What to Read From the Open Test
Back in 2019, Paul Dalbey of Fieldof33 and I decided to do some virtual videos with him at his home in Illinois, and me in Nashville. This was to supplement the One Take Only videos once John went on his self-inflicted hiatus. What did Paul and I decide to call this series of videos? Two Sites Unite.
Over the years, that title has become something of a misnomer, since Paul hasn’t posted anything to his site since May of 2023. I mistakenly said August of 2024 on the latest video, but that was incorrect. But Paul has three kids ranging from 18 to 5 (maybe 6). He’s a little busier than me in his off time.
Anyway, it seems that we now only get together virtually during the Month of May these days. There is not as much foolishness as what went on with One Take Only. We mostly talk hard core racing, as we have done in this one below. We plan to do another one of these the week of the race.
In this episode, we talk about the viability and potential future of the Sonsio Grand Prix at Indianapolis. We also discuss last week’s Open Test in detail, before looking a couple of weeks ahead to the Indianapolis 500. It’s a fairly interesting and lively discussion that doesn’t veer too much off topic.
So pour a cup of coffee and sit back and listen for 37-minutes. You don’t necessarily have to watch us sit and talk. I don’t drop photos or videos in. I actually know how to do that, but it takes a lot more time. So, consider this a very amateur audio podcast with video.
George Phillips
May 7, 2026 at 9:24 am
Really enjoyed the conversation and I agree that Conor Daly should be on the list of potential winners. He has led several of the races over the last few years, and you really have to go back to the Orange Bell X-1 (car 47) paint scheme for his last real mistake (clipped the concrete in a corner). I thought he really had a good chance at winning the year he got bombed by Graham’s tire, to this day, I don’t know why they didn’t change the nose!
May 7, 2026 at 9:38 am
Dig the bench racing, guys. I initially read this:
“But Paul has three kids ranging from 18 to 5 (maybe 6).”
As Paul having three or maybe six kids.
May 7, 2026 at 10:09 am
I find that I have done a full 180 on the Indy GP. Initially I was sceptical and did not appreciate the race however over recent years I find I look forward to it and enjoy the race.
The Freedom 100 I really miss and hope that one day it is back. And bumping.
I’m hoping everyone here has a good May. After attending for the last two years I am staying home this year charging my batteries probably for 27.
Winner? Alex, Pato, Joseph, Santino, Malukas, Power and on and on. Just as it should be, anybody’s guess.
May 7, 2026 at 4:50 pm
On the bit of lap leader trivia that Paul mentioned: 20 of the 33 drivers entered have led laps at Indy, but Sting Ray Robb ranks 17th among them with 23 laps led. Conor Daly and Josef Newgarden are tied for 10th with 69 laps led. Here is the full list:
Scott Dixon 677
Helio Castroneves 326
Ryan Hunter-Reay 171
Ed Carpenter 149
Will Power 145
Alex Palou 119
Alexander Rossi 93
Pato O’Ward 93
Takuma Sato 87
Conor Daly 69
Josef Newgarden 69
Scott McLaughlin 66
Rinus VeeKay 65
Felix Rosenqvist 61
Marcus Ericsson 43
Graham Rahal 28
Sting Ray Robb 23
Santino Ferrucci 16
Christian Lundgaard 5
Kyle Kirkwood 2