerous sport, when sprint car driver Justin Owen was fatally injured at Lawrenceburg Speedway in southeastern Indiana – just across the state line from Cincinnati, this past Saturday night. Owen lost control of his car, when he went high in Turn Three, and tumbled violently striking the catch-fencing. He succumbed to his injuries, and all racing activity was canceled for the rest of the night. Please continue to pray for the family of Justin Owen.
Archive for April, 2023
What if it Happens Again?
Posted in IndyCar on April 12, 2023 by Oilpressure“Pit Pass Indy”
Posted in IndyCar on April 5, 2023 by Oilpressure
I don’t listen to many podcasts. I’m guessing that’s an age-related thing. Not many people my age listen to podcasts. I probably listen to more than I claim, however. I have roughly 335 episodes of The Talk of Gasoline Alley on my phone. I randomly listen to those when walking, doing yard work or riding in my car. That’s especially true at this time of year, when I’m starting to get really fired-up about the Indianapolis 500. Occasionally, I’ll listen to the most recent episode of Trackside on Wednesday mornings if I didn’t catch it live the night before; but normally I listen to it live on Tuesday nights.
Random Thoughts on Texas
Posted in IndyCar on April 3, 2023 by Oilpressure
My first-ever trip to Texas Motor Speedway was a rousing success. It was an impressive facility that produced a fantastic race. If you’ve never been, like me, I would highly recommend going. Josef Newgarden won the race for the second year in a row – both in rather dramatic fashion. Last year, he passed teammate Scott McLaughlin at the line. This year it was a late caution that sealed the victory as Newgarden was in a tight battle with Pato O’Ward for the lead.
Texas Race Wrap-Up
Posted in IndyCar on April 2, 2023 by Oilpressure
All I can say is…what a race!
For someone like me making my first trip to Texas Motor Speedway, I could not have asked for a better race to see in person. There have been a few duds here in Texas, but today was not one of them. Outside of any Indianapolis 500 I’ve been to – I would say this was the best race I’ve ever attended in person.
Race Day in Texas
Posted in IndyCar on April 2, 2023 by Oilpressure
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.
Texas Saturday Wrap-Up
Posted in IndyCar on April 1, 2023 by Oilpressure
After a full day, the IndyCar portion of the track activity at Texas Motor Speedway is over for the day. There is still a NASCAR Truck race to run, but after two practice sessions, a “rubbering in” session and qualifying – we are done.
Welcome to Texas Motor Speedway
Posted in IndyCar on April 1, 2023 by Oilpressure
Good morning from a dark and chilly Texas Motor Speedway! It is 6:45 am as I begin to type, and the sun is just starting to appear. Paul Dalbey and I have one car (mine) and he had to be at the photographer’s meeting at 6:30. So here I am drinking coffee and chatting with a few people I haven’t seen since the last race I attended last August. I’m missing Mrs. Oilpressure this morning, but she would not have liked being here at this hour.
Oilpressure 